Japan in July 2026: the most important developments in politics
In July 2026 Japan's politics was dominated by foreign policy, led by a summit in New Delhi between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On July 2 the two countries signed defence and technology agreements covering defence cooperation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors and energy. Modi called Japan essential to India's growth, and Takaichi spoke of a new chapter in relations. China said on July 3 that Japan-India cooperation should not target Beijing.
Relations with China stayed strained throughout the month. Japan protested a Chinese demand to halt a survey in its exclusive economic zone, and China protested Japan's remarks on the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award. China said its naval firing exercise in Japan's exclusive economic zone was consistent with international law. On July 23 Foreign Minister Motegi held the first foreign ministers' talks with China's Wang Yi since relations worsened, and spoke with Russia's Lavrov. On July 28 Beijing denied that a meeting between diplomats had taken place, which Tokyo said it had. Japan also held trilateral talks with South Korea and the United States.
The second major theme was the imperial family. The Lower House passed a bill on July 10 to secure the number of family members, and in mid-July the Imperial House Law was revised so that female members keep their status after marriage. The ban on women ascending the throne remains, which drew mixed reactions and comment from the United Nations.
At home, parliament passed a bill creating a secondary capital on July 25 and enacted a law penalising desecration of the national flag, which nearly 150 academics opposed. The government planned to tighten income requirements for permanent residency. Takaichi's approval rating fell by 10 points in one poll. In late July a major earthquake struck Kumamoto, and Taiwan's president and Iran offered support.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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