1. Japan and its foreign policy
11. October 2018 at The Piraeus Marine Club
Mr. Yasuhiro SHIMIZU
Ambassador of Japan to Hellenic Republic

3. Overview of Japan
Area: 380,000㎢. Greece: 132,000㎢ Three times bigger than Greece
Number of Islands: 6, Greece: 3,300? 6,000? More than Greece
Population:124million Greece: 11millon Ten times larger than Greece
GDP: 4,872billion dollars Greece: 200billion dollars
Per capita GDP:38K dollars Greece: 19K dollars
Religion: mainly, Buddhism and Shinto.
Christian 1 to 2% ( some research showed 2.9million Christian population in Japan)
Orthodox about 10,000.　(mostly Russian Orthodox)
Main City: Tokyo (Tokyo: surrounding area 30million population), Osaka, Nagoya
Ancient capitals: Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura
Political system: Prime minister is nominated by parliament (the Diet).
Unique culture: traditional plays, music, paintings, way of life, Japanese food, marshal arts
pop-culture (fashion, animation, manga, games)
Technology: advanced science and technologies

4. 2. Geopolitical situation of Japan
Island country: surrounded by oceans, very difficult to invade.
No history of occupation by other countries, except the short period after WWII by US led armies.
This isolation and independence contributes to its uniqueness in culture, food, lifestyle, etc.
Located at the eastern peripheral of the Asian continent.
Historically, under the strong influence of Chinese Civilization through Korean Peninsular, but Japan adopted Chinese culture only in a Japanese way.
As the first successfully modernized Asian country, Japan became the strongest military power in Asia at the beginning of 20 century, after winning wars with China and Russia.
At WWII, Japan joined AXIS side, together with Germany and Italy, initially occupied vast area of Asia, but was defeated by US in 1945.
After WWII, Japan has been an ally of US, defending Liberal camp against communist countries, by providing US with several significant military bases.
Japan has been a major economy in the world, with advanced technologies and science, and a major investor in the Asian region including China.

5. 3. History of Japan (1): Until Edo Era
Myth: Japan has a 2600-years history. Academic facts of the establishment of the Yamato State of emperors can be traced until AD 3rd century.
Japanese imperial family is the oldest royal family in the world, existing for more than at least 1700 years.
The current Emperor H.M. Akihito is the 128th emperor of Japan.
At 8th century, Japan created a strong country by importing Chinese political systems (bureaucracy, tax system) and Buddhism. During Nara Era and Heian Era, until 11th century, emperors and their clans ruled Japan.
However, after the period of wars at 12th century, Samurai or worriers groups became powerful, and Samurai grasped the power. Emperors could keep only symbolic authority without real military power.
14th an 15th century was Sengoku Era, when many local samurai lords, or Daimyos, ruled their own regions.
At the end of 15th century, three big daimyos, Oda, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa, conquered all over the Japan. The last winner, the Tokugawa family became Shuguns, the rulers of Japan from 1603 to 1867.
During this Edo Era, Japan kept isolation policy, avoiding influence of foreign countries, including Christian religion.

6. 4. History of Japan (2): Meiji Restoration and after
In 1853, US Navy Ships came to Japan, requesting abolishing the isolation policy. After long domestic disputes and wars, in 1867 Japan decided to create the powerful government topped by the emperor, in order to keep up with the leading powers of the world. That is the Meiji Restoration.
During Meiji restoration, Japan quickly imported technologies and cultures and modernized industries.
Japanese foreign policy at that time was based on Japan-UK alliance. Japan won wars against China and Russia, and colonized Taiwan & Korea. Japan became the strongest military power in Asia region at the beginning of 20 th century, and began to invade China, even creating a Manchurian puppet state in northern China.
At WWII, Japan joined Axis side, together with Germany and Italy, at first stage occupied vast area of Asia. But it was defeated completely by USA, after suffering nuclear bombs.
After WWII, Japan became one of the strongest allies of US, defending against communist countries.
In 1960s and 70s, economic growth was remarkable, and in 80s, Japan became the most competitive economy with second largest GDP in the world.
After “bobble economy era”, Japan experienced recession, and in 2010, China passed Japan in size of economy. Since 2012, Japanese economy picked up, and Japan is keeping its position as the third biggest economy in the world.

