For Japan, relations with East Asia have been strategically vital, but a difficult agenda in the post-WWII foreign policy. Relations with Europe have also been looked upon as one of the weakest links of Japan-US- Europe triangle that needed further strengthening. In the post-Cold War paradigm change in international relations, ASEM has given Japan a unique opportunity to address these two issues more proactively than ever. Taking into account this unique advantage, Japan has tried to be a positive contributor to ASEM in the last eight years since ASEM was launched.

In this chapter I will attempt to analyze, first, the essence of Japan's East Asian policy, then its European policy, and finally, to examine Japan's participation in the ASEM process and how this has in turn contributed to the re-orientation of Japan's policies towards both Asia and the EU. This includes a look into Japan's efforts in strengthening ASEM's organizational activities, and reaffirming a certain Asian approach on discussions concerning fundamental values such as “human rights”. The paper will conclude with a personal contemplation of the future tasks of Asia-Europe relations from a “Eurasian” perspective.

Japan's Post-WWII Policy towards East Asia

Japan's geopolitical strategic external policy in the post-Meiji Restoration era not only looked towards the East Asian continent but also across the Pacific Ocean. It was through the Korean peninsula, Manchuria and eventually China and Southeast Asia that Japan's sphere of influence spread. It was with the United States (U.S.) across the Pacific Ocean with which Japan fought its fatal war and lost. The continental landmass and the vast Pacific Ocean continued to form the backdrop of post-WWII geopolitical scenery for Japanese foreign policy orientation.

The Cold War overwhelmed the basic paradigm of international relations. Under intense U.S.-Soviet rivalry, the United States became Japan's sole and strongest ally across the ocean. Toward the East Asian continent, Japan gradually became the foremost economic power in the region.