Contemporary Japanese Foreign Policy Study Notes

Class 2: Japan's International Relations: Historical Overview I

Fundamentals of the Japanese Foreign Policy and Its Changing International Role

The War-Ending Process

  1. Yalta Agreement (February 1945)

    • Allied leaders meet to discuss post-war reorganization.

  2. Potsdam Declaration (July 1945)

    • Ultimatum demanding Japan's surrender.

  3. Bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 6 and 9, 1945)

    • Utilization of atomic bombs to hasten the end of the war.

  4. Surrender of Japan (August 15, 1945)

    • Official announcement marking the end of hostilities.

  5. Acceptance of the Declaration (Signed on September 2, 1945)

    • Formal surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri.

  6. US Occupation (1945-1952)

    • Allied occupation and reconstruction of Japan under General Douglas MacArthur.

  7. San Francisco Peace Treaty (1951; effective April 1952)

    • Official treaty concluding WW II and delineating Japan’s newfound international status.

Treaty of Peace with Japan in 1951: The San Francisco Peace Treaty

  • Purpose: To officially end WW II and Japan's role as an imperial power.

  • Compensation: Allocation for Allied civilians and former prisoners of war.

  • Establishing the ‘San Francisco System’ alongside the Security Treaty, emphasizing the beginning of Japan's reintegration into the global community.

Japanese Constitution (1947)

  1. Three Principles:

    • Sovereignty of the People: Affirmation that Japanese citizens determine governance.

    • Pacifism: Renunciation of war to ensure peace.

    • Respect for Fundamental Human Rights: Guarantees rights such as freedom of thought, religion, speech, right to trial, and property ownership.

  2. Creation Process: Significant involvement of public opinion and democratic ideals in the constitution-making process.

Article 9 of the Constitution

  1. Renunciation of War: Declares that Japan forever renounces war and will not maintain military forces.

  2. Military Limitation: Prohibits maintaining land, sea, air forces, and other war potential. Right of belligerency is not recognized.

Dilemma and Limitations of the ‘Peace Constitution’

  • Article 9 Implications: Reflects Japan's commitment to peace but creates challenges in defense and international military engagement.

Creation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in 1954

  • Despite constitutional restrictions on military forces, the SDF was established in response to international politics and security needs.

United States Military Presence in Japan

  • 135 US Facilities: Spread across various regions, providing strategic military advantages in the Pacific.

    • Total area: Approximately 1,011,359,0001,011,359,000 square meters across Japan.

  • Facilities listed across regions like Hokkaido, Aomori, and Okinawa with exact area details per location.

Yoshida Doctrine

  • Focused on:

    1. Economic development as the national priority with minimal diplomatic engagement.

    2. Strategic reliance on the US for defense while concentrating on post-war economic recovery.

    3. Received substantial economic assistance from the international community post-occupation.

Return to the International Community

  • United Nations Membership: Japan's entry into the UN in 19561956 marks its formal re-engagement in international politics.

Japan as an Economic Power and Trade Friction

  • Japan Bashing: During the 19801980s, Japan's massive trade surplus led to intense friction with the United States. Criticism centered on Japan as a ‘reactive state’ that benefited from the global trade system without contributing to its maintenance.

  • Economic Shift: Rapid recovery transitioned Japan from a recipient to a donor nation, but this led to calls for more responsibility.

Contributions to the International Community

  • International Institutions: Japan became a major financial backer of the World Bank, IMF, and is a leading aspirant for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. It uses these platforms to promote human security and sustainable development.

  • Official Development Assistance (ODA): Transitioned from post-war reparations to substantial economic assistance focusing primarily on the Asia-Pacific region.

  • The Shift to ‘Visible’ Contributions: After being criticized for ‘Checkbook Diplomacy’ (providing funds but no personnel) during the 1990−19911990-1991 Gulf War, Japan passed the International Peace Cooperation Law (19921992). This allowed the SDF to participate in UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), marking a shift toward a ‘visible’ human presence in global security.

Adapting to a Changing Global Economic Environment

  • Six Phases of Economic Orientation:

    1. 1945-1973: Domestic focus with minimal international presence.

    2. 1974-1990: Increased international orientation; faced global pressures, oil shocks, and trade conflicts.

    3. 1990s–2007: The ‘Lost Decades’ following the bubble burst; waning diplomatic strength in the Post-Cold War era.

    4. 2008–2012: Turmoil due to the Global Financial Crisis and the Great East Japan Earthquake (20112011).

    5. December 2012 – January 2020: The Abenomics era.

    • Original Three Arrows: Monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural growth strategies.

    • The ‘New’ Three Arrows (2015): Focus shifted to social sustainability:

      • Arrow 1: A robust economy that creates hope (Targeting a GDP of 600600 trillion yen).

      • Arrow 2: Dream-weaving child-rearing support (Targeting a birth rate of 1.81.8).

      • Arrow 3: Social security that provides reassurance (Aiming for ‘zero’ people leaving jobs to provide nursing care).

    1. January 2020 – Present: Economic impacts from COVID-1919 and complex geopolitical tensions.

Current Economic Challenges

  • Economic pressures from rising prices and a weak yen.

  • Unemployment rates at 2.32.3\%, indicating a tight labor market amid bankruptcies increasing by 1919\% in recent years.

  • Stimulus plans initiated to alleviate economic pressures.