Publications

Tax Policy in Germany and Japan

A Comparative Study of VAT Reform Policies

This study analyzes the peculiarity of Japanese tax policy by comparing it with Germany. Germany is characterized by high government spending in relation to GDP and at the same time a comparatively low national debt, which indicates effective tax collection. The VAT rate in Germany, which is 19%, clearly exceeds the Japanese rate of 10%, which also leads to differences in VAT revenues. How do the political dynamics regarding VAT in Japan differ from those in Germany? This question is answered by analyzing its introduction and the (failed) increase in tax rates.

Shigeru Ishiba – The LDP Reformer?

A Portrait of Japan’s New Prime Minister

Shigeru Ishiba will become Japan's next Prime Minister. In a dramatic final round of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election, Shigeru Ishiba emerged victorious over Sanae Takaichi. With this win, it is now certain: Ishiba will become Japan's next Prime Minister.

Where does Japan stand at the end of the Kishida government?

A security and economic policy assessment after three years in office

Alongside the U.S., Japan will soon also be led by a new head of government. The two economic heavyweights are more closely intertwined than ever in terms of economic and security policy. The challenges facing the island nation therefore not only affect Japanese domestic policy.

Japan’s Economic Security Policy

Current Status and Challenges

In recent years Japan has been recognized internationally as a pioneer in the field of economic security policy. This paper by Shigeaki Shiraishi reviews the details and background to Japan’s economic security policy and discusses its significance in the current situation, together with some of the challenges being faced.

Japan in an Era of Geopolitics

A New Foreign and Security Policy Direction

This publication examines Japan's foreign and security policies within the context of the evolving global landscape in an Era of Geopolitics. Edited by Associate Professor Michito Tsuruoka of Keio University, it presents insights and analyses from leading experts in the field. The work aims to inform policymakers about Japan's current geopolitical position and role. By offering a comprehensive overview, it seeks to foster mutual understanding, enhance cooperation, and provide valuable guidance for navigating today's complex international environment.

Towards Reiwa Political Reform

Analysis: Consequences of Political Funding Issue, Prospects for Political Reform

At the end of 2023, Japanese politics were thrown into upheaval by a political funding scandal involving the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)’s Seiwakai (hereafter, the Abe faction) and Shisuikai (hereafter, the Nikai faction). The authorities suspect that both factions failed to appropriately declare income from fundraising events (政治資金パーティー) and expenditures (donations to some MPs) in the relevant political fund reports (政治資金収支報告書). Diet members who sold tickets exceeding their allotted quotas for the political fundraisers organized by their respective factions supposedly received the excess funds generated as kickbacks without proper settlements of accounts. In addition, those under investigation in the Abe faction allegedly did not declare the amount of money donated by the faction in their own political fund reports, either. The prosecutors are currently undertaking a full-scale investigation into this matter.

Consolidated Publication: The Making of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

New Publication

“The Making of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)” is a series of discussion papers jointly produced by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS) and the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Analysis of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity for Fiji

This paper discusses the implications of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) for Fiji.

Engaging and Path-Finding: A Singapore Perspective on the IPEF

Assessments of the IPEF differ, especially considering the lack of market access, but this paper argues that the IPEF provides other avenues for more robust trade relations.

Vietnam and the IPEF: Negotiating Prospects, Opportunities and Challenges

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of Vietnam’s economic development and its potential participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).