A Yomiuri Shimbun editorial on January 1, 2026, stresses that amid ongoing global conflicts, Japan must transition from beneficiary to shaper of the international order. It calls for bolstering intellectual strength, economic and technological power, and communicative abilities to lead in forming a new order for peace and stability.
The world faces the brink of collapse for the post-World War II international order, with unabated flames of war. Russia's aggression against Ukraine will mark four years in February, while the Israel-Hamas fighting over Gaza's Palestinian territories edges toward an end through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump and others, though lasting peace remains distant. Trump's peace efforts appear exploited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who seems to be buying time, and his disregard for the United Nations and cooperation with European allies has delayed resolutions.
Trump's actions evoke imperialistic dangers, with major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia seeking to dominate spheres of influence by force. Japan, reliant on overseas food and energy, risks its security and survival if foundational principles like free trade and the rule of law erode. Japan must strengthen ties with nations upholding freedom, democracy, and the rule of law to prevent drift, leading in shaping international public opinion.
Japan's decade-old 'free and open Indo-Pacific' initiative requires fleshing out details. The Japan-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has become a vast free trade zone covering about 15% of global GDP after the U.S. withdrawal. Key steps include deepening cooperation with the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to counter Trump's tariffs and protectionism.
In security, expanding quasi-alliance ties—like last year's British aircraft carrier visit and joint training with the Self-Defense Forces—to Australia, the Philippines, and others bolsters Japan's defenses. While maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance and engaging Trump is vital, multilayered diplomatic and security frameworks with other nations are needed. China disparages Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a Taiwan contingency while promoting self-serving claims; yet China alters the status quo, refusing to rule out force for Taiwan unification and intensifying military pressure, such as close approaches by fighter jets to SDF aircraft.
As physical strength for diplomacy, Japan's nominal GDP is projected to slip to fifth globally behind India this year per IMF estimates, potentially sixth by 2030 surpassing the U.K. The Takaichi administration's push for public-private investments in AI, semiconductors, and shipbuilding via comprehensive measures is apt. Success in Rapidus Corp.'s next-generation semiconductor mass production, shipbuilding revival, and domestic AI development will test a 'strong economy.' Stable power via restarts at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Hokkaido Electric plants is urgent, alongside practicalizing last year's Nobel-winning CO2 capture technology. From economic security, mining abundant high-quality rare earth mud in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Minami-Torishima Island demands public-private urgency.
Domestic stability is crucial. The Liberal Democratic Party's defeats in 2024 House of Representatives and last year's Councillors elections leave it a minority in the upper house amid multiparty politics and populist opposition demands like unfunded tax cuts. With national debt over ¥1.3 quadrillion—worst among major developed nations—politicians must discuss funding honestly. A possible general election this year risks short-term populism.
Businessman Konosuke Matsushita (1894-1989) said, 'In a democratic nation, the people can only have a government commensurate with their level [of civic maturity].' Social media fuels divisions with irresponsible posts, fake AI-generated videos in elections, and suspected foreign interference. Ruling and opposition must advance regulations, while citizens boost media literacy to safeguard democratic discourse.
Voltaire's 18th-century principle in 'Letters Concerning the English Nation'—do unto others as you would have them do unto you—underscores putting oneself in others' shoes and avoiding harm. Citizens bear responsibility to protect the public space of expression, pausing before posting amid ongoing online abuse toward athletes and others.
