ISEAS Perspective: Japan’s Growing Hard-power Profile – Implications for Southeast Asia

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (center) poses for a group photo with ASEAN Leaders at the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025 | Photo by Chalinee Thirasupa / POOL/AFP

In this report published by NYSEAN Partner ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, Hoang Thi Ha and Eugene Tan assert that ​​Japan is emerging as a consequential hard-power player in Southeast Asia, gradually expanding its deterrence and defense-industrial capabilities while expanding its regional and global defence networks in response to an increasingly complex and hostile security environment.

Hoang Thi Ha is Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator of the Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS) Program at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

Eugene Tan is Research Officer at the Regional Strategic and Political Studies (RSPS) Program of the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.