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)
Economic/hybrid pressure from China is possible and may even be underway now. Japanese companies in China will likely face hurdles or inspections, cancellation of flights, hackers going offense on cybersecurity and breaching Japanese govt agencies, financial institutions, telecoms, airlines…
November 15, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Economic/hybrid pressure from China is possible and may even be underway now. Japanese companies in China will likely face hurdles or inspections, cancellation of flights, hackers going offense on cybersecurity and breaching Japanese govt agencies, financial institutions, telecoms, airlines…
It is hard to deny that 🇯🇵🇨🇳 relations is deteriorating and it is difficult to see how this can be de-escalated.
The hostility between the two isn’t even about Taiwan anymore (it is a trigger yes) but now both leaders need to remain hardline to not disappoint its ppl.
Their legitimacy is at risk.
The hostility between the two isn’t even about Taiwan anymore (it is a trigger yes) but now both leaders need to remain hardline to not disappoint its ppl.
Their legitimacy is at risk.
November 15, 2025 at 11:15 AM
It is hard to deny that 🇯🇵🇨🇳 relations is deteriorating and it is difficult to see how this can be de-escalated.
The hostility between the two isn’t even about Taiwan anymore (it is a trigger yes) but now both leaders need to remain hardline to not disappoint its ppl.
Their legitimacy is at risk.
The hostility between the two isn’t even about Taiwan anymore (it is a trigger yes) but now both leaders need to remain hardline to not disappoint its ppl.
Their legitimacy is at risk.
Relations between Japan and China look to be heading further south as 🇨🇳’s MOFA has warned citizens that traveling to Japan poses “serious safety risks.” 3 major Chinese state-run airlines are now offering free cancellation of flights to and from Japan.
This could alleviate Japan’s over-tourism prob
This could alleviate Japan’s over-tourism prob
中国国有航空大手3社、日本便の無料キャンセル受け付け 中国外務省の渡航自粛呼びかけで
【北京＝三塚聖平】中国メディアによると、中国国有航空大手3社は15日、日本発着の航空券について条件付きでキャンセルや変更を無料で受け付けると発表した。高市早苗…
www.sankei.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Relations between Japan and China look to be heading further south as 🇨🇳’s MOFA has warned citizens that traveling to Japan poses “serious safety risks.” 3 major Chinese state-run airlines are now offering free cancellation of flights to and from Japan.
This could alleviate Japan’s over-tourism prob
This could alleviate Japan’s over-tourism prob
If realized, Tokyo’s Ikebukuro station changing its name to include Ikebukuro (BIC Camera Mae) as well as including company’s logo is NO WAY a good thing as it opens the doors for capitalism to be elevated to a whole new level. This could start bidding wars for all stations to soon have a suffix.
November 15, 2025 at 10:54 AM
If realized, Tokyo’s Ikebukuro station changing its name to include Ikebukuro (BIC Camera Mae) as well as including company’s logo is NO WAY a good thing as it opens the doors for capitalism to be elevated to a whole new level. This could start bidding wars for all stations to soon have a suffix.
