Japan's Political Power Strategy And Restrictions

After the World WarⅡ, Japan rose fast under the shield of the USA, and it quicklybecame the second largest economy entity, second only to the United States. Notcontent to be "economic giant, political pygmy", the risen Japan hoped to get an equalposition with its economic power and made various efforts. In the economic terms,basing on the economic strength, Japan actively developed foreign aids and trade. Indiplomatic terms, Japan strengthened the alliance with the United States, and furthermore, it expanded its international impacts. Japan payed great efforts to improve itsinternational image, develop relationships with the great powers and struggle to jointhe United Nations security council. In military aspect, Japan increased militaryspending to upgrade its military power, even more, the Japan Self Defense Forceenlarged its range of activity.But there are many restrictions on the way of Japan's great political power strategy,such as: the extremely deficient resources and heavily depending on the internationaltrade. Besides, some countries and districts' attitude in the world are also important.The relationships between Japan and China, even between Japan and the SoutheastAsia countries all exists serious divergence. Japan could not win the Asia neighbors'trust and repect unless it can face the historic problems with appropriate attitude. Therelationship between Japan and Russia is still wandering on a low level because of theterritorial dispute. Considering its own interests, the United States hopes that Japancould be its ally and military base in the asia-pacific region, but not a new politicalpower. And the permanent members of the UN security council will make noconcessions in the proposal in Japan join the UN security council.From here we see that Japan has enthusiasm to be a great political power, but it isnot realistic for Japan to achieve that aim. The best choice for Japan is to makepositive contributions to the Asia-pacific district and the world issues.