Analysis Of Postwar Japan-Nepal Relations

The bilateral connection between Nepal and Japan began at the end of 19th century when a Japanese monk named Kawaguti Ekai visited Nepal on the way to Tibet for Buddhist scriptures, leaving a deep historic significance. The activities from Kawaguti Ekai have been driven by the survival crisis of Buddhism after Meiji Restoration and the contemporary positive and open-minded attitude of citizens. It appeared to be religious activities, while in fact it represented the civil boost of Internationalism after starting modernization of Japan. The initial stage of bilateral relations started from the rise of Japanese mountaineering in the Himalayas in 1950s and the diplomatic relationship establishment of Japan and Nepalese to the end of 1960s before Japanese government started to provide Official Development Assistance to Nepal. The second phase started from providing ODA to Nepal to the end of Cold War in 1990s. During this period Japan soon emerged as a world economic power to the direction of a large political county while the Cold War confrontation of American and Soviet Union intensified. Although Japan was still active in the communication of Nepalese civil society, economic diplomacy had thoroughly dominated between the Governments. Since Japan had become the world's largest donor country and Nepal was one of the least-developed countries, Japan - Nepal relations has been set up to the model of North-South relations. After the Cold War in 1990s, the process of world globalization suddenly accelerated. The bilateral relations have stepped into an adjustment and transformation stage while domestic situation both in Japan and Nepal have undergone huge changes.