In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Robert Ward, IISS Japan Chair and Director of Geo-economics and Strategy, and Yuka Koshino, Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy, to unpack the policy priorities and challenges on Japanese Prime Minister Suga’s 2021 agenda.

Ahead of the next IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in June, Meia, Robert and Yuka discuss Japan’s domestic political environment and the challenges Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’s administration will need to tackle in 2021. As Robert and Yuka explain, the administration’s focus areas include the coronavirus pandemic and the country’s slow vaccine rollout, the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race, and Japan’s 2021 general election.

Robert and Yuka also explore Prime Minister Suga’s economic agenda and progress towards digitalisation, foreign and security policy priorities and goals, the role of the United States in Japan’s Indo-Pacific vision, and the impact of COVID-19 on structural reform and Japan’s thinking on economic security.

We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

Date of recording: 29 April 2021

Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS in London.

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