Japan’s PM Skips NATO Summit Amid “Various Circumstances”

Advanced | June 26, 2025

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Unexpected Change of Plans

PM Ishiba Withdraws from Summit

In a bit of unexpected news, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided not to attend the NATO summit currently underway in The Hague, Netherlands. This comes just a few days after his attendance was announced, citing “various circumstances” for the change of plans. This decision has become a key highlight in the news as Japan PM skips NATO summit unexpectedly.

Reasons for the Withdrawal

It seems the primary reasons behind this decision are the reported unlikelihood of a planned meeting between NATO and the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4) group, which includes Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, and also the slim chance of a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

A Broader Trend

Other IP4 Leaders Also Decline

Interestingly, Japan isn’t alone in this decision. The leaders of South Korea and Australia, also members of the IP4 group, have likewise opted to skip the summit.

Possible Underlying Concerns

While the official explanation remains broad, some reports suggest that potential unease among allies regarding reported U.S. demands for significantly increased defense spending and recent geopolitical tensions, particularly following U.S. airstrikes on Iran, might be playing a role.

Foreign Minister Steps In

Instead of the Prime Minister, Japan will be represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who is expected to attend related functions and hold bilateral meetings. This substitution reinforces how Japan PM skips NATO summit but still ensures national presence through diplomatic channels.

A Break in Recent Tradition

This marks a departure from recent years, as Japan’s leader has attended every NATO summit since 2022, when the country was first invited following Russia’s actions in Ukraine, signaling growing ties between NATO and Indo-Pacific nations.

Vocabulary

Cancel (verb): To decide that something that has been arranged will not happen.
Example: “The prime minister had to cancel *his trip.”
Attendance (noun): The act of being present at a place or event.
Example: “His attendance *at the summit was anticipated.”
Summit (noun): A meeting between heads of government.
Example: “Leaders gathered for the NATO summit *in The Hague.”
Unlikely (adjective): Not likely to happen or be true.
Example: “A meeting between the leaders is unlikely*.”
Circumstances (noun): Facts and conditions that affect a situation.
Example: “Due to various circumstances*, the plan changed.”
Represent (verb): To act or speak officially for someone or a group.
Example: “The foreign minister will represent *the country.”
Bilateral (adjective): Involving two groups or countries.
Example: “They plan to hold bilateral *meetings.”
Inseparable (adjective): Impossible to separate.
Example: “Security in different regions is considered inseparable*.”
Unease (noun): A feeling of worry or slight fear.
Example: “There is some unease *among the allies.”
Tensions (noun): The state of being stretched tight; emotional or political strain.
Example: “Geopolitical tensions *are rising.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What were the main reasons given for the Prime Minister’s cancellation?
Which other countries’ leaders also decided not to attend the summit?
Who will represent Japan at the NATO summit instead of the Prime Minister?
Why has Japan been attending NATO summits since 2022?
What other potential factors might have influenced the decision to cancel?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How important do you think leader-level attendance is at international summits?
What are the potential benefits of closer ties between NATO and Indo-Pacific nations?
How might domestic political considerations influence a leader’s decision to attend or skip international events?
Discuss the concept of security in different regions being “inseparable.” Do you agree?
What does the term “geopolitical tensions” mean in the context of international relations?

Related Idiom

“Beneath the surface”
Meaning: Referring to the hidden or underlying reality of a situation, as opposed to what is obvious or first appears.
Example: “While the official reasons were given, there might be other factors at play* beneath the surface*.”

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This article was inspired by: Reuters, Date: June 24, 2025