This article examines Japan's overall influence on the nations of South Asia and broadly considers its relationship with the region in the postwar period, with an emphasis on developments since the end of the Cold War. South Asia comprises those nations that are members of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC): India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. To illustrate the nature and extent of Japanese influence in the region, I present macro data on trade, aid, investment, and other flows; the micro analysis centers on India, and to a certain extent on Pakistan, as these are two of the largest nations in the subcontinent, both in terms of population and their commercial, political, and cultural ties with Japan. Japan's relations with the South Asian region have undergone portentous change in recent decades. First, Japan has become a global economic superpower, with the world's second largest economy; its foreign aid distribution is the largest in absolute dollar terms; it is a net creditor nation, with Japanese companies continuing to expand their operations around the world; and its financial and banking sectors have a strong impact on the world economy. Second, Japan's global political activity, although not yet highly visible, has grown enormously and is set to rise, especially as a new world order emerges following the demise of the Cold War. For example, Japan is a serious candidate for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, while some of its younger politicians, who are gaining ground domestically, argue strongly that Japan should become politically active in the international community. Third, Japan is indisputably a leading regional power. Its influence in East and Southeast Asia is already enormous and is constantly rising. Japan is a key player in the economic development of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, and now also in