Japan’s Asian Diplomacy

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxiii

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2. Introduction

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 1-20

3. The Analytical Framework for Japan’s Diplomatic Policy Towards Asia

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 21-55

4. Trade Policy in the Mega-FTA Age

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 57-86

5. Purposeful Commitment to Infrastructure Investment in Asia

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 87-118

6. Growing Maritime Security in Ocean Policy

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 119-150

7. Outer Space Policy with a Stronger Security Orientation

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 151-184

8. The Reformulation of Foreign Aid in Development Cooperation

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 185-216

9. Reflections and Prospects

   • Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

   Pages 217-246

10. Back Matter

    Pages 247-290

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This book provides a comprehensive analysis of Japan’s Asian diplomacy under Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Under the Kantei-centred policymaking system, Shinzō Abe has implemented assertive foreign policies with a slogan of ‘diplomacy taking a panoramic perspective of the world’. The analyses in the book cover the traditional and emerging fields of national security and international political economy. While its empirical examination is based on field-specific research, it also incorporates the analysis of Japan’s bilateral relations with China, the US, India, and others.

In addition, the book provides a solid, theory-driven analysis of Japan’s external policy and relations. In an independent chapter, this work sets up integrative theoretical frameworks for empirical analyses by relying on key concepts drawn from the three international relations theories of realism, liberalism and constructivism. 

Going forward, research in this book also explores the development of key regional affairs. Maritime security and space security are two of major security-related affairs, in which the states in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific have to engage, including the development of the TPP (TPP-11) and RCEP, as well as infrastructure development and development cooperation, which are crucial in relation to China’s initiatives in the BRI and AIIB. 

Lastly, the book provides valuable references to regionalism in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific by analyzing regional integration/cooperation through free trade agreements and the development of regional connectivity. This includes the evolution of cooperation and conflict within key regional frameworks such as the East Asia Summit and APEC, as well as key regional visions such as the Free and Open Indo-Pacific. It also takes into account the possible influence of ideational factors such as norms, principles, and rules on the development of regional cooperation.

• Japan’s diplomatic policy towards Asia
• Japan’s trade policy in the Mega-FTA age
• Infrastructure investment in Asia
• Foreign Aid & Development Policy
• Japan and Maritime Security Threats
• Energy Security Asia
• Energy Cooperation in Asia

"This book systematically and innovatively examines Japan’s diplomacy toward Asia under the Abe administration in five distinctive issue areas, including trade, infrastructure investment, maritime security, outer space, and foreign aid. It is an exemplar work that integrates the in-depth knowledge of International Relations theory and rich empirics of area studies in the study of Japan’s foreign Policy. It is a must-read for both scholars and policymakers who are interested in making sense of Japan’s foreign policy in particular and the dynamics of Asian international relations in general." (Kai He, Professor of International Relations, Griffith University)

"Combining International Relations theory with key case studies covering trade, investment, security including outer space and foreign aid, Yoshimatsu Hidetaka has brilliantly crafted a systematic analysis of Japan’s foreign policy in Asia. This book is a must read for anyone interested in a deep understanding of Japan’s contemporary policy towards Asia, especially under Abe Shinzo, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister." (Purnendra Jain, Adjunct Professor in Japanese Studies, University of Adelaide)

"Hidetaka Yoshimatsu has written a comprehensive account on the Abe administration’s response to China’s rise in Asia, by taking in consideration Japan’s ideational and material leverage. This book is an important addition to the academic literature on Japan’s international relations and will be required reading for scholars and practitioners alike." (Giulio Pugliese, Nissan Institute, Oxford University)

• Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Japan

  Hidetaka Yoshimatsu

Hidetaka Yoshimatsu is Professor of Politics and International Relations at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan. He has published articles that focus on Japan’s foreign policy and regionalism in Asia in numerous journals, including Pacific Review, Asian Survey, Journal of Contemporary China, and New Political Economy.

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