S the Researcher
@stheresearcher.bsky.social
observer of geopolitics in East Asia
researcher for an embassy somewhere
UC Berkeley (B.A)
University of Tokyo (M.A)
researcher for an embassy somewhere
UC Berkeley (B.A)
University of Tokyo (M.A)
Criticism of Detective Conan has been spreading on Chinese social media, triggered by a collaboration with My Hero Academia, which came under fire in 2020 for a character name that evoking Unit 731
Last time I checked, no one is forcing China to consume Japan soft power.
Last time I checked, no one is forcing China to consume Japan soft power.
February 3, 2026 at 7:27 AM
Criticism of Detective Conan has been spreading on Chinese social media, triggered by a collaboration with My Hero Academia, which came under fire in 2020 for a character name that evoking Unit 731
Last time I checked, no one is forcing China to consume Japan soft power.
Last time I checked, no one is forcing China to consume Japan soft power.
A 7 member delegation from the Panama National Assembly arrived in Taiwan for a 5-day visit on Feb 2. The delegation is expected to meet with Taiwan’s VP Hsiao and attend a banquet held by Foreign Minister Lin.
The trips aims to boost cooperation
Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2017
The trips aims to boost cooperation
Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2017
外交部誠摯歡迎巴拿馬共和國跨黨派國會議員訪問團訪台
2026/02/02 第040號新聞稿 巴拿馬共和國國會議員暨「對中政策跨國議會聯盟」（IPAC）執行秘書培瑞茲（JoséAntonioPérez）偕跨黨派國會議員訪問團一行7人於今（2026）年2月2日至6日訪台，外交部表達誠摯歡迎，並感謝巴國國會友人以具體行動展現對台灣的堅定支持。 巴拿馬跨黨派國會議員訪問團在台...
www.mofa.gov.tw
February 3, 2026 at 6:46 AM
A 7 member delegation from the Panama National Assembly arrived in Taiwan for a 5-day visit on Feb 2. The delegation is expected to meet with Taiwan’s VP Hsiao and attend a banquet held by Foreign Minister Lin.
The trips aims to boost cooperation
Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2017
The trips aims to boost cooperation
Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2017
President of Nepal is visiting Japan.
He was hosted by State Minister of Foreign Affairs on Feb 2. He is scheduled to meet with the Emperor and with Takaichi during his stay. Japan has been a long-time donor to Nepal to assist with infrastructure and disaster recovery
He was hosted by State Minister of Foreign Affairs on Feb 2. He is scheduled to meet with the Emperor and with Takaichi during his stay. Japan has been a long-time donor to Nepal to assist with infrastructure and disaster recovery
February 3, 2026 at 6:29 AM
President of Nepal is visiting Japan.
He was hosted by State Minister of Foreign Affairs on Feb 2. He is scheduled to meet with the Emperor and with Takaichi during his stay. Japan has been a long-time donor to Nepal to assist with infrastructure and disaster recovery
He was hosted by State Minister of Foreign Affairs on Feb 2. He is scheduled to meet with the Emperor and with Takaichi during his stay. Japan has been a long-time donor to Nepal to assist with infrastructure and disaster recovery
The timing of this… cannot possibly pass as a coincidence
It looks like the KMT sent a rep to Beijing to be reward for a job well-done, particularly slashing the defense spending from the proposed 1.25 trillion NTD to 400 billion…
1/3 reduction at a times of high regional volatility is sketchy
It looks like the KMT sent a rep to Beijing to be reward for a job well-done, particularly slashing the defense spending from the proposed 1.25 trillion NTD to 400 billion…
1/3 reduction at a times of high regional volatility is sketchy
February 3, 2026 at 6:25 AM
The timing of this… cannot possibly pass as a coincidence
It looks like the KMT sent a rep to Beijing to be reward for a job well-done, particularly slashing the defense spending from the proposed 1.25 trillion NTD to 400 billion…
1/3 reduction at a times of high regional volatility is sketchy
It looks like the KMT sent a rep to Beijing to be reward for a job well-done, particularly slashing the defense spending from the proposed 1.25 trillion NTD to 400 billion…
1/3 reduction at a times of high regional volatility is sketchy
Elbridge Colby, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy is visiting Japan. He paid Vice-Minister of Defense Yamato a courtesy call, and held a meeting with Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Kano.