A legacy from the Osaka Expo is giving me hope for the future
Human Washing Machine that gives a hot bath with microscopic bubbles was first introduced at 1970 expo but this time the manufacture sold 8 units so far, with 15 units expected by the end of the year
A world w/o B.O. would be heaven
Human Washing Machine that gives a hot bath with microscopic bubbles was first introduced at 1970 expo but this time the manufacture sold 8 units so far, with 15 units expected by the end of the year
A world w/o B.O. would be heaven
November 14, 2025 at 4:51 AM
A legacy from the Osaka Expo is giving me hope for the future
Human Washing Machine that gives a hot bath with microscopic bubbles was first introduced at 1970 expo but this time the manufacture sold 8 units so far, with 15 units expected by the end of the year
A world w/o B.O. would be heaven
Human Washing Machine that gives a hot bath with microscopic bubbles was first introduced at 1970 expo but this time the manufacture sold 8 units so far, with 15 units expected by the end of the year
A world w/o B.O. would be heaven
Both the 🇯🇵and 🇨🇳 govt lodged protests, as they often do, the diplomatic back and forth drags on for days
IMO a lot of what China is doing is to shown its own people that it is tough, but at the same time it is politically poking a bear
J is providing a good life for ~a million Chinese, brace for it
IMO a lot of what China is doing is to shown its own people that it is tough, but at the same time it is politically poking a bear
J is providing a good life for ~a million Chinese, brace for it
November 14, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Both the 🇯🇵and 🇨🇳 govt lodged protests, as they often do, the diplomatic back and forth drags on for days
IMO a lot of what China is doing is to shown its own people that it is tough, but at the same time it is politically poking a bear
J is providing a good life for ~a million Chinese, brace for it
IMO a lot of what China is doing is to shown its own people that it is tough, but at the same time it is politically poking a bear
J is providing a good life for ~a million Chinese, brace for it
It is pretty amazing how after the 🇨🇳consul General in Osaka threatened to behead Japan PM, Chinese MOFA played victim by summoning the Japan’s amb to China and protesting Takaichi’s remarks about Taiwan as blatantly provocative” and “extremely dangerous.”
At least the 🇯🇵ambassador is safe.
At least the 🇯🇵ambassador is safe.
中国、高市首相発言の撤回求め金杉駐中国大使を呼び出し抗議 大使は総領事のX投稿に抗議
【北京＝三塚聖平】高市早苗首相が台湾有事は「存立危機事態」になり得ると国会答弁したことを巡り、中国の孫衛東外務次官は13日、金杉憲治駐中国大使を呼び出して抗議…
www.sankei.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:58 AM
It is pretty amazing how after the 🇨🇳consul General in Osaka threatened to behead Japan PM, Chinese MOFA played victim by summoning the Japan’s amb to China and protesting Takaichi’s remarks about Taiwan as blatantly provocative” and “extremely dangerous.”
At least the 🇯🇵ambassador is safe.
At least the 🇯🇵ambassador is safe.
Japan’s Self Defense Force has been using rank titles that differ from intl standards with the intention of minimizing military connotations.
Well, this won’t be for long because the Japanese Govt is aiming to shed its “post-war pacifist” skin and fully standardized its ranks with other countries
Well, this won’t be for long because the Japanese Govt is aiming to shed its “post-war pacifist” skin and fully standardized its ranks with other countries
＜独自＞政府、自衛隊の階級名変更検討 諸外国の軍隊に準拠、1佐→大佐／1尉→大尉
政府は12日、自衛隊の階級名を変更し、国際標準化させる検討に入った。複数の政府関係者が明らかにした。自衛隊は軍事色を弱めるため、独自の呼び方をしてきたが、諸外…
www.sankei.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Japan’s Self Defense Force has been using rank titles that differ from intl standards with the intention of minimizing military connotations.
Well, this won’t be for long because the Japanese Govt is aiming to shed its “post-war pacifist” skin and fully standardized its ranks with other countries
Well, this won’t be for long because the Japanese Govt is aiming to shed its “post-war pacifist” skin and fully standardized its ranks with other countries
As the trial for the shooting of late PM Abe goes on, a statement written by Akie Abe one year after he passed was read outloud, revealing Akie Abe’s firsthand account
She called out to him “Shin-chan, Shin-chan,” at the hospital
Abe passed away soon after. She just wanted him to live.
She called out to him “Shin-chan, Shin-chan,” at the hospital
Abe passed away soon after. She just wanted him to live.
【速報中】「しんちゃん、しんちゃん」と 安倍昭恵さんが上申書：朝日新聞
安倍晋三元首相銃撃事件の第7回公判は13日午後、奈良地裁で始まった。旧統一教会（世界平和統一家庭連合）に入信した山上徹也被告（45）の母親が出廷します。タイムラインで詳報します。
www.asahi.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:01 AM
As the trial for the shooting of late PM Abe goes on, a statement written by Akie Abe one year after he passed was read outloud, revealing Akie Abe’s firsthand account
She called out to him “Shin-chan, Shin-chan,” at the hospital
Abe passed away soon after. She just wanted him to live.
