The tragic death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has caused Japan to pause and take stock of the transformative changes the nation has undergone in the past decade. As Prime Minister Kishida steps forward, bringing Japan to the forefront of the world stage, he is both continuing in the footsteps of his predecessors, and evolving Japan’s approach to a global environment that does not allow for passivity. Dr Michael Green, CEO at the United States Studies Centre, speaks with Japan Up Close on Abe’s legacy and the new role that Japan must play in international relations.