Another Special Relationship? The United States and Japan

Abstract

Japan’s relationship with the United States is now strategically more vital than it has ever been. Yet differences in the two countries’ political cycles and cultures have often aggravated bilateral tensions. Since the Second World War, Japanese prime ministers Nakasone Yasuhiro, Koizumi Junichiro and Abe Shinzo stand out in being able to strengthen relations with the US while advancing important changes in Japan’s security debate. In all three cases, this reflected efforts by the prime ministers to build a personal rapport with their counterparts in the White House. As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, speculation is rising in Japan as to how it would manage a possible return of Donald Trump in Abe’s absence. Recent Japanese political instability is adding to these concerns.