'WE ARE FACING THE MOST COMPLEX SECURITY ENVIRONMENT SINCE WORLD WAR II'

Japan's prime minister on security, diplomacy and protecting the rule of law at home, in Asia and around the world

- TOM O'CONNOR

SHORTLY AFTER RETURNING FROM HIS FIRST LEADers-level visit to Washington, D.C., Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sat down with Newsweek for an exclusive interview in his Tokyo office to discuss the main takeaways from his trip, as well as the historic changes he is overseeing in his nation's military, economic and diplomatic strategies.

Kishida, who took office in October 2021, is looking to fortify his country's long-standing alliance with the United States and expand regional ties. At the same time, Japan is undergoing its largest military buildup since World War II amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and worsening tensions in the Asia-Pacific. Meanwhile, Kishida is also tasked with difficulties that beset Japan's economy.

Throughout his 40-minute interview-lightly edited for space and clarity, below-with Newsweek President and CEO Dev Pragad, Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper and Deputy Foreign Policy Editor Tom O'Connor, Kishida spoke candidly about challenges his nation faces on multiple fronts, but he also expressed confidence that new initiatives being taken under his leadership would help Japan to navigate the deepening uncertainties that lie ahead. 

NEWSWEEK: You've just recently returned from a trip to the United States, where you aimed to fortify the Japan-U.S. alliance in your meetings with President Joe Biden. What were your main takeaways from the visit and its achievements?