Japanese Politics One-on-One #280

As Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi returned from a string of high-profile meetings in Europe and her first participation in the G7 Summit as prime minister, questions about Japan's international role, economic resilience, and political direction have moved back to the center of public debate. At home, however, voters remain focused on more immediate concerns. Rising living costs, inflation, and the continuing impact of high food prices continue to dominate political discussions. Meanwhile, constitutional reform remains an important undercurrent in Japanese politics. Recent discussions in the Diet on amendments to the national referendum law reflect the government's broader interest in advancing constitutional debate, an issue that has long divided political parties and public opinion alike. This week's episode of Japanese Politics One-on-One will examine these developments and what they mean for businesses and international observers seeking to understand where Japan may be heading next. From economic policy and voter sentiment to constitutional reform and foreign policy, we explore the stories behind the headlines and the broader trends shaping Japan's political future. Join Timothy Langley and host Maya Matsuoka this Sunday, June 21, at 8:20 am Japan time, for the next briefing as we unpack one of the most consequential weeks in Japanese politics this year. Catch up on the previous episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/8Ty2zenL... More from the podcast:    • Japanese Politics One-on-One w/ Timothy La...   #Japan