Japan's global vision: Tokyo's evolving foresight practices, Indo-Pacific strategy and EU-partnership

Since 1970, Japan has developed a world-leading capacity for foresight. At the outset, the focus was on technology and socio-economic development. Broader geopolitical and security aspects have become more pronounced in the past decade. Concerns about global political changes have given rise to an enhanced strategic partnership between Japan and the European Union. Common challenges include shifts in global economic power, the emergence of China, and uncertainties around the United States' international engagement. While Japan and the European Union have differing security policy perspectives and capabilities, joint efforts can have a positive impact in areas such as infrastructure, digital connectivity, overseas development assistance and energy sustainability. A shared vision on common challenges and responses is at the heart of the partnership between the European Union and Japan. Joint strategic foresight activities, building on existing foresight capabilities on each side, could be considered as a means of updating and strengthening this shared vision.