The United States government shutdown has reached its longest duration in history. The news is being meticulously followed in Japan and all around the world. The effects of the shutdown can be felt across multiple sectors, impacting the global economy and disrupting international relations.

As a country heavily vested in international affairs, Japan takes a keen interest in the developments in U.S. politics. The extended government shutdown, apart from its more direct impacts, could potentially influence the operations of Japanese corporations in the U.S., and even impact U.S-Japan diplomatic relations.

Unlike the U.S., government shutdowns are uncommon in the European Union and virtually unheard of in Japan, where budgetary negotiations are typically concluded before the deadline. The prolonged U.S. government shutdown has therefore attracted international attention, and sparked discussions on the pros and cons of different political systems.