8. 5. Political system of Japan
After WWII, Constitution of Japan was renewed under the strong influence of progressive and idealistic US experts, reflecting development of international laws. Three major principles of constitution are a peace loving nature, a people-centric system, and respect of human rights.
Emperor becomes the symbol of national unity, without any political powers. In a sense, constitutional monarchy system. The current emperor reins for 30 years, and becomes 84 years old now. On 1st of May next year, the crown prince will become a new emperor.
Parliament, Administration and Court are independent each others, constituting check and balance system.
Parliament of Japan (the Diet), the supreme organization of the state, has two houses. Comparing Greek one house system, it will take more time to pass bills in the Diet.
Diet has power to choose a Prime minister, and Prime minister appoints, other 19 ministers to form the cabinet. Cabinet meets every Tuesday and Friday morning, since every important government decision needs Cabinet approval.

9. 6. Political situation in Japan
After WWII, from 1955 to 1993, a conservative LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) always formed the government.
In these period, Japanese people enjoyed economic growth, and they did not complain seriously against LDP.
But, after the bursting of bubble economy, situation changed greatly. Many political parties competed each others, and 2009 to 2012, Democratic Party won elections, and became the ruling party.
After 2012, Mr. Abe, from LDP, became prime minister again, and promote Abenomics policy, a set of pro-business policies, together with Komei Party. His foreign policy is known as Global Diplomacy, visiting great number of countries. So far, his foreign policies and economic policies are highly appreciated.
Domestic policy area, opposition parties criticized the alleged favorable treatment of Mr. Abe’s friends by bureaucrats.
Under the Japanese political system, like other democratic countries, media can freely criticized the ruling parties.

10. 7. Foreign Policy of Japan
The starting point of Japanese foreign policy is the sincere reflection of past conducts, including colonization and invasion of neighboring area, and the determination on never allowing militaries or fascists to dominate policies.
The prosperity of Japan is based on the alliance of Liberal Camp, and democracy, human rights, maintaining the open and free market system.
According Bleu Paper on Foreign Policy in 2017, Japanese basic idea of foreign policy is diplomacy taking a panoramic perspective of the world pa and proactive contribution to peace.
The first pillar is to strength alliance with US and its allies. Japan is among countries, which shares common values of democracy, human right, freedom, open and free market system based on international laws and rules. Challenge to this existing order of international communities will pose the threat and instability to the world.
The second pillar is to enhance relationships with neighboring countries. China, South Korea, and Russia.
The third pillar is to promote economic diplomacy, as a mean of driving the growth of Japanese economy. Free and open trade environment is key, so Japan promotes TPP, EU-Japan EPA, and so on.

11. 8. Diplomacy with relevant countries
USA
Japan and US are strong allies sharing fundamental values and strategic interests. Alliance with US is the linchpin of Japan’s diplomacy and security. It plays a major role in maintaining the stability and prosperty not only of the Asia-Pacific region but also of the whole world.
(2) North Korea
The nuclear test and ballistic missile launches by North Korea pose a new level of threat, and totally unacceptable. Under its policy of “dialogue and pressure” and “action for action” Japan will continue to work toward the comprehensive resolution of issues, such as the abductions, nuclear, missile issues based on the Pyongyang Declaration, together with ROK and USA.
(3) China
The relation with China constitutes one of the most important bilateral relationships. It is important that both countries build a cooperative relationship in the region and international community under “Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests.”
(4) Russia
With Russia, Japan keeps high level political dialogues. Regarding Northern Territories Issue, both sides continue the negotiation tenaciously under the “New Approach”.

12. 9. Relationship between Japan and Greece
Bilateral relationship
Japan: Good image: Greece as the birth place of European civilization. Attractive destination of tourism.
Bad image: economic crisis, refugee issues. Risky country?
Greece: Good image: Japan as major economic power with advanced technologies.
Bad image: too far away to approach and too expensive.
(2) Maritime business area
Japan: Major shipbuilding industry, Second biggest shipowner.
Greece: The biggest shipowner.
June 2018, Poseidonia Exhibition.
(3) Future developments
EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
2019 as 120th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Japan and Greece
2020 as the year for Tokyo Olympic Games