Japan’s Outgoing Premier Kishida Emphasizes Importance of US Leadership

By David Brunnstrom

As the U.S. approaches a highly competitive election in less than two months, Japan’s outgoing prime minister, Fumio Kishida, expressed a pressing need for ongoing U.S. leadership in East Asia and beyond during an event in New York on Monday.

Not participating in the Japanese ruling party’s leadership election this week, Kishida highlighted concerns over the integrity of the international order, which is facing challenges in multiple regions, notably due to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

During his address, he emphasized his commitment to strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and enhancing Japan’s defense capabilities as essential to upholding a free and open international order grounded in the rule of law.

Kishida questioned the kind of future that should be left for future generations, advocating for a world characterized by freedom and democracy, principles that he believes have been upheld significantly by the United States since World War II. He stated, “Today, East Asia and the rest of the world need U.S. involvement and leadership. This is also for the U.S.’s own national interest.”

Kishida is in the U.S. for this week’s U.N. General Assembly, coming just ahead of the presidential election on November 5, which pits Vice President Kamala Harris against President Donald Trump, known for expressing skepticism about U.S. alliances and support for Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Kishida participated with U.S. President Joe Biden and leaders from Australia and India in the Quad forum, where they announced collaborative security initiatives aimed at bolstering stability in Asia amidst increasing challenges posed by China.

Kishida’s Monday remarks echoed a prior address to the U.S. Congress in April, warning that without U.S. support, Ukraine could falter under Russian threats, potentially emboldening China and leading to further crises in East Asia.

In his earlier speech, he urged Americans to recognize the “indispensable” role of the U.S. in global matters, sharing that Japan is making significant military advancements under his leadership to better support its ally.

Later in the day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a trilateral meeting in New York with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. Blinken acknowledged the upcoming political transitions in the U.S. and Japan and reiterated the importance of the trilateral cooperation spearheaded by Biden, Kishida, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for the future of the three nations.

In his address, Kishida, addressing an audience of prominent U.S. asset managers, called for increased investment in Japan. He humorously invoked a line from “Star Trek,” urging, “Boldly invest in Japan, like no one has done before!”