In May 2025, an article written by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law）titled “Japan as a global bulwark against illiberalism under Trump 2.0” was published in East Asia Forum Quarterly, April–June 2025. The article examines Japan’s role under the second Trump administration, a period during which the international community has faced growing threats to liberal values and institutions, as well as heightened concerns over global security. Professor Ichihara argues that the Ishiba administration has achieved notable outcomes in the fields of national security and international economic policy, including free trade. In response to actions by the Trump administration that undermine a free and open international order, Japan has sought to influence the United States through its alliance, while steadily expanding and strengthening partnerships with other countries to help preserve that order. She further notes that while the Japanese government’s approach to the United States remains largely diplomatic, the media has played a critical role in scrutinizing the Trump administration and in shaping messaging that defends democracy and liberalism. Professor Ichihara emphasizes that the Japanese government should actively support the networks of journalists engaged in this work.

https://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/n14044/pdf/book.pdf