She called out to him “Shin-chan, Shin-chan,” at the hospital
Abe passed away soon after. She just wanted him to live.
Chinese President Xi met with the King of Spain who is on a trip to China. Chinese side expressed hope to explore potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, the digital economy, and AI.
They saw the signing of 10 agreements across fields of econ and trade, tech, and education.
They saw the signing of 10 agreements across fields of econ and trade, tech, and education.
November 13, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Chinese President Xi met with the King of Spain who is on a trip to China. Chinese side expressed hope to explore potential for cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, the digital economy, and AI.
They saw the signing of 10 agreements across fields of econ and trade, tech, and education.
They saw the signing of 10 agreements across fields of econ and trade, tech, and education.
The social media account by CCTV (China’s State Media) 玉渊谭天 posted on Weibo yesterday saying “How could Takaichi say Taiwan Contingency is Japan Contingency?” “Has her head been kicked by a donkey?”
”Stop spewing poop out of your mouth”
Why don't 🇨🇳 amb post this in Japanese so the 🇯🇵 govt can see?
”Stop spewing poop out of your mouth”
Why don't 🇨🇳 amb post this in Japanese so the 🇯🇵 govt can see?
November 13, 2025 at 1:55 AM
The social media account by CCTV (China’s State Media) 玉渊谭天 posted on Weibo yesterday saying “How could Takaichi say Taiwan Contingency is Japan Contingency?” “Has her head been kicked by a donkey?”
”Stop spewing poop out of your mouth”
Why don't 🇨🇳 amb post this in Japanese so the 🇯🇵 govt can see?
”Stop spewing poop out of your mouth”
Why don't 🇨🇳 amb post this in Japanese so the 🇯🇵 govt can see?
For the record, China’s MOFA spokesperson said during the press conference on 11/10 (after the China Consul General in Osaka post on 11/8) that Takaichi’s remarks on 11/7 “tramples international justice and provokes against postwar international order and seriously damaged Sino-Japan relations.”
November 13, 2025 at 1:11 AM
For the record, China’s MOFA spokesperson said during the press conference on 11/10 (after the China Consul General in Osaka post on 11/8) that Takaichi’s remarks on 11/7 “tramples international justice and provokes against postwar international order and seriously damaged Sino-Japan relations.”
Japan’s Foreign Minsisted Motegi said the remarks by China’s Consul General in Osaka is “extremely inappropriate“ and “strongly urge China to take appropriate action“
Kobayashi, the LDP’s policy research chair said “if China does not respond appropriately, persona non grata is considered.”
Kobayashi, the LDP’s policy research chair said “if China does not respond appropriately, persona non grata is considered.”
茂木外相「極めて不適切」 中国・大阪総領事のX投稿めぐり - 日本経済新聞
茂木敏充外相は12日（日本時間13日）、中国の薛剣・駐大阪総領事のX（旧ツイッター）への投稿について「在外公館の長の発信として極めて不適切である」との認識を示した。主要7カ国（G7）外相会合に出席のため訪問中のカナダで記者団に語った。外務省と在中国大使館から中国側に厳しく抗議し、関連の投稿の速やかな削除を求めたと説明した。10月に日中首脳会談が開かれたこ
www.nikkei.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Japan’s Foreign Minsisted Motegi said the remarks by China’s Consul General in Osaka is “extremely inappropriate“ and “strongly urge China to take appropriate action“
Kobayashi, the LDP’s policy research chair said “if China does not respond appropriately, persona non grata is considered.”
Kobayashi, the LDP’s policy research chair said “if China does not respond appropriately, persona non grata is considered.”
