This lecture is based upon official Middle East-related
documents, which have been released by the Japanese
Foreign Ministry via the Internet since 9/11. It also
draws upon a special interview the speaker had with
the Assistant to the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr.
Tanaka, in Beirut on August 12, 2004 in an effort to
learn more about the current Japanese strategy toward
the region and its future vision. The lecture addressed
five salient points:
1. The role of Japan’s foreign policy in pursuing its
higher interests.
2. Japan’s firm support of the US in the wake of 9/11
and its continued assistance in combating global
terrorist forces and states that support terrorism.
3. Japan’s participation in the war in Iraq by sending
peacekeeping forces to Iraq to aid Coalition forces.
4. Japan’s position vis-à-vis the Arab–Israeli conflict.
5. Japan’s cultural and societal dialogue with Middle
Eastern states.