Diplomatic reflections: an Australian view from Tokyo

ISSN： 1469-9338

Source： Japanese Studies, Vol.24, Iss.2, 2004-09, pp. : 169-175

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Abstract

In the second half of the 1980s, Japan was at the height of its economic power, a 'rich nation' again, with the 'bubble' yet to burst. Trade issues loomed large in the Australia-Japan relationship, which at that time also included a developing security dialogue, investment schemes of different kinds, proposals for managed migration of elderly Japanese to Australia and MITI's proposal for a 'Multi-Function Polis' (MFP)--all made more touchy in Australia by a perceived wave of Japanese property acquisitions. As Japan seeks to finally emerge from its post-bubble slump, and to lay the foundations to cope with its declining population, Australia and Japan face three common issues of great concern--the role of Free Trade Agreements in global trade liberalisation; security matters, including terrorism, North Korea and Japan's 'peace constitution'; and relations with a more radical and active United States.