Introduction: What is diplomacy?

Review the historic transition of diplomacy from the time of the Ancient Greece; Diplomacy for the monarchs; Birth of nation states; and to the diplomacy in the period when people are educated and information is widely disseminated.
After reviewing the transformation of the nature of diplomacy, purpose of diplomacy shall be examined as well as whom it is designed to serve.

History of the Japanese diplomacy and the current challenges.

Review the history of diplomacy of Japan since the opening of Japan to the outside world by Commodore Perry. Examine the transformation of the foreign policy of Japan
 by looking at the objectives of foreign policy in respective period to the present: focusing on its successes and failures. Consider the role and limitations of diplomacy. Understand the current challenges which Japan faces, and also deepen understanding of the diplomacy of Japan which go beyond its own immediate national interest

Japan-US Relations

Japan and the US are bound by the alliance and commitment to the shared future based on the values and principles both countries hold in common. Look at the role of the alliance and the efforts to work together for the common cause; and understand the current challenges. Review the history and multidimensional aspect of the Japan-US relations which enables understanding of the complexities including difficulties in relations such as that existed in the economic/trade relations in the 1980s and 90s. Deepen understanding of the importance of strengthening the relationship in the future.

Relationship with China and China-US rivalry

Look at the overall relationship with China and examine the importance of the relationship with China for Japan as well as problems and difficulties. As the relationship between the US and China becomes more complex and confrontational, despite the awareness by both countries of the need to avoid actual collision, examine its impact on the international scene and consider Japan’s policy options.
Taiwan issue will also be examined.

Japan -RoK relations: focusing on the history related issues
North Korea (relatively brief examination)

Briefly review the importance of the Korean Peninsula in the history of Japan. Consider the contemporary importance of the relationship. On that basis, examine how the people of the two countries could work to bring about reconciliation on the issues related to history.
What is the North Korean Issue?
Is North Korea threat to Japan? What is the North Korea issue for China, RoK, or the US?
How should Japan deal with the issue? Abduction issue will also be considered.

Southeast Asia, South Asia and Indo-Pacific : Can Japan play a leading role in this regions?

These are important regions for Japan with historic ties. They are also important for the future of Japan both interms of security and economy.
Review the history of the relationship between Japan and these regions, and examine their importance to Japan. Look especially at the Japanese efforts to find a common interest with the region. In this context, look at the concept of "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" which Japan espoused and gained momentum of support from the region.
China’s presence is increasing in all the regions. Examine the expectations for Japan in those regions; and consider what the desirable relationship maybe.

Japan – Russia relations

Russian invasion into Ukraine is a blatant violation of the international law and a challenge to the current international order. This Russian behaviour and the realities of the Russo-Japanese relations clearly underlines the importance of security aspects in assessing the relationship with Russia. They also compel us to ponder more profoundly into the reasons for such Russian behaviour.
From this perspective, consider what Asia means for Russia and its relationship with Japan. Also examine the Northern territory issue and possibility of the Peace Treaty.

The UN and multilateral diplomacy : Maintenance of international order and Peace Operations

Learn why and how the UN was created after WWII.
Examine its role in maintaiing international order and peace. Look at the reasons for the dysfunction of the Security Council and the difficulties of its reform.
Review also the history of the UN Peace Operations. Look at the successes and failures of the peace operations. (Actual experience from Afghanistan will be explained.)
Also consider how Japan could effectively conduct its multilateral diplomacy.

Dealing with the common challenges to the mankind : UN and Japan

Importance of the role of the UN in dealing with socio-economic issues as well as issues of global scale such as climate change. Importance of the Fundamental Human Rights and the Rule of Law. Review the UN work on “Our Common Agenda” and the SDGs. "Pact for the Future adopted in Septem ber 2024 shall be examined. Consider how Japan could effectively contribute to global efforts in these fields.

National Security : Military, Economic, Energy and Human Security.

Security is the most fundamental service which a government provides to its people.
Military security in Japan is now being reviewed fundamentally in the wake of the Russian invasion into Ukraine and China’s military expansion. In the world where globalization has advanced, economic security and energy security are of critical importance for the welfare of the people. Human security is a concept devised to enhance the human dignity and happiness. Japanese diplomatic efforts in those areas will be examined.

Presentaioms by the students

Student shall make a short presentation on the topic of his/her choice relating to the Japanese foreign policy.

Students are expected to attend the class and comprehend the thinking behind the policies of the Japanese government as well as those of the other governments and actors concerned including international organizations.
There is no textbook and necessary contents shall be explained in the class, so the attendance will be important. (Class participation will account for 28% of the grade.).Short report will be assigned during the class at some intervals (4 times) :72% (18%for each report)