Takaichi’s absence from G7 online meeting raises concerns for Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi missed a G7 leaders’ online meeting on Oct.

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The meeting brought together leaders of the Group of Seven, a forum of advanced economies.

Japanese leaders rarely miss G7 summits, making her absence unusual.

The G7 has helped Japan extend its diplomatic reach through coordination with other major economies.

The absence has drawn criticism in Japan, including over the view that the meeting was not relevant to the country.

Commentators warn that missing the meeting could undermine Japan’s interests and sit uneasily with Takaichi’s stated aim of raising Japan’s global profile.

The available accounts do not say what happens next.