From the end of the Second World War to the end of the Cold War Japan had little room for manoeuvre in terms of conducting its foreign policy because of its close association with the United States. Beneath the surface, however, Japan sought to develop an independent policy towards Asia. In the 1990s it can no longer count on the Cold War structures to provide the frame of reference for its foreign policy.

Wolf Mendl explains the historical roots of Japan's foreign policy, especially the Asia-versus-the-West debate. The book provides a readable and up-to-date analysis of Japan's relations with the countries of North-East and South-East Asia. It also makes comparisons with the policies of powers of equal status in the post-war world. Various policy options are discussed as well as the determinants and characteristics which are likely to govern the conduct of Japan's external relations.

The book underlines the importance of the international environment in shaping the direction of Japan's foreign policy. It has become part of the Japanese tradition in the post-war era to steer the ship of state with the view to keeping open as many options as possible and adjusting to circumstances as they arise.