Obama and Japan

Tokyo,

President Obamas election was widely accepted throughout Japan, by the general public as well as the power elite.  Even though they have accepted Obama and agree with his ways, they remain concerned about the new administration’s foreign and trade policies.   For Japan these concerns focus on who will be America’s primary partner in East Asia. Many observers, including leading Japanese newspapers, predicted that the new administration might prefer China over Japan as a partner in East Asia.

 

Japanese were happy to hear that Joe Nye is to be named Ambassador to Japan, because he is widely credited for his efforts to ‘redefine’ the US-Japan Alliance after the end of the Cold War. He also worked hard to strengthen security ties.  Japans alliance with the US is a cornerstone of American policy in Asia, essential to maintaining peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, and based on shared values and mutual interests.

 

The Obama administration will more than likely demand that Japan contribute to stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan as well as tactfully request that Japan fulfill the US demand of both burden-sharing and power-sharing.  If the Obama administration introduces more extensive protectionist policies, including tariffs, Japan will have to edge even closer to the Chinese market. 

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