RSVP at the Registration Form by Thursday, May 28, 2026

Abstract:
Over half a year has passed since Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks at the Japanese Diet that triggered a sharp reaction from China. China continues to exert strong pressure on Japan, closing almost all the channels of communication and exchange, tightening export restrictions of dual use products, and calling on the people to refrain from visiting Japan. Why is China taking such tough measures, and how should Japan respond? This lecture looks into the future trajectory of Japan-China relations based on the analyses of China’s domestic situation and its external policy framework.

Speaker: Dr. Akio Takahara (Distinguished Visiting Professor, Tokyo Woman's Christian University)

Speakers’ Profile:
Akio Takahara is Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Tokyo Woman’s Christian University and Emeritus Professor of The University of Tokyo. He serves also as Senior Adjunct Fellow and Councillor of the Japan Institute of International Affairs, Senior Research Adviser of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, and Trustee of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. His publications in English include The Politics of Wage Policy in Post-Revolutionary China (Macmillan) and Japan-China Relations in the Modern Era (Routledge).

Moderator: Tetsushi Sonobe, Senior Professor, GRIPS

*We ask that you do not record the forum or take photographs during the forum. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

What is GRIPS Forum?
Since its establishment in 1997, the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) has promoted research and education on a wide variety of policy issues. The GRIPS Forum invites specialists from national and local governments as well as academic and business communities to promote policy studies and expand policy networks.