From Fukuda to Takeshita: A Decade of Japan‑ASEAN Relations

Abstract

This paper assesses the problems and trends in Japan's relations with the ASEAN countries in the political economic and cultural spheres. Despite the growing role of Japan in the ASEAN region, Prime Minister Nakasonefs preoccupation with resolving Japan's trade friction with the West produced a benign neglect of ASEAN in the mid-1980s. Politically, Japan's role in promoting a solution to the Kampuchean issue has been minimal, going little beyond the promise of aiding the post-settlement reconstruction of the Indo Chinese states. Cultural exchanges and diplomacy have not been sufficient in redressing anti-Japanese sentiments in the ASEAN countries caused by Japan's perceived economic domination of the region. Most importantly, the ASEAN countries have continued to express dissatisfaction over Japan's inadequate response to their demands for greater market access and more generous aid and technology transfer. In recent years Japan has adopted policies intended to tackle these problems, but, according to the writer, the successful implementation of these policies will require substantial sacrifices by Japan under the new government of Prime Minister Takeshita.