Bad timing, Defense Minister Koizumi Is busying campaign
Bad timing, Defense Minister Koizumi Is busying campaign
January 29, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Elbridge Colby, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy is visiting Japan. He paid Vice-Minister of Defense Yamato a courtesy call, and held a meeting with Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs Kano.
Bad timing, Defense Minister Koizumi Is busying campaign
Bad timing, Defense Minister Koizumi Is busying campaign
First France and Canada, now the UK. Another G7 leader shaking hands with Xi, prioritizing economic benefits over strategic risk and pretending China isn’t weaponizing trade.
The international order is unraveling because of countries who say one thing and do another.
The international order is unraveling because of countries who say one thing and do another.
January 29, 2026 at 11:36 AM
First France and Canada, now the UK. Another G7 leader shaking hands with Xi, prioritizing economic benefits over strategic risk and pretending China isn’t weaponizing trade.
The international order is unraveling because of countries who say one thing and do another.
The international order is unraveling because of countries who say one thing and do another.
One of the flights departing from Narita airport Jan 27 evening will be bound for Sichuan, sending the last two Pandas in Japan back to China.
🐼🐼👋
🐼🐼👋
いよいよお別れ…上野の双子パンダが動物園を出発へ…多くのファンが見守る 今夜成田空港から中国へ 54年ぶり“パンダ不在”に｜FNNプライムオンライン
54年ぶりに日本からパンダがいなくなります。双子のジャイアントパンダ・シャオシャオとレイレイが中国に向け、27日、上野動物園から出発します。動物園前から、フジテレビ社会部・八重澤亜有美記者が中継でお伝えします。シャオシャオとレイレイはこのあとトラックで搬出される予定で、2頭に別れを告げるため、パンダ舎近くの沿道には多くのファンが集まっています。シャオシャオとレイレイは2024年、中国に返還されたリ...
www.fnn.jp
January 27, 2026 at 7:01 AM
One of the flights departing from Narita airport Jan 27 evening will be bound for Sichuan, sending the last two Pandas in Japan back to China.
🐼🐼👋
🐼🐼👋
A fatal six vehicle collision happened in front of Japan’s patent office recently, caused by an official vehicle of the Cabinet Office running a red light.
The driver was contracted by the Cabinet Office to provide driving services.
This is scary, the PM could have been in the car.
The driver was contracted by the Cabinet Office to provide driving services.
This is scary, the PM could have been in the car.
内閣府の公用車が赤信号無視か 東京・赤坂で多重事故、1人死亡8人重軽傷
22日午後6時半過ぎ、東京都港区赤坂の特許庁前の交差点で車6台が絡む事故があり、1人が死亡、8人が骨折などの重軽傷を負った。内閣府の公用車が赤信号を無視して交…
www.sankei.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:43 AM
A fatal six vehicle collision happened in front of Japan’s patent office recently, caused by an official vehicle of the Cabinet Office running a red light.
The driver was contracted by the Cabinet Office to provide driving services.
This is scary, the PM could have been in the car.
The driver was contracted by the Cabinet Office to provide driving services.
This is scary, the PM could have been in the car.
According to the press conference held by Japanese government spokesperson (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Kihara on Jan 22, the govt is aware the Consul General position the Japanese Embassy in Chongqing, China has been vacant for around a month now…
mutually beneficial relationship how exactly?
mutually beneficial relationship how exactly?
January 23, 2026 at 2:37 AM
According to the press conference held by Japanese government spokesperson (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Kihara on Jan 22, the govt is aware the Consul General position the Japanese Embassy in Chongqing, China has been vacant for around a month now…
mutually beneficial relationship how exactly?
mutually beneficial relationship how exactly?
lol the new Japan political party Centrist Reform Alliance is SUPER sensitive about SNS posts associating it with China. A post with a similar logo resembling 🇨🇳 flag next to CRA’s logo saying they are almost the same has 6M+ views.
Legal actions won’t erase people’s impressions when they vote
Legal actions won’t erase people’s impressions when they vote
中道ロゴ、改変画像が拡散 610万回閲覧も 党は「厳正に対処」 | 毎日新聞
立憲民主党と公明党が結成した新党「中道改革連合」のロゴを巡り、「中国の団体とほぼ同じ」などとする虚偽の情報がネットで拡散している。本物のロゴを改変したとみられる画像も広まり、中道は「法的措置を含め、厳正に対処する」としている。
mainichi.jp
January 22, 2026 at 1:00 AM
lol the new Japan political party Centrist Reform Alliance is SUPER sensitive about SNS posts associating it with China. A post with a similar logo resembling 🇨🇳 flag next to CRA’s logo saying they are almost the same has 6M+ views.
