Japan

THE United States and Japan approach a changing relation ship. Japan wants the continued nuclear guarantee of the United States but is restive at the protracted American con trol of Okinawa and the irksome problems arising from American military bases in Japan. The natural desire of a leading indus trial nation for a more independent foreign policy, including what is vaguely expressed as autonomous defense, appears to be steadily growing. At the same time, the United States, under a new Administration and in a post-Viet Nam period, can be ex pected to reassess its responsibilities overseas, particularly in Asia. The simultaneous meeting in Japan of these forces for change could, if the gears mesh smoothly, produce a healthy transition toward a sounder, more mutually responsive Japanese American relationship. On the other hand, misunderstandings or misplaced expectations on either or both sides could block such a happy result and damage the interests of both countries. There is a timetable. In June 1970, when the security treaty becomes subject to notice of intent to terminate, political action is threatened by the Left. A goal for the opposition and a deadline for the government, 1970 symbolizes Japan's most important and most discussed foreign policy issue today. In essence it is the problem of Japan's security. To understand it, one should look at Japan's current mood, its effort in self-defense, the security treaty itself and the problem of Okinawa

Development economics · Economics · Political science · Japanese History and Culture · Korean Peninsula Historical and Political Studies · Medicine · Optometry