Research Centers / Japan Research Center
Japan Research Center
Rigorous analysis of Japan's strategic transformation — a nation redefining its security posture, its alliances, and its role as a cornerstone of Indo‑Pacific stability.
The Japan Research Center examines one of the most consequential strategic shifts in the postwar order — Japan's move toward a more active, capable, and assertive security posture. We analyse the policy, political, and institutional drivers behind Japan's defence transformation and what it means for the US alliance, regional deterrence, and the balance of power in the Indo‑Pacific.
From constitutional reinterpretation to record defence spending, from counterstrike capability to deepening Quad partnerships, Japan's strategic evolution demands serious, sustained analysis. The Center provides it.
Focus Areas
What the center researches
Japan's Defence Transformation
Tracking Japan's historic shift toward a more capable defence posture — the National Security Strategy, record defence budgets, counterstrike capability, and the political consensus enabling these changes.
The US-Japan Alliance
Examining the evolution of the alliance's roles, missions, and capabilities — extended deterrence, force posture, interoperability, and the alliance's centrality to regional stability in an era of great power competition.
Japan-China Strategic Competition
Analysing the bilateral rivalry — the Senkaku dispute, East China Sea tensions, economic interdependence, and how Japan navigates competition with its largest trading partner and primary strategic threat.
Minilateralism & Regional Architecture
Assessing Japan's deepening engagement in the Quad, AUKUS dialogue tracks, and bilateral security partnerships with Australia, South Korea, and the Philippines as Tokyo builds its regional security network.
Economic Security & Technology Policy
Examining Japan's economic security legislation, semiconductor and critical technology strategy, and its role in reshaping supply chains and technology governance frameworks in the Indo‑Pacific.
Domestic Politics & Strategic Direction
Understanding the domestic political dynamics — LDP factionalism, public opinion on security, constitutional constraints, and the leadership decisions — that shape the pace and limits of Japan's strategic evolution.
Research Output
Publications and policy briefs
The Japan Research Center produces strategic assessments, policy briefs, and long-form analysis contributing to IPSC's research agenda on alliance management, regional deterrence, and Indo‑Pacific security architecture.
Request Research & PublicationsFrom analysis to education
The center informs how IPSC teaches alliance strategy and deterrence.
Research from the Japan Research Center feeds directly into IPSC's Indo‑Pacific Strategy Program, the Emerging Leaders Forum, and executive education offerings on alliance management, deterrence, and regional security architecture.
Collaborate with IPSC
Work with the Japan Research Center
We welcome collaboration with researchers, policy practitioners, and institutional partners working on Japanese foreign and security policy, US-Japan alliance dynamics, and Indo‑Pacific regional security.