For Japan in 2021, COVID-19-related disruption was again the dominant storyline. Its impact transcended societal consequences to affect Japan`s economy, politics, and foreign affairs. It frustrated Japan`s economic recovery and, for the second time in as many years, contributed to a prime minister`s premature resignation. Yet the year also witnessed major positive developments, including the "2020" Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics; an (eventually) successful vaccine rollout; public health outcomes vastly better than those of any other G7 member; an expected return to economic growth; and a smooth national election. On October 31, new prime minister Kishida Fumio led the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition into Japan`s first general election since 2017. Despite losing a few seats, it retained a comfortable lower-house majority, ensuring that a subplot for Japan in 2021 was—again—relative continuity in national politics and foreign affairs.
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