Japan and the Creation of the ARF: MOFA in Motion, 1991–1994

Abstract

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) was created under the leadership of ASEAN—the leadership that one observer described as “a historically rare leadership of regional political security by the region’s medium and small powers.”1 At the inauguration meeting in Bangkok, therefore, Japan participated at the invitation of other non-ASEAN countries. Being an invitee notwithstanding, the Japanese officials at the meeting expressed high enthusiasm—something beyond mere diplomatic praise—for the new regional institution. Then Foreign Minister Yohei Kono stated, “Today, July 25, 1994, will become a memorable day for the Asia-Pacific as the birthday of the ARF. Let us confirm that we will make steady efforts together in order to rear this child called [the] ARF.”2 A senior government official applied a similar analogy: The “ARF is still like a newborn baby. The most important thing now is for all 18 participating countries to recognize ARF as a baby [for which] they must cooperate to raise.”3 As will be shown below, the “newborn baby” analogy appears quite accurate in reflecting how the Japanese government was involved in the process of creating the ARF—the first pan-regional security institution in Asia.