Facing Asia - Japan's role in the political and economic dynamism of regional cooperation

This volume examines the political and economic processes of regionalism in Asia, focusing on Japan and its actors. Eminent scholars explore the forces uniting the region, discussing topics such as Japan's bilateral and multilateral ODA, the roles of state and non-state actors, Japanese multinational corporations, foreign direct investment, and regional financial institutions. The authors employ methodologies from social sciences and economics, presenting a cohesive political-economic perspective. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the work appeals to those interested in Japan's influence on regional politics and economics. The final chapter synthesizes various perspectives on Japan's role in Asian regional cooperation since the 1990s. Contributions include discussions on Japan's potential leadership in East Asian integration, the expectations of Asian nations regarding Japan's role, and the impact of Japanese foreign policy elites. Other articles address the involvement of NGOs in Southeast Asia, Japan's multilateral assistance, and shifts in Japanese economic policy postwar. The volume also analyzes the effects of the Asian crisis on Japan's manufacturing investments and the contributions of Japanese firms to regional integration, particularly in the automotive sector. Additionally, it highlights the need for stronger regional financial institutions in East Asia and re-evaluates Japan's leadership in regional coopera