Tobias Harris
@tobiasharris.bsky.social
6.3K followers 740 following 5.7K posts
Japanese politics analyst; author of The Iconoclast: Shinzō Abe and the New Japan; Chicago-born Cubs fan now living in DC; marathoner; RHP + IF ⚾ Substack: Observingjapan.substack.com. Business: www.japanforesight.com
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Reposted by Tobias Harris
tobiasharris.bsky.social
In a new Japan Daily Briefing, I look at the worsening outlook for coalition talks between the LDP and Kōmeitō, which are complicating the process of launching a Takaichi government. open.substack.com/pub/observin...
Coalition troubles | Japan Daily Briefing
Takaichi unveils her leadership team, but ongoing coalition talks with Kōmeitō cast a shadow over her pending premiership
open.substack.com
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Yeah, and really, it was an *effect* of the emergence of a New Right in post-cold war politics, not the cause.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
*tapping the sign*
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Anyway, like virtually every interest group in Japan Nippon Kaigi is better at blocking change -- i.e. legal changes related to imperial succession, separate surnames -- than imposing its will on the country. Unless I missed all of those changes to the Constitution.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Anyway, like virtually every interest group in Japan Nippon Kaigi is better at blocking change -- i.e. legal changes related to imperial succession, separate surnames -- than imposing its will on the country. Unless I missed all of those changes to the Constitution.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Like, back in the day *Tanigaki* was a member of the NK parliamentary league. Hardly anyone's idea of a rightist.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
There's a more nuanced version of that argument that I've made before, which goes something like, NK is a pressure group for conservatism, being associated with it is useful as a lowest common denominator signal particularly for a politician like Kishida.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
In a new Japan Daily Briefing, I look at the worsening outlook for coalition talks between the LDP and Kōmeitō, which are complicating the process of launching a Takaichi government. open.substack.com/pub/observin...
Coalition troubles | Japan Daily Briefing
Takaichi unveils her leadership team, but ongoing coalition talks with Kōmeitō cast a shadow over her pending premiership
open.substack.com
Reposted by Tobias Harris
korea.csis.org
TOMORROW | October 8, 2025 | 3 PM EDT

On The Impossible State, @csis.org and @victordcha.bsky.social host James Brady and @tobiasharris.bsky.social for a discussion on Japan’s new leadership and the future of U.S.–Japan–South Korea relations.

🎧 Watch live: www.csis.org/events/impos...
Reposted by Tobias Harris
korea.csis.org
TOMORROW | October 8, 2025 | 3 PM EDT

On The Impossible State, @csis.org and @victordcha.bsky.social host James Brady and @tobiasharris.bsky.social for a discussion on Japan’s new leadership and the future of U.S.–Japan–South Korea relations.

🎧 Watch live: www.csis.org/events/impos...
tobiasharris.bsky.social
But also, Nippon Kaigi discourse is dumb.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
They didn't score but two-out swinging bunt single to turn over the lineup, Swanson error on a hard-hit Chourio grounder to make it second and third. Just painful to watch.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
And now another one. I hate these Brewers.
Reposted by Tobias Harris
tobiasharris.bsky.social
I’m rolling out a new daily feature for paid subscribers, Japan Daily Briefing. It will replace This Week in Japanese Politics and highlight the major political stories every weekday and once over the weekend. Check it out here:

open.substack.com/pub/observin...
Team Takaichi assembles | Japan Daily Briefing
Takaichi talks with Asō as she readies a leadership team, coalition outlook -- including with Kōmeitō -- uncertain, financial markets react, a new poll, and more
open.substack.com
tobiasharris.bsky.social
This does not feel like a series that the Cubs will win.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Unintentional anthem for our times
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Love the song, love the reference.
tobiasharris.bsky.social
Pretty sure this one covered a good chunk of the distance back to Chicago.
jm539581.bsky.social
Seiya Suzuki with a three-run home run to give the Gubs the early 3-0 lead
tobiasharris.bsky.social
I’m rolling out a new daily feature for paid subscribers, Japan Daily Briefing. It will replace This Week in Japanese Politics and highlight the major political stories every weekday and once over the weekend. Check it out here:

open.substack.com/pub/observin...
Team Takaichi assembles | Japan Daily Briefing
Takaichi talks with Asō as she readies a leadership team, coalition outlook -- including with Kōmeitō -- uncertain, financial markets react, a new poll, and more
open.substack.com