TOKYO -- As a debate rages in Washington over whether to court or confront Russia, Japan's new leader will need to learn from his predecessor Shinzo Abe's experience in dealing with Vladimir Putin.
US debate over 'soft' vs.' hard' approach to Putin has consequences for Asia

Shinzo Abe, then Japan's prime minister, and Russian President Vladimir Putin make a joint statement after a meeting in Moscow in 2019. New Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will need to learn from Abe's long experience in dealing with Putin.
TOKYO -- As a debate rages in Washington over whether to court or confront Russia, Japan's new leader will need to learn from his predecessor Shinzo Abe's experience in dealing with Vladimir Putin.