Possessing the world’s second largest economy, Japan’s international relations will play a decisive role in shaping the Asia-Pacific region. Japan’s history and political structure are the foundations of its foreign policy, and are key to understanding Japan’s international relations. The interplay of Japan’s foreign policy priorities and its constraints will provide an understanding of the challenges Japan faces.
Foundations of Japan’s Foreign Policy
Japan has three key priorities in its international relations which given a different interpretation can also be regarded as constraints. They are:
- The US-Japan Bilateral Relationship
- Physical and Economic Security
- Prestige
Japan’s policies can be traced back to these three motivations. The US-Japan relationship is grounded in history and retains primary importance to the Japanese establishment. The U.S. has provided security to Japan, and their trade relationship is highly interlinked. Although Japan may hedge against the U.S. through stronger relations with China, the goals of Japan and the U.S. are closely aligned.
Japan and the U.S. have mutual interest in the physical security of the region and Japan’s economic growth. The U.S. military provides a complement to Japan’s own military forces. Although Japan has a technologically advanced military, it is often constrained by interpretations of Article IX of the Japanese constitution which has led policy makers to pursue pacifism. However, as Japan’s economy relies on the importing raw materials, a stronger and more active military to secure sea lanes may be necessary.
Japan’s economic security is also a priority especially given the downturns its economy has experienced. Japan pursues aid, trade, and investment in Asia to boost the economic strength and thereby political stability of other nations which in turn provide materials and markets for the Japanese economy. Pursuing partnerships through ASEAN, other multi-lateral groups, and through bilateral relations is also a way for Japan to help interlink the region and provide forums for mediation with more aggressive countries.
Prestige also motivates Japan. Accused of “checkbook diplomacy” during the first Gulf War, Japan has sought to return to “normal nation” status. This entails Japan pursuing its goals like other nations and using its tools, such as its military. Japan has undertaken peace-keeping operations, notably in Cambodia, but in Africa as well. Japan wants to be seen as acting responsibility given its power, and given its due respect when it acts.
Creators of Japanese Foreign Policy
There are several players that are responsible for creating foreign policy in Japan. These are:
- The prime minister and his cabinet
- Political Parties
- Japanese Bureaucracy
Japanese foreign policy shifted during Prime Minister Koizumi’s tenure. He was able to establish a more top-down foreign policy moving policy away from the bureaucracy and political parties. Traditionally foreign policy was in the domain of powerful ministries such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI formerly MITI) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with other domestic ministries and the military also contesting for influence. Japan’s political parties and domestic political constraints have also influenced the policy establishment directing the country towards pacifism or nationalism.
Predicting Japanese Policy
Japanese elections will not produce major changes in Japan’s foreign policy. Japan can be expected to continue to play a significant role in the region through the use of regional multi-lateral forums. The global economic crisis has given Japan more space to create a policy independent of the U.S. Despite this, it’s policies with complement those of the United States as Japan maintains their relationship while focusing on economic security. The Japanese military will continue to develop its international role through U.N. peace-keeping missions as well.
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