Uchijo Yoshitaka, Science Journalist, Kyodo News Visiting Editorial Writer Distinguished Honorary Professor Sakaguchi Shimon of the University of Osaka was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and Distinguished Professor Kitagawa Susumu of Kyoto University received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They were each selected together with their co-researchers. Sakaguchi was recognized for his “discovery of mechanisms that suppress immune responses,” which has led to the prevention and treatment of diseases involving immunity, such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. Kitagawa was honored for his “development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)” that allow gases to be freely stored and released, with applications expected across a wide range of fields including environmental and energy challenges and new materials development. This is the first time in seven years that a Japanese researcher has received the Prize in Physiology or Medicine, with Sakaguchi as the sixth recipient, ... [Read more]

Ichikawa Koji, Architectural historian “Surprisingly impressive” this Expo As of this writing, four months have passed since the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (hereinafter Expo 2025) on April 13, 2025. Prior to the event, various criticisms and questions had been raised, including concerns about the appropriateness of the project costs and the plans for utilizing the site, which involve developing an integrated resort (IR), including a casino. Other concerns included methane gas emissions and whether there was any justification for hosting an Expo in Japan at this time. Even after the event began, there was no shortage of topics of criticism, such as the experimental toilets being difficult to use and the appearance of swarms of chironomids. Unpaid pavilion construction costs were also a cause for concern. However, public perception has steadily improved, and the number of visitors seems to be growing ... [Read more]

The Xi Jinping administration is now on a stronger footing than ever, based on Mao Zedong’s governing philosophy (Maoism). Is Xi’s rule unshakable? Where does Xi’s power come from? In this dialogue, two China experts explore Xi Jinping’s domestic governance, global strategy, and succession. [Editor’s note: This dialogue took place on October 2, 2025.] Suzuki Takashi (Professor, Daito Bunka University) and Kawashima Shin (Professor, University of Tokyo) Kawashima Shin: The Xi Jinping administration is currently midway through its third term. To assess its future, let’s first consider China’s political schedule. Suzuki Takashi: The end of his third term in 2027 will mark a turning point, but barring any unforeseen events, I believe the Xi Jinping administration will see a fourth term (until 2032). In the long term, China aims to become a “great modern socialist country” by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People’s ... [Read more]

Editor’s note: This article was written in October 2025 and originally appeared in the December issue of Chuokoron, published on November 10 of the same year. Sahashi Ryo, Professor, University of Tokyo “A World with America” ​​and “A World without America” International politics is in flux. Such clear, tectonic shifts are rare. In the summer of 2025, dozens of world leaders attended international conferences hosted by the Chinese government in Tianjin and Beijing. Their presence in photographs seemed to endorse China’s leadership. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The White House and Trump’s supporters continue to promote an image of Trump as a global peacemaker. As of mid-October 2025, the United States and China were continuing their tariff negotiations and threatening to impose new export restrictions and tariffs. However, it is believed that there ... [Read more]

What constitutes a “survival-threatening situation”? The government’s view is that Prime Minister Takaichi’s November 2025 response, in which she stated that a naval blockade around Taiwan could constitute such a situation, does not change the government’s previous position. However, many issues remain unresolved, and the legal basis is not necessarily clear. Tsuruta Jun examines the situation envisioned in this response, the legal structure of such existential threat situations, and the right of collective self-defense. Tsuruta Jun, Associate Professor, Meiji Gakuin University Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks to the question of survival-threatening situations During the Lower House Budget Committee session on 7 November 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae responded to a question from an opposition lawmaker who asked whether a blockade of the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines would constitute a “survival-threatening situation.” She stated the following: “If an armed attack [by China] were ... [Read more]

The popularity of Japanese pop culture continues to grow. Leveraging inbound tourism and imported culture is also a key aspect of cultural diplomacy. Pop culture as a strategic pillar of cultural diplomacy. The weak yen is driving global interest in events and sales within Japan. The “mutual circulation” of culture aligns with the essence of cultural diplomacy. Nakamura Jin, Professor, Atomi University Pop culture has become an important element in modern soft power strategies. Japanese anime, manga, games, and related music are enjoyed worldwide, and Japan is already one of the leading countries in promoting pop culture. Anime and game conventions are held in various countries and regions around the world, attracting many fans of Japanese works. This movement of Japanese pop culture is primarily driven by creators and private companies who communicate its fun and excitement through their work, both in Japan and ... [Read more]