PM Noda must step up to the plate for Japan

With the current fluidity in Japanese politics, it may be hard to keep track of the nature of the country's foreign policy, especially concerning those countries or regions that are not its major concerns. The newly installed cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda so far has said the right things. The new premier reiterated that cleaning up in the aftermath of the March 11 natural and nuclear disasters will be the top priority for his government. He also strongly maintained that the US-Japanese military alliance is the most important security pillar of the country. Meanwhile, he has also made contact with major powers to arrange meetings with their leaders as they are scheduled to convene in New York for the UN General Assembly later this month.

What Japan needs the most at the moment, apart from stability on the domestic front, is a strong regional leadership outlook. The aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear crisis and the tsunami in March has perhaps been a blessing in disguise. It has brought a sense of realism to Japan's potential power-brokering in the regional and global context. The sympathy and understanding that the world has given to Japan, not to mention that which specifically came from the Asean nations, is a strong testimony to Japan's place in the world. Therefore, it is imperative for the new government to show global leadership and take advantage of this goodwill. Otherwise, Japan could be further bogged down by inward-looking initiatives. New Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba must not miss this opportunity.

Japan's future nuclear energy programme has been put in jeopardy because of the Fukushima disaster. Since March, the Japanese government has tried hard to re-establish its credentials on nuclear safety measures, both in bilateral and multilateral forums. Several countries, including Vietnam and Turkey, have expressed commitment to importing Japanese nuclear technology. The previous government also viewed such cooperation as an important measure to revive the sagging domestic economy.

The frequent changes of leadership in Japan - five prime ministers in six years - has gradually diminished the country's international and regional influence. With Noda and Genba now installed in power, it is hoped that Japan will display much-needed decisiveness in the upcoming East Asia Summit. Japan needs to push for further economic growth and regional integration at this summit, which will be attended by the leaders of the US, China, Russia, India, Australia, New Zealand and the ten members of Asean. Over the past four decades, Japan has been instrumental in bridging the gap between developed and less developed nations in the region. Future economic integration between Asean and northeast Asia must continue.

When the Democratic Party of Japan won the election by a landslide two years ago, there were high hopes that Japan would initiate bold policies that would display assertiveness and independence. Somehow, these qualities have not emerged in the regional scheme of things. With a very high approval rating of over 60 per cent, Noda should move quickly to raise Japan's regional and international profile. Japan needs to give further assurances that its economy is back on the recovery path and will soon be functioning normally and at full capacity.