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ACCESS ASIA © Issei Kato, Reuters
12:55
Issued on: 06/02/2026 - 17:32
From the show
From a K-pop drum duet to a feud with China to an extra-early election, Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi has had quite a roller-coaster ride in her first three months in office. Riding on a wave of popularity, the hardline conservative dissolved parliament and called an election nearly three years early in a bid to regain a single-party majority and consolidate her hold on power. We take a closer look at Japan's "iron lady" and her policies since becoming the country's first female leader.
Watch moreJapanese PM 'in enviable position' ahead of snap elections, expert says
Also on the show:
India has announced a trade deal with the United States, just days after finalising an FTA with the EU. Yuka Royer speaks with Chatham House senior research fellow Chietigj Bajpaee about India's multi-aligned, middle-power foreign policy and economic challenges.
Finally, bright colours have returned to the skies of Pakistan's Punjab province, as the centuries-old Basant kite festival kicked off after an 18-year ban. We find out why kite-flying became so controversial, and how important it is in local culture.
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