Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Reinhard Drifte Title: The End of Japan’s ODA Yen Loan Programme to China in 2008 and its Repercussions Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: In 2005 the Japanese government informed China that it wanted to end its ODA yen loan programme by 2008. This decision was taken against the background of a general as well as a China-specific reorientation of ODA, mounting grievances against Chinese political, economic and military policies, and the successful development of China’s economy. However, the decision was taken in an abrupt manner and Tokyo ignored the usual procedures for ‘graduating’ a developing country from its ODA. In recent years, Japan’s ODA – loans and grants as well as technical aid – to China has become increasingly focused on projects related to the environment and energy conservation. There are many circumstances which explain this focus (for example, transboundary pollution, territorial disputes in the East China Sea). Japan’s need to fulfil its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol may lead to some kind of revival of energy-related loan programmes to China under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Pages: 3-15 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:1:p:3-15 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: David Sirakov Title: More than (just) Four Islands? Russian-Japanese Relations since 2000 Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: Relations between Russia and Japan are mainly associated with the destiny of the Southern Kuril Islands. These islands are located between the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula and the northernmost Japanese island, Hokkaido. During the last days of the SecondWorldWar, Soviet troops conquered the four islands, called the “Northern Territories“ in Japan. The result is a dispute which, since 1945, has prevented the conclusion of a peace treaty between both states. The forthcoming presidential election in Russia provides the opportunity to take stock of the developments in the Putin era. This article analyzes the consequences of the territorial quarrel in regard to other aspects of bilateral relations such as economic and security policy. It concludes with an estimate of what to expect from the presidency of Dmitry Medvedev. The author argues that although a solution to the territorial conflict over the Kuril Islands is not in sight, cooperation in the economic and security policy field could lead to the further normalization of bilateral relations in the future. Pages: 16-36 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:1:p:16-36 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Frank A. Stengel Title: The Reluctant Peacekeeper: Japan’s Ambivalent Stance on UN Peace Operations Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: The question of overseas deployment of the Self Defence Force (SDF) continues to be one of the most controversial issues in Japan’s foreign policy. This becomes particularly obvious with respect to participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Japan is caught between, on the one hand, the aspiration to contribute to international peace and security and, on the other, the need to adhere to the constitution, which renounces the use of force as an instrument of foreign policy. This has led to strict legal limitations concerning Japan’s participation in peacekeeping missions, resulting in significant practical problems in the field. Despite revisions of the legal framework, Japan’s contribution to peacekeeping activities remains severely limited, particularly with respect to so-called robust peacekeeping. Instead of gradually broadening the SDF’s activities, however, Tokyo would be better advised to strengthen its civilian contribution to peace operations. Pages: 37-55 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:1:p:37-55 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Dirk Nabers Title: Neorealist Misunderstandings: Japan, China and East Asia Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: Japanese foreign policy after the Second World War has been an empirical puzzle for International Relations theory, particularly for neoreatist approaches. Neorealism suggests that, firstly, economic strength is directly related to military strength and, secondly, that potential rivals do not cooperate with each other due to relative gains concerns. The theory proves to be weak with regards to the development in military spending of the two dominant powers in East Asia: Japan and China. Moreover, neorealist theorizing fails to account for the growing trade between the two powers, as well as for the expanding network of cooperative relationships in East Asia. Pages: 56-72 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:1:p:56-72 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Axel Klein Title: Ineffectiveness Accepted: Why Candidates in Japan are Slow to Change Their Suboptimal Campaign Style Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: Election campaigning for the national parliament in Japan has undergone considerable changes over the last ten years. With the introduction of a new electoral system in the House of Representatives and at least some reforms to the House of Councillors, the professionalization of party campaigns in the mass media had been expected. The campaigning for personal, direct votes in both houses, however, has remained much the same and appears to be increasingly ineffective. This paper argues that next to the tight election laws, candidates themselves and the burden of political culture are responsible for the suboptimal campaigning. Drawing on some simple assumptions from structural learning theory, the author argues that although the ineffectiveness is widely recognized by political actors in Japan, the state of affairs will probably not change in the foreseeable future. Pages: 73-87 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:1:p:73-87 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nadine Burgschweiger Title: Cross-border Acquisitions in Japan: Growth Engine or Threat? Journal: Japan aktuell - Journal of Current Japanese Affairs Abstract: In its Regional Economic Report released in January 2008, the Bank of Japan downgraded its overall economic assessment for the first time in three years. Amid growing concerns about recent developments in Japan’s economy, the discussion of the more constructive utilization of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is gaining momentum. M&A activities are needed to induce changes in Japan’s industrial structure and could contribute to consolidation and reorganization, especially in domestic market-oriented industries that lack international competitiveness. Therefore, the Japanese government works to attract more investment, and has set a target of lifting the ratio of the outstanding direct investment balance to gross domestic product to five percent in 2010. However, there still remain systemic impediments and strong resistance to hostile takeovers; these are driving away the foreign investors needed to materialize the long-term growth potential of the nation. Pages: 88-100 Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Year: 2008 Handle: RePEc:gig:chaktu:v:16:y:2008:i:1:p:88-100