How does the interaction between these two countries influence both of them
Answers
Relations with the United States are more important for Japan than those with any other country.
As for the importance of Japan-U.S. relations in the economic field, the United States has hitherto been the greatest force supporting the free and non-discriminatory international trade system, which has benefited Japan and brought the prosperity it enjoys today. Although a shadow has been cast over the economic strength of the United States at present, the future progress of the world economy still depends in no small measure on the attitude of the United States in view of the scale and influence of its economy.
Next, Japan's relations with the United States have a very great significance for the peace and security of Japan. Regarding its own defense, Japan's basic concept is to build up gradually a self-defense potential in the field of conventional weapons commensurate with its national power and national conditions, and also to depend on the overall military potential of the United States including its nuclear deterrent power. The maintenance of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security is an indispensable factor in this concept.
The relative importance of the United States in world politics has been diminishing and its military role in Asia is tending to decrease. However, it is believed that the importance of Japan-U.S. relations will remain unchanged and even increase in the age of multi-polarization. This is because Japan needs to consolidate the foundation of its survival, if it is to successfully maintain its position in the pluralized and complicated international society, in which numerous countries exert varying degrees of influence of each other. Japan-U.S. relations truly- form that foundation. In carrying out a many-sided diplomacy to meet the requirements of a multi-polarized age, the bonds of Japan-U.S. relations will be far from an obstacle, and it will be possible for Japan to carry out truly fruitful multilateral diplomatic activities on the basis of Japan.-U.S. friendship and cooperation. In view of the global influence and roles of the two countries, it should be taken into consideration that developments in Japan-U.S. relations will greatly affect not only Japan but also Asia and the world as a whole.
The year 1972 should be remembered for a long time as the year in which the reversion of Okinawa was realized to fulfill a long-cherished wish of the entire Japanese nation. This was made possible by the firm belief of the Governments of Japan and the United States in the importance of Japan-U.S. relations.