Chin’s Consul General in Osaka is not off the hook for his remarks against the PM of Japan. The LDP’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution of condemnation calling on the govt to take strict measures, including possible expulsion.
China is not backing down so escalation is possible.
China is not backing down so escalation is possible.
中国総領事に国外退去求める声 与野党が一斉非難：時事ドットコム
中国の薛剣駐大阪総領事
www.jiji.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Chin’s Consul General in Osaka is not off the hook for his remarks against the PM of Japan. The LDP’s Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution of condemnation calling on the govt to take strict measures, including possible expulsion.
China is not backing down so escalation is possible.
China is not backing down so escalation is possible.
🇯🇴🇯🇵
King of Jordan was in Japan and he met with PM Takaichi. The King met with a handful of high-level figures thats not covered in the media.
Nov 10: Japanese Emperor Naruhito Defense Minister Koizumi, & JICA prez
Nov 11: Takaichi, Speaker of LH, Prez of UH, & chair of 🇯🇴🇯🇵Diet friendship league.
King of Jordan was in Japan and he met with PM Takaichi. The King met with a handful of high-level figures thats not covered in the media.
Nov 10: Japanese Emperor Naruhito Defense Minister Koizumi, & JICA prez
Nov 11: Takaichi, Speaker of LH, Prez of UH, & chair of 🇯🇴🇯🇵Diet friendship league.
November 12, 2025 at 2:56 AM
🇯🇴🇯🇵
King of Jordan was in Japan and he met with PM Takaichi. The King met with a handful of high-level figures thats not covered in the media.
Nov 10: Japanese Emperor Naruhito Defense Minister Koizumi, & JICA prez
Nov 11: Takaichi, Speaker of LH, Prez of UH, & chair of 🇯🇴🇯🇵Diet friendship league.
King of Jordan was in Japan and he met with PM Takaichi. The King met with a handful of high-level figures thats not covered in the media.
Nov 10: Japanese Emperor Naruhito Defense Minister Koizumi, & JICA prez
Nov 11: Takaichi, Speaker of LH, Prez of UH, & chair of 🇯🇴🇯🇵Diet friendship league.
Russia has created the latest list of Japanese nationals who are banned entry. This list of 30 names include 17 journalists (Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, etc) and 9 scholars from 4 unis (Hitotsubashi, Keio, UTokyo, and Takushoku).
You know you are doing something right when authoritarian govts ban you
You know you are doing something right when authoritarian govts ban you
November 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Russia has created the latest list of Japanese nationals who are banned entry. This list of 30 names include 17 journalists (Nikkei, Yomiuri, Asahi, etc) and 9 scholars from 4 unis (Hitotsubashi, Keio, UTokyo, and Takushoku).
You know you are doing something right when authoritarian govts ban you
You know you are doing something right when authoritarian govts ban you
No I don’t believed she softened her stance because I don’t think neither 「政府の従来の見解に沿ったものなので、特に撤回、取り消しをするつもりはない」nor「政府統一見解として出すつもりはない」means “she did not intend to contradict prior governments’ stances.”
She said it has always been the 🇯🇵 govt‘s stance but she was speaking for herself (not govt).
She said it has always been the 🇯🇵 govt‘s stance but she was speaking for herself (not govt).
Takaichi doesn’t mince words on Taiwan, but dramatic policy shift unlikely
The prime minister’s remarks illustrate the gradual evolution of Japan’s relationship with Taiwan and its growing concern over China.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 12, 2025 at 12:41 AM
No I don’t believed she softened her stance because I don’t think neither 「政府の従来の見解に沿ったものなので、特に撤回、取り消しをするつもりはない」nor「政府統一見解として出すつもりはない」means “she did not intend to contradict prior governments’ stances.”
She said it has always been the 🇯🇵 govt‘s stance but she was speaking for herself (not govt).
She said it has always been the 🇯🇵 govt‘s stance but she was speaking for herself (not govt).
This seminar is super timely considered the recent hostile exchange between China and Japan over the Taiwan Strait issue.
