New Directions in Japanese Foreign Policy: A Memorial Event Honouring Okamoto Yukio

Japanese foreign policymaking faces mounting challenges as Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide takes over leadership of the country. The outgoing Trump administration leaves a legacy of diminished US leadership, unsettled trade wars, a more authoritarian and assertive China, and an emboldened North Korea capable of striking North America with nuclear weapons. During the Trump administration, Japan partnered with Canada to defend the liberal international order, most notably pushing forward with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) despite US withdrawal. Japan also articulated the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision, which has been adopted by many likeminded states.

Now that the Trump administration is coming to an end, what comes next for Japanese foreign policy? US President-elect Joseph Biden promises to restore US leadership and reimagine its partnerships with allies like Japan and Canada. How can Japan build on its proactive diplomacy over the past decade in confronting regional and global challenges?

As a part of the JAPAN NOW Lecture Series, this online event honoured Okamoto Yukio’s legacy, examining Japan’s current place in the region and liberal international order. Okamoto was a leading thinker and practitioner of foreign policymaking in Japan who tragically passed away in April 2020 due to complications arising from COVID-19. He was a dear friend, and we have asked the speakers to reflect on Okamoto’s legacy in their presentations.

Sponsored by the Centre for the Study of Global Japan, the Consulate General of Japan in Toronto and The Toronto Star.