Deputy Head Asia Division @SWP_Asia, Japan foreign and security policy, Indo-Pacific security, German Institute for International and Security Affairs, 金髪の榊
My SWP comment on the state of #Japan-#China relations is out. I contextualize the current bilateral tensions that followed PM Takaichi's comments on a Taiwan contingency by taking a broader perspective of the relationship:
⤵️👀
swp-berlin.org/en/publicatio…
We had inspiring discussions today about current geopolitical upheaval and the role of Japan-Europe cooperation at the Third Baltic Indo-Pacific Forum.
Thanks to Bart Gaens and @@ICDS_Tallinn (ICDS) for organizing this important event.
Great-Power Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and Middle-Power Strategies–Perspectives from Europe and Japan
- Masataka Okano
- Maria Castillo Fernandez
- Alexandra Sakaki
- Michael Reiterer
Moderator: Bart Gaens
Photos: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWJnt
Baltic Indo-Pacific Forum 2026
Great-Power Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and Middle-Power Strategies–Perspectives from Europe and Japan
- Masataka Okano
- Maria Castillo Fernandez
- Alexandra Sakaki
- Michael Reiterer
Moderator: Bart Gaens
Photos: flic.kr/s/aHBqjCWJnt
Baltic Indo-Pacific Forum 2026
Japan would need wartime history education, awareness of today’s shifting geopolitical environment, and public discussions on rearmament. “Will they be ready for combat, will they be ready to fight? Japan and Germany need the public to back that vision.”
nytimes.com/2026/06/14/world…
Honored to be quoted by @nytimes on the profound security policy shifts underway in Germany and Japan and their growing cooperation with other middle powers.
Glad to contribute to this important discussion.
nytimes.com/2026/06/14/world…
The Indonesian President is scheduled to visit Tokyo March 29 and I spoke to @mariasiow at the @SCMPNews about my expectations for the visit. Check out the article:
👀⤵️
scmp.com/week-asia/politics/…
Insightful discussions on Japan's policy and regional dynamics with 🇯🇵 Ambassador to 🇪🇺, Ambassador Aikawa of @JapanMissionEU and parliamentarians at the @Europarl_EN
On 12 March, Ambassador Aikawa attended the meeting of the @Europarl_EN's Delegation for Relations with Japan in Strasbourg, presenting the mandate of the new 🇯🇵 government & exchanging views on recent developments in East Asia with D-JP MEPs & Dr @SakakiAlexandra from @SWP_Asia
Der Gipfel zwischen Japans Premierministerin Takaichi und US Präsident Trump in Washington steht bevor! 🇯🇵🇺🇲
Meine Erwartungen an das Treffen erläutere ich in der Sendung "SWR Kultur am Morgen" um kurz nach 7 Uhr, am morgigen Donnerstag!
➡️ swr.de/swrkultur/#a...
Never say never
China has become Japan’s largest trading partner.
While political tensions often dominate headlines, trade data tells a quieter story: economic ties have deepened over the past two decades.
Economic gravity moves more slowly, but more persistently.
Source: @SWPBerlin@SWP_Asia by @SakakiAlexandra
🇯🇵's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has started her term with a strong majority in the lower house of parliament: in an interview with @asahi I analyze the implications for Japan’s foreign policy.
This interview is in Japanese and behind a Paywall ⬇️
digital.asahi.com/sp/article…
🚢 We are delighted to announce that we will be co-hosting a seminar with @RIPS_admin on Wed 28 January. Come along to hear @alessionaval@SakakiAlexandra and others discuss current maritime security challenges in East Asia!
📍 King's College London
➡️ csns.uk/event/international-…
Remarks by Defense Minister against China’s Claims on the Radar Incident against Japan Air Self-Defense Force Aircraft by Chinese Military Aircraft on Dec. 6th (Press Conference on Dec. 9th, 2025)
Comments by C. Pajon and me on Chinese fighters pointing their fire-control radar at Japan's planes over the East China Sea.
From a European perspective, China's systematic and repeated use of risky military intimidation tactics is deeply worrying.
nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOGR0…
As Chinese pressure on #Taiwan intensifies amid rising #US-#China rivalry and uncertainty in US policy, #Japan and #Europe face growing risks and are increasingly using their diplomatic and economic influence to help deter coercion and support stability.
By @SakakiAlexandra: ispionline.it/en/publication…