Browse Research and Commentary

In a country [like Japan] where pork barrel projects have been rampant, infrastructure projects that seek to cater to the needs of construction companies have been a very common fact of political life. That it's in an electoral year gives me plenty of reasons to worry that when you are putting together a very hefty stimulus package, you are indeed using it in a wise manner and not just for the sake of spending to generate political support.

April 5, 2013, Mireya Solís, Council on Foreign Relations

What makes me more hopeful is that I see a positive convergence between the domestic efforts, the economic strategy, and what's been going on in the trade front. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Three more [Trans-Pacific Partnership] countries have to say yes to the plan, including the United States. There are many different hurdles, and we will have to see how it turns out in the future.

April 5, 2013, Mireya Solís, Council on Foreign Relations

There's been this desire to not add fuel to the fire, and [for Japan] to have stable relations with China. I think everybody understands what tragic consequences could arise from using a very nationalist rhetoric that would be quite self-defeating.

April 5, 2013, Mireya Solís, Council on Foreign Relations

Japan’s Big Bet on the Trans-Pacific Partnership: The TPP Nations Should Reciprocate

March 25, 2013, Mireya Solís

Shinzo Abe's Visit to Washington

February 22, 2013, Richard C. Bush III

Asia is an economic dynamo, and the [Obama] administration very much wants to be in the region. At a time of limited resources, it's difficult to fund the rebalancing [to Asia], so the value of alliances increases.

February 22, 2013, Mireya Solís, Los Angeles Times

The Hollowing-Out of Japan’s Economy: Myths, Facts and Countermeasures

February 20, 2013

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Japan’s Trade Policy in 2013: Possibilities and Pitfalls

February 1, 2013, Mireya Solís

[While quantitative easing by the Bank of Japan] may have an effect on the exchange rate, it is not the same as outright currency intervention. Moreover, the U.S. would be hard pressed to criticize Japan as the [Federal Reserve] has also resorted to quantitative easing to avoid deflationary pressures.

January 17, 2013, Mireya Solís, Reuters

LDP Landslide Victory with No Mandate: How Did It Happen and What Can We Expect Next?

December 17, 2012, Mireya Solís

Can the TPP Save Prime Minister Noda’s Political Career?

November 13, 2012, Mireya Solís

Japan’s Shrinking Economy

February 12, 2010, Naoki Abe