Tokyo – Japan‘s Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), a right-leaning political force gaining prominence, is actively courting allies within Donald Trump‘s orbit as it seeks to bolster its national security platform and influence potential shifts in U.S.-Japan relations, according to interviews with party officials. The party, currently the third-largest in japan’s parliament, is vowing to pursue a pragmatic, rather than ideological, approach to foreign policy, distancing itself from what it deems “wacky” progressive stances.
The outreach comes as Japan grapples with growing regional security concerns – including China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions – and anticipates potential upheaval in U.S. foreign policy following the November presidential election. Nippon Ishin aims to position itself as a reliable partner for a possibly re-elected Trump governance, emphasizing shared interests in economic strength and a robust defense posture. the party’s efforts reflect a broader trend among Japanese policymakers seeking to navigate a changing geopolitical landscape and secure stable alliances.
Nippon Ishin’s leader, Yasushi Nozawa, recently dispatched a delegation to Washington, D.C.,where thay met with individuals close to Trump,though specific names were not disclosed. A senior party official stated the meetings focused on outlining Nippon Ishin’s policy positions, notably its call for a significant increase in Japan’s defense spending – currently capped at 1% of GDP - and a revision of the country’s pacifist constitution.
“We want to make it clear that we are a serious, pragmatic force in Japanese politics,” the official said. “We are not interested in pursuing idealistic or ‘wacky’ policies that could jeopardize our national security or economic prosperity. We beleive a strong U.S.-Japan alliance is essential,and we are prepared to work with any administration that shares that view.”
Founded in 2012 by then-Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, Nippon Ishin initially gained traction with its focus on regional revitalization and bureaucratic reform. It has as expanded its platform to include a more assertive foreign policy stance, advocating for a stronger military and a more proactive role for Japan in regional security affairs. The party currently holds 41 seats in the House of Representatives and 31 in the House of Councillors.
Analysts suggest Nippon Ishin’s outreach to Trump allies is a calculated move to gain influence in a potential future administration. “they are trying to hedge their bets and ensure they have a line of interaction open to the trump camp,” said Dr. Kenji Einar, a political science professor at Sophia University in Tokyo.”They see Trump as someone who values direct relationships and is less bound by conventional diplomatic protocols, so they are attempting to build a rapport directly.”
