Publications

Double Turning Point

Japan’s Lower House Elects Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister

For the first time in Japanese history, a woman is leading the government of the island nation. Takaichi is considered a conservative hardliner who, only in early October, was elected LDP party leader on her third attempt. Expectations within the party for her are as high as they are numerous. In addition, she must align the LDP after 26 years with a new coalition partner, the Innovation Party.

Japan: A resounding defeat for the government

For the first time in twelve years, the ruling coalition of LDP and Kōmeitō has lost its majority in Japan's Upper House

Japan is entering a phase of political uncertainty: following a clear defeat in the 2024 Lower House elections, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Kōmeitō has now also lost its majority in the Upper House. Rising living costs, an escalating trade conflict with the United States, and an increasingly polarized debate over immigration shaped the election campaign.

The Experiences and Extent of Adopting AI among SMEs in Southeast Asia

This publication gives an overview of AI readiness and adoption in Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on the potential benefits and obstacles for SMEs, followed by a qualitative study that gathers insights on AI adoption among Philippine manufacturing SMEs. It aims to understand general perceptions of AI, identify key factors influencing its adoption and impact, and explore how AI has affected their operations.

The New Geopolitics and South Asia’s Trade Architecture – What Next?

This paper critically analyses South Asia’s trade architecture in the sluggish world economy in the 2020s and makes recommendations for closer regional economic integration.

IPEF Regulations and their Impact on the Economic Security of the Indo-Pacific Region

KAS SOPAS – ISAS NUS Joint Publication

The publication provides insights into the evolving rules that govern the IPEF and examines their potential to shape the region’s economic landscape.

Asia’s Future Workforce

Shaping Responsive Education and Employment Policies for Youth and Beyond

Building on accumulated insights over the past few years, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS) and the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) present a comprehensive analysis of the future of work across selected countries in East, South and Southeast Asia.

Bridging the Gender Gap

Work, Wealth, Welfare and Well-being for Women

This research publication by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS) and TalentNomics India, through Thought Arbitrage Consulting (TAC), looks at four dimensions of economic empowerment of women in the formal sector in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

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.