Kudos to choosing my former advisor to represent Japan and a Taiwanese scholar to speak on Taiwan. Nothing like natives who speak the language to provide firsthand insights. 👍🏼
Kudos to choosing my former advisor to represent Japan and a Taiwanese scholar to speak on Taiwan. Nothing like natives who speak the language to provide firsthand insights. 👍🏼
The State of Taiwan: What's Next after the Trump-Xi meeting? | CSIS Events
What do the outcomes of the Trump-Xi meeting signal about the state of U.S.-Taiwan relations and cross-Strait stability?
www.csis.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:52 AM
This seminar is super timely considered the recent hostile exchange between China and Japan over the Taiwan Strait issue.
Kudos to choosing my former advisor to represent Japan and a Taiwanese scholar to speak on Taiwan. Nothing like natives who speak the language to provide firsthand insights. 👍🏼
Kudos to choosing my former advisor to represent Japan and a Taiwanese scholar to speak on Taiwan. Nothing like natives who speak the language to provide firsthand insights. 👍🏼
A big defense topic that is being discussed in Japan is whether to acquire nuclear submarines.
🇷🇺🇨🇳🇰🇵(?) has it
ROK is getting it
Japan is FOMOing
Hurdles: (1) maintenance labor while the MSDF is already low on staff, (2) revision of nuclear energy basic law which calls for “peaceful use”
🇷🇺🇨🇳🇰🇵(?) has it
ROK is getting it
Japan is FOMOing
Hurdles: (1) maintenance labor while the MSDF is already low on staff, (2) revision of nuclear energy basic law which calls for “peaceful use”
原潜保有に高いハードル 政府が検討も、課題山積み―現場からは賛否・防衛省：時事ドットコム
原子力潜水艦の保有に向けた議論が始まろうとしている。秘密裏に長期の作戦行動が取れる原潜を導入すれば抑止力は格段に高まる。ただ、課題は山積みで、現場では歓迎と困惑の声が広がる。
www.jiji.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:38 AM
A big defense topic that is being discussed in Japan is whether to acquire nuclear submarines.
🇷🇺🇨🇳🇰🇵(?) has it
ROK is getting it
Japan is FOMOing
Hurdles: (1) maintenance labor while the MSDF is already low on staff, (2) revision of nuclear energy basic law which calls for “peaceful use”
🇷🇺🇨🇳🇰🇵(?) has it
ROK is getting it
Japan is FOMOing
Hurdles: (1) maintenance labor while the MSDF is already low on staff, (2) revision of nuclear energy basic law which calls for “peaceful use”
As young Chinese graduates struggle to find jobs and unemployment rate rises, the govt decides to roll out K-visa, a visa for those trained In STEM. This looks to attract those who are disheartened by the tightening of the U.S.’ H1B visa. Many skilled workers in India and SE Asia are interested.
中國推出K簽招人才，為何國民如此抵制？ - BBC News 中文
中國早在8月即宣布10月1日起推行K簽，這一面向海外人士的新簽證類型在中國社交媒體上引起軒然大波。民眾在抵制什麼？為什麼抵制？官方的態度是什麼？
www.bbc.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:03 AM
As young Chinese graduates struggle to find jobs and unemployment rate rises, the govt decides to roll out K-visa, a visa for those trained In STEM. This looks to attract those who are disheartened by the tightening of the U.S.’ H1B visa. Many skilled workers in India and SE Asia are interested.
Japanese govt spokesperson (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Kihara said during a press conference that the tweet by Chinese diplomat ”is extremely inappropriate, we have strongly protested to China and demand a clear explanation.”
Exclusion of a diplomat is very serious and should considered carefully
Exclusion of a diplomat is very serious and should considered carefully
November 10, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Japanese govt spokesperson (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Kihara said during a press conference that the tweet by Chinese diplomat ”is extremely inappropriate, we have strongly protested to China and demand a clear explanation.”
