Japan's Foreign Policy, 1945-2009

Kazuhiko Togo, served in the Japanese Foreign Ministry from 1968 to 2002, on Russia, the US, Europe, international law and economics. He taught at universities in Moscow, Tokyo, and Leiden, and was IIAS Canon professor. In 2004-06 he is engaged in research and teaching at Princeton University.

'…a product of the living memory of one of the reputable diplomatic families in Japan…this is one of the most comprehensive studies of Japan's foreign policy since 1945…Highly recommended.'M. Itoh, Choice, 2005.'This book stands out amongst the crop of textbooks on Japanese foreign policy that have been available to date, because of its authoritative, insider voice. Here we not only learn what happened in postwar Japan’s foreign policy, but what the thinking was behind these decisions. This is an invaluable element that brings the reader inside the policy-making rooms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself. In the process, Japan’s world view and its own self-image are concurrently revealed, in fascinating and unexpected ways. This book destroys stereotypes, and vastly improves the quality of our understanding of Japan as an international player. We are spoiled by the wisdom and experience of not just one, but three major forces in the shaping of Japan’s international existence: Mr Togo’s own formidable experience, plus the seminal contributions of his father and grandfather, who was instrumental in the closing phases of World War II. All of this makes this book indispensable to those who wish to truly understand Japan in her own terms, and through her own eyes.Rikki Kersten, Professor Modern Japan Studies (Leiden University).