Japan should embrace both the Global South and Trump 2.0

Tokyo has demonstrated an ability to adapt to shifting geopolitical landscapes

Hiroyuki Suzuki

January 15, 2025 17:05 JST

Then-Indonesian President Joko Widodo and then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, right, shake hands after a photo session after the AZEC Summit Meeting in Tokyo in December 2023. © Reuters

Hiroyuki Suzuki is deputy director general of the corporate planning department of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

This year begins against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical uncertainty. In a previous column for Nikkei Asia, I emphasized the importance of Japan embracing a vision for the Global South, and over the past 12 months, Tokyo has made strides in strengthening ties with these nations. Now, 2025 presents an opportunity for Japan to demonstrate leadership and foster deeper collaboration with the Global South.