WebinarWednesday 30 July 2025
12:00pm – 1:15pm (UK) / 8:00pm – 9:15pm (Japan)
Populism and New Political Divisions in Japan after the Election
Online webinar, accessible remotely via Zoom
the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation Organised by
Booking closedDr Masato Kamikubo examined how Japan’s unique political structure shapes its political landscape and how it differs from or resembles other democratic countries around the world. Specifically, he discussed the uniqueness of the Liberal Democratic Party’s ‘catch-all party’ system and how it has suppressed populism in Japan, compared with global democratic trends.
Additionally, he analysed the emergence of new political forces such as ‘digital innovation groups’ driven by digitalisation, and the resulting shifts in political fault lines. The aim is to provide a concise overview of the future of Japanese politics and the broad implications of the elections.
PRESENTATION BY DR MASATO KAMIKUBO
WRITTEN SUMMARY – MASATO KAMIKUBO & RA MASON
A recording of this event can be viewed here:
About the contributors
Masato Kamikubo
Masato Kamikubo is a Professor at the Graduate School of Policy Science, Ritsumeikan University. He earned his PhD in Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick. He was previously a Visiting Assistant Professor at Waseda University’s Global Institute for Asian Regional Integration; a Lecturer at the School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University; and a Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Rikkyo University. His research interests focus on the policy-making processes for both domestic and foreign policies in Japan.
Ra Mason (moderator)
Ra Mason is an internationally recognised specialist of Japan’s international relations, having been appointed as Associate Professor of Public Policy at Tohoku University before becoming Sasakawa Associate Professor of International Relations and Japanese Foreign Policy at UEA. Ra has authored and co-authored numerous books, research articles and book chapters, with his most recent monograph identifying Okinawa as a flashpoint for future great power conflict. He is also a regular contributor to major international news media outlets and has held visiting posts at Tokyo University, University of the Ryukyus, Ritsumeikan University and Meio University.