Australia's relationship with Japan has often been seen in just trade and economic terms. In fact there is a long history of political exchange and co-operation since the 1950s, that has led to a close alignment of political and security interests that have helped shape the Asia-Pacific region. In this new volume Alan Rix examines the renewal of post-war contacts between the two countries and the resolution of wartime issues in the 1950s. He shows how some major bilateral negotiations highlight the tensions involved in forging a strong relationship, while extensive analysis of the machinery of diplomacy (the administrative, political and legal framework) indicates the depth of bilateral ties. Also covered are the close consultation and diplomatic dealings over the decades and the personal connections between leaders. The Australia-Japan Political Alignment documents for the first time, the details of this close and important relationship making it a new and original contribution to studies of Australia's foreign relations and Japan's place in the post-war world.