Nagasaki Remembers, Reflects, and Renews
Seventy-nine years ago, the city of Nagasaki in western Japan was devastated by an atomic bomb. This year's anniversary ceremony held a particular significance, drawing more attention than usual due to the city's decision not to invite the Israeli ambassador. This move led some other ambassadors, including those from the U.S. and the U.K., to stay away in protest, highlighting the complex interplay between historical memory, diplomacy, and current international relations.
U.S. and Nuclear History
The history of U.S. participation in these ceremonies is worth noting. For over 60 years after World War II, U.S. ambassadors did not attend the events in either Hiroshima or Nagasaki. This changed when Ambassador John Roos went to the Hiroshima ceremony in 2010 and the Nagasaki event in 2012. The presence of U.S. presidents in these cities is even rarer, with Barack Obama becoming the first sitting president to visit Hiroshima in 2016, followed by Joe Biden in 2022.
U.S. Foreign Policy and Taiwan's Defense
With the upcoming presidential race in the U.S., questions arise about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy. Will Vice President Kamala Harris follow the path of her predecessors if she becomes president? How will she differentiate herself from her forerunner as she takes over from President Biden as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee?
Meanwhile, Taiwan's new defense minister, Wellington Koo Li-hsiung, is attracting attention as President Lai Ching-te charges him with preparing for the worst amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Japan's Semiconductor Industry and the "Lost Generation"
Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands, is attracting attention as a new semiconductor hub. Japan's chip industry has lagged behind Taiwanese and South Korean manufacturers for decades. However, Rapidus, a new company aiming to revive Japan's semiconductor industry, is drawing interest. Based on an interview with its chairman, our Business Spotlight examines what Rapidus has learned from past failures and how it plans to compete globally.
Finally, a reflection on Japan's "lost generation" – those who graduated from college during the economic downturn of the late 1990s and 2000s – offers a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of economic hardship.
This week's issue concludes with a brief announcement of a short break next week, with no magazine or newsletter. However, the website will continue to provide the latest news. We look forward to returning the week after next!