Legal actions won’t erase people’s impressions when they vote
Legal actions won’t erase people’s impressions when they vote
Prime Minister of the U.K. Starmer is expected to visit Japan and meet with Takaichi on Jan.31.
Starmer will also reportedly visit China next week after his government greenlit the controversial plan to build a mega Chinese embassy in London.
Fantastic
Starmer will also reportedly visit China next week after his government greenlit the controversial plan to build a mega Chinese embassy in London.
Fantastic
January 22, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Prime Minister of the U.K. Starmer is expected to visit Japan and meet with Takaichi on Jan.31.
Starmer will also reportedly visit China next week after his government greenlit the controversial plan to build a mega Chinese embassy in London.
Fantastic
Starmer will also reportedly visit China next week after his government greenlit the controversial plan to build a mega Chinese embassy in London.
Fantastic
Canadian PM Carney‘s remark about “a new world order” marks a pivot that is sure to keep the leaders of G7 countries up at night while he gets into bed with Winnie the Pooh…
January 16, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Canadian PM Carney‘s remark about “a new world order” marks a pivot that is sure to keep the leaders of G7 countries up at night while he gets into bed with Winnie the Pooh…
Canada is turning to China after feeling like it got betrayed by the Trump administration that it is willing to turn a new page and put the whole Huawei Saga behind them (prob still don’t trust Huawei all the way though).
China awaits Canada with open arms
Welcome to the dark side 🤝
China awaits Canada with open arms
Welcome to the dark side 🤝
January 16, 2026 at 6:50 AM
Canada is turning to China after feeling like it got betrayed by the Trump administration that it is willing to turn a new page and put the whole Huawei Saga behind them (prob still don’t trust Huawei all the way though).
China awaits Canada with open arms
Welcome to the dark side 🤝
China awaits Canada with open arms
Welcome to the dark side 🤝
News fresh outta the oven that Japan’s Agriculture Minister Suzuki is in Paris strolling through the aisles at local supermarkets. He says the EU is an important market for Japanese rice and food products.
Wow lots of Japanese ministers are abroad atm, right before Diet starts and a snap election
Wow lots of Japanese ministers are abroad atm, right before Diet starts and a snap election
欧州は「日本のコメや食材にとって大きい市場」 鈴木憲和農水相がパリでスーパーなど視察
鈴木憲和農水相は15日、日本産のコメ輸出拡大に向け、訪問先のパリで地元スーパーなどを視察した。「欧州連合（EU）は日本産のコメや食材にとって大きい市場。課題を…
www.sankei.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:36 AM
News fresh outta the oven that Japan’s Agriculture Minister Suzuki is in Paris strolling through the aisles at local supermarkets. He says the EU is an important market for Japanese rice and food products.
Wow lots of Japanese ministers are abroad atm, right before Diet starts and a snap election
Wow lots of Japanese ministers are abroad atm, right before Diet starts and a snap election
Quite wholesome that PM of Italy scheduled to meet with Japan PM Takaichi around the time of her birthday. They had a warm personal interaction when they met for the first time during G20 and shared an embrace.
January 16, 2026 at 1:33 AM
Quite wholesome that PM of Italy scheduled to meet with Japan PM Takaichi around the time of her birthday. They had a warm personal interaction when they met for the first time during G20 and shared an embrace.
Busy week for Japanese diplomacy
PM Takaichi met with Prez of ROK and now PM of Italy
Foreign Minister Motegi visited Qatar, Philippines and now India
Defense Minister Koizumi in the U.S. visited drone company and met with Secretary of War Hegseth
MIC Hayashi in Vietnam meeting ASEAN about AI
PM Takaichi met with Prez of ROK and now PM of Italy
Foreign Minister Motegi visited Qatar, Philippines and now India
Defense Minister Koizumi in the U.S. visited drone company and met with Secretary of War Hegseth
MIC Hayashi in Vietnam meeting ASEAN about AI
January 16, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Busy week for Japanese diplomacy
PM Takaichi met with Prez of ROK and now PM of Italy
Foreign Minister Motegi visited Qatar, Philippines and now India
Defense Minister Koizumi in the U.S. visited drone company and met with Secretary of War Hegseth
MIC Hayashi in Vietnam meeting ASEAN about AI
PM Takaichi met with Prez of ROK and now PM of Italy
Foreign Minister Motegi visited Qatar, Philippines and now India
Defense Minister Koizumi in the U.S. visited drone company and met with Secretary of War Hegseth
MIC Hayashi in Vietnam meeting ASEAN about AI
Chinese state-owned media Xinhua jumped on the opportunity to report the formation of a new party by Japan’s opposition parties CDP and Komeito.
