This book examines the increasingly close Japan-Middle East relationship and places it in a cultural and political setting. This volume is the result of a conference held in 1984 at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, at which participants from many fields met to discuss and broaden the understanding of Japan-Middle East ties. A strong dependence on Middle East oil has taught the Japanese that politics follow economics. Conference participants agreed that Japan's pro-Arab policies have raised important questions regarding relations with the U.S. Co-published with The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.