This book focuses on the lives and peace philosophy of Japanese prime ministers from 1945 to the present, attempting to extract one consistent political philosophy, namely, the 'peace philosophy' that has consistently influenced Japan's foreign and defense policy. Exploring the meta-narrative of international relations and politics, this book provides a new meta-analysis of the factors underpinning Japanese politics, providing a timely insight into one of Asia's most powerful yet enigmatic players in a time of transformation. This book will interest scholars of international relations, those watching Asia in transition, and journalists.

Daisuke Akimoto, Ph.D., is an adjunct fellow of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University Japan Campus and former Assistant Professor at the Soka University Peace Research Institute. He is the author of The Abe Doctrine: Japan's Proactive Pacifism and Security Strategy (Palgrave Macmillan 2018) and Japan's Nuclear Identity and Its Implications for Nuclear Identity (Palgrave Macmillan 2020).