Of course this is good news for China since CDP rarely took stance against it while Komeito is a decades-long friend.
A China-friendly alliance indeed
Of course this is good news for China since CDP rarely took stance against it while Komeito is a decades-long friend.
A China-friendly alliance indeed
日本立宪民主党与公明党将组建新党对抗高市阵营-新华网
日本立宪民主党与公明党将组建新党对抗高市阵营-日本最大在野党立宪民主党党首野田佳彦与公明党党首齐藤铁夫15日在国会举行会谈，就联合组建新党达成一致，旨在在即将举行的众议院选举中联手对抗高市早苗领导的执政党阵营。
www.news.cn
January 16, 2026 at 12:46 AM
Chinese state-owned media Xinhua jumped on the opportunity to report the formation of a new party by Japan’s opposition parties CDP and Komeito.
Of course this is good news for China since CDP rarely took stance against it while Komeito is a decades-long friend.
A China-friendly alliance indeed
Of course this is good news for China since CDP rarely took stance against it while Komeito is a decades-long friend.
A China-friendly alliance indeed
!!
On the cusp of Japan’s PM Takaichi telling LDP officials her intention to call a snap election, her oldest stepson Ken Yamamoto has decided that he will run in the next Lower House election for Fukui Dist 2. He will prob run against LDP member Takagi who lost his seat due to slush fund scandal.
On the cusp of Japan’s PM Takaichi telling LDP officials her intention to call a snap election, her oldest stepson Ken Yamamoto has decided that he will run in the next Lower House election for Fukui Dist 2. He will prob run against LDP member Takagi who lost his seat due to slush fund scandal.
高市首相の長男、山本建氏が福井2区から次期衆院選出馬へ 高木毅元国対委員長も検討
高市早苗首相の夫、山本拓元衆院議員の長男で、自民党福井県議の山本建氏（41）が次期衆院選福井2区から出馬する意向を固めた。近く県連に公認を求める。前回落選した…
www.sankei.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:01 AM
!!
On the cusp of Japan’s PM Takaichi telling LDP officials her intention to call a snap election, her oldest stepson Ken Yamamoto has decided that he will run in the next Lower House election for Fukui Dist 2. He will prob run against LDP member Takagi who lost his seat due to slush fund scandal.
On the cusp of Japan’s PM Takaichi telling LDP officials her intention to call a snap election, her oldest stepson Ken Yamamoto has decided that he will run in the next Lower House election for Fukui Dist 2. He will prob run against LDP member Takagi who lost his seat due to slush fund scandal.
Japan‘s Defense Minister is visiting the City of Angels and paid a visit to an American drone startup Neros Technologies. The company says it produces drones without using major parts made in China.
Building up drone capabilities looks to be a priority for Japan‘s Defense Ministry
Building up drone capabilities looks to be a priority for Japan‘s Defense Ministry
January 14, 2026 at 5:53 AM
Japan‘s Defense Minister is visiting the City of Angels and paid a visit to an American drone startup Neros Technologies. The company says it produces drones without using major parts made in China.
Building up drone capabilities looks to be a priority for Japan‘s Defense Ministry
Building up drone capabilities looks to be a priority for Japan‘s Defense Ministry
Awww this looks like they genuinely had a bonding moment.
Takaichi fulfilling ROK President Lee’s dream of playing the drums is a warm gesture and a major step in the building of good personal relations between them.
Takaichi fulfilling ROK President Lee’s dream of playing the drums is a warm gesture and a major step in the building of good personal relations between them.
January 14, 2026 at 4:10 AM
Awww this looks like they genuinely had a bonding moment.
Takaichi fulfilling ROK President Lee’s dream of playing the drums is a warm gesture and a major step in the building of good personal relations between them.
Takaichi fulfilling ROK President Lee’s dream of playing the drums is a warm gesture and a major step in the building of good personal relations between them.
As PM Takaichi and ROK President Lee meet in Nara in the latest shuttle diplomacy, news of Taro Aso, VP of the LDP (and kingmaker behind Takaichi becoming PM) visiting ROK later this week is being drowned out.
