The Foreign Policy of Modern Japan presents a thorough exploration of Japan's foreign policy, a complex and ever-evolving subject. The volume is the result of a 1974 conference in Hawaii, where scholars from both the United States and Japan gathered to discuss Japan’s foreign policy from multiple perspectives. This compilation of essays offers insights into the decision-making process, economic influences, security issues, and the broader international environment shaping Japan's diplomatic strategies. Contributions are drawn from a range of scholars, providing diverse viewpoints that highlight the multifaceted nature of Japan's international relations. The collection covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the workings of Japan's Foreign Ministry and its diplomatic style to the influence of public opinion and business on foreign policy, as well as economic relations and security matters.

The essays are divided into distinct sections that cover key aspects of Japan's foreign policy. The first examines the decision-making processes, analyzing the role of Japan's bureaucratic institutions and the Diet in policy formulation. Subsequent sections delve into Japan’s public and private interests, economic policies, and security issues, while a final part offers an overview of Japan's evolving global position. The contributors emphasize the challenges Japan faces in balancing domestic pressures, historical context, and international realities. Despite Japan’s successful postwar foreign policy, the essays suggest that Japan may be undergoing gradual changes in its foreign approach, particularly in response to shifts in global economic and political dynamics. The volume provides a nuanced understanding of the factors shaping Japan's foreign policy, highlighting both its stability and the potential for future transformation.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1977.