Japan: Inching Toward Palestine?

Article by Saul Takahashi examines Japan’s shifting stance on Palestine in light of recent developments, from former Foreign Minister Taro Kono’s proposal to recognize Palestinian statehood as part of his party campaigning to the city of Nagasaki’s decision to not extend an invitation to Israel's ambassador to Japan at the city's peace ceremony. Occurring against the backdrop of relatively modest but consistent protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, Takahashi argues that these protests are significant, as street protests have become increasingly rare since the 1970s. Article highlights how Japan finds itself navigating the tension between its alliance with the United States and its foreign policy stance calling for a peaceful resolution and international law against the backdrop of Israel’s genocide on Gaza and global outrage.