Aso hopes to meet with ROK Prez Lee. Under the radar discussions about China perhaps?
Aso hopes to meet with ROK Prez Lee. Under the radar discussions about China perhaps?
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 AM
As PM Takaichi and ROK President Lee meet in Nara in the latest shuttle diplomacy, news of Taro Aso, VP of the LDP (and kingmaker behind Takaichi becoming PM) visiting ROK later this week is being drowned out.
Aso hopes to meet with ROK Prez Lee. Under the radar discussions about China perhaps?
Aso hopes to meet with ROK Prez Lee. Under the radar discussions about China perhaps?
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting four African countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho.
According to China, its Foreign Minister makes it a tradition to visit African countries every year and has been doing so for 36 years.
According to China, its Foreign Minister makes it a tradition to visit African countries every year and has been doing so for 36 years.
m.guancha.cn
January 9, 2026 at 6:39 AM
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting four African countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho.
According to China, its Foreign Minister makes it a tradition to visit African countries every year and has been doing so for 36 years.
According to China, its Foreign Minister makes it a tradition to visit African countries every year and has been doing so for 36 years.
Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi just announced he will visit MURICA from Jan 12 to 18. He is scheduled to meet with his counterpart Hegseth
This will be their four time meeting (including phone call), they seem to be becoming good buds. Not sure if Hegseth will remain in politics after Trump tho
This will be their four time meeting (including phone call), they seem to be becoming good buds. Not sure if Hegseth will remain in politics after Trump tho
小泉防衛相 12日からアメリカ訪問 ヘグセス国防長官と会談へ | NHKニュース
【NHK】小泉防衛大臣は、来週12日からアメリカを訪れてヘグセス国防長官と会談し、日米同盟の抑止力や対処力の強化などについて意見を交わすことになりました。
小泉防衛大臣は、9日の閣議のあとの記者会見で来週1
news.web.nhk
January 9, 2026 at 6:31 AM
Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi just announced he will visit MURICA from Jan 12 to 18. He is scheduled to meet with his counterpart Hegseth
This will be their four time meeting (including phone call), they seem to be becoming good buds. Not sure if Hegseth will remain in politics after Trump tho
This will be their four time meeting (including phone call), they seem to be becoming good buds. Not sure if Hegseth will remain in politics after Trump tho
Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi has been lowkey since taking office, didn’t travel abroad much.
But now he is gonna take a big, 8 day trip to Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Philippines, and India.
Japan is trying to become a mediator in the Middle East. LDP heavyweight Onodera is in Israel rn.
But now he is gonna take a big, 8 day trip to Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Philippines, and India.
Japan is trying to become a mediator in the Middle East. LDP heavyweight Onodera is in Israel rn.
茂木外相、中東・アジア歴訪：時事ドットコム
外務省は９日、茂木敏充外相が１０～１８日の日程でイスラエル、パレスチナ、カタール、フィリピン、インドを訪問すると発表した。各国外相らと会談し、パレスチナ自治区ガザやインド太平洋の情勢について議論する。
www.jiji.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:26 AM
Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi has been lowkey since taking office, didn’t travel abroad much.
But now he is gonna take a big, 8 day trip to Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Philippines, and India.
Japan is trying to become a mediator in the Middle East. LDP heavyweight Onodera is in Israel rn.
But now he is gonna take a big, 8 day trip to Israel, Palestine, Qatar, Philippines, and India.
Japan is trying to become a mediator in the Middle East. LDP heavyweight Onodera is in Israel rn.
ROK President is scheduled to visit Nara on January 13 and meet with Japanese PM Takaichi on January 14.
President Lee just went to China on a state visit and saw 14 MoUs signed, all eyes are on the outcomes of his meeting with Takaichi to see how he walks the fine line between the two.
President Lee just went to China on a state visit and saw 14 MoUs signed, all eyes are on the outcomes of his meeting with Takaichi to see how he walks the fine line between the two.
January 8, 2026 at 5:10 AM
ROK President is scheduled to visit Nara on January 13 and meet with Japanese PM Takaichi on January 14.
President Lee just went to China on a state visit and saw 14 MoUs signed, all eyes are on the outcomes of his meeting with Takaichi to see how he walks the fine line between the two.
President Lee just went to China on a state visit and saw 14 MoUs signed, all eyes are on the outcomes of his meeting with Takaichi to see how he walks the fine line between the two.