Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has used a series of meetings to hint at the outlines for a new, more independent foreign policy.
Tokyo is still focused on the relationship with the United States, but its posture is more defensive as it seeks to limit the harm to Japan from “America First” policies.
Ishiba is looking to work around the US to advance Japan’s interests by building relationships with likeminded partners in the developed world and with the Global South; these efforts will likely continue even if Ishiba leaves office.