Exclusion of a diplomat is very serious and should considered carefully
Exclusion of a diplomat is very serious and should considered carefully
The Consul General of the 🇨🇳Embassy in Osaka is trending on X with 192K tweets after posting including words like “cutting off filthy head” against Takaichi saying Taiwan contingency is Japan contingency. He calls the view“a path of death chosen by foolish politicians.“
The bots will flood In soon
The bots will flood In soon
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 AM
The Consul General of the 🇨🇳Embassy in Osaka is trending on X with 192K tweets after posting including words like “cutting off filthy head” against Takaichi saying Taiwan contingency is Japan contingency. He calls the view“a path of death chosen by foolish politicians.“
The bots will flood In soon
The bots will flood In soon
G7 Foreign Minister’s meeting will happen next week (Nov 11 and 12) in Canada and Japan’s new Foreign Minister Motegi will be there.
Discussions will focus on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. They will likely also talk about strengthening supply chains for critical materials.
Discussions will focus on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. They will likely also talk about strengthening supply chains for critical materials.
茂木外相、来週G7外相会合出席へ 外交経験生かし存在感 SNSでソフト路線もアピール
茂木敏充外相は7日の閣議後記者会見で、11、12両日にカナダ東部オンタリオ州ナイアガラ地方で開かれる先進7カ国（G7）外相会合に出席すると発表した。茂木氏は1…
www.sankei.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
G7 Foreign Minister’s meeting will happen next week (Nov 11 and 12) in Canada and Japan’s new Foreign Minister Motegi will be there.
Discussions will focus on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. They will likely also talk about strengthening supply chains for critical materials.
Discussions will focus on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. They will likely also talk about strengthening supply chains for critical materials.
A small deer species native to China has proliferated on Izu Ōshima (part of Tokyo) and is becoming a serious social problem. Their population is 3x times the # of residents on the island and their calls disturb residents’ sleep.
Nah they prob have startup visas so they fine and not invasive
Nah they prob have startup visas so they fine and not invasive
「酔っ払いがえずく」鳴き声 記者が見た聞いた 伊豆大島、大量繁殖キョンの〝現場〟
中国などに生息する小型のシカ科草食獣「キョン」が伊豆大島（東京都大島町）で大量に繁殖して社会問題化している。島民の3倍超にあたる2万頭あまりに増え、特産のアシ…
www.sankei.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
A small deer species native to China has proliferated on Izu Ōshima (part of Tokyo) and is becoming a serious social problem. Their population is 3x times the # of residents on the island and their calls disturb residents’ sleep.
Nah they prob have startup visas so they fine and not invasive
Nah they prob have startup visas so they fine and not invasive
VP of Taiwan Hsiao made a surprise appearance at the IPAC (The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China).
An international, cross-party alliance of around 170 European Members of Parliament. She was met with a standing ovation before she gave a speech, the first-ever by a senior member of the TW govt.
An international, cross-party alliance of around 170 European Members of Parliament. She was met with a standing ovation before she gave a speech, the first-ever by a senior member of the TW govt.
特派在現場／蕭美琴驚喜現身歐洲議會 意料之外的不只外交突破 | 政治 | 中央社 CNA
「雖不張揚，但是溫柔而堅強。」副總統蕭美琴無預警現身歐洲議會，在IPAC峰會發表專題演說，不只是台灣外交一大突破，也感動與會各國議員。這個出乎意料的「神秘嘉賓」不只對在場各家記者保密，對各國議員也是一樣，讓來自台灣的中央社記者成為被同業「諮詢」的對象。
www.cna.com.tw
November 8, 2025 at 9:37 AM
VP of Taiwan Hsiao made a surprise appearance at the IPAC (The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China).
An international, cross-party alliance of around 170 European Members of Parliament. She was met with a standing ovation before she gave a speech, the first-ever by a senior member of the TW govt.
An international, cross-party alliance of around 170 European Members of Parliament. She was met with a standing ovation before she gave a speech, the first-ever by a senior member of the TW govt.