The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ) E-Letter

1 February 2013, Vol. 6, No. 1

Greetings,

"The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ) E-Letter" is delivered electronically bimonthly, free of charge, to the readers in the world interested in Japanese thinking on the relations of Japan with the rest of the world and other related international affairs by the Global Forum of Japan (GFJ), private membership organization in Japan for policy-oriented international exchanges.

It will provide the global audience with our news on "GFJ Commentary" and "GFJ Updates."

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"GFJ Commentary" presents views of members and friends of GFJ on the relations of Japan with the rest of the world and other related international affairs. The view expressed herein is the author's own and should not be attributed to GFJ.

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"Japan Should Formulate the Basic Policy of Living Without China"
                                     By OGAWA Hajime
                                     Visiting Professor, Bunka Gakuen University

China is still continuing to threaten and annoy Japan over the Senkaku Islands dispute. The notion of incorrigible Sino-Centrism as known as "China is always right" has remained unchanged for the past thousands of years. The Chinese government does not hesitate to instigate anti-Japanese demonstrations, bash facilities of Japanese companies, bluff and intimidate Japan and heap abuse on Japan. China does not apologize at all and acts on the idea that Japan is to blame. In my opinion, it is extremely dangerous for Japan to depend on China. Unless our country serves China as its subject and totally listens to it, similar problems will constantly occur. Even if Japan loses China's huge market with a population of 1.3 billion, it will be much more beneficial than to depend on the country.

What we should keep in mind is that Japan stands in a different position from the rest of the world in terms of diplomacy for China. It is said that the Japanese easily forget the past, but the Chinese remember the past. Japan must always be ready to face up to the reality, once anything undesirable happens, China will direct its criticism at Japan. Japan should formulate the basic policy of gradually reducing its dependence on China.

Japan should not give in to China's pressures by any means. If China realizes that Japan is a weak country, she will act on its advantageous situations. From an international perspective, Japan should closely cooperate with the United States, and should also strengthen its relationships with Asian countries sharing common interests and collaborate with them. To deal with a situation in a cool-headed manner is different from remaining silent not doing anything. The Japanese government should not bow to China. Japanese politicians should stop making humbly visits to China as they have up until now. Japanese tourists should also consider the risk of not knowing what will happen in China.

Lastly, with regard to the economy, if there is a problem between Japan and China, China will definitely annoy our country. The rare earth issue is a good example. As long as these acts are made on the initiative of the Chinese government, we cannot expect the Japanese government's support and it will be ineffective. If you do business in China, you should do it at your own risk. Accidentally, Toyota's examples shows that it will not be impossible to raise profits without China. Japan should be ready to live without China, not thinking of just immediate profits even if Japan grits its teeth.

(This is the English translation of an article which originally appeared on the BBS "Giron-Hyakushutsu" of GFJ on 8 November, 2012, and was posted on "GFJ Commentary" on 13 December, 2012.)

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For more views and opinions in the backnumber of "GFJ Commentary," the latest of which are as follows, please refer to:
http://www.gfj.jp/eng/commentary/backnumber.html

No.45 "A bluff is the best way to approach Japanese"

by FUJINAGA Takeshi, the Reservists' Blue-Ribbon Association Secretary
(19 October 2012)

No.44 "Still in Office, NIWA Uichiro? Shame on You"

by OKADA Shoichi, former corporate executive
(17 August 2012)

No.43 "Will World Uyghur Congress Sink a Great Ship?"

by MUTSUJI Shoji, Lecturer, Yokohama City University
(26 June 2012)

No.42 "Japan-ASEAN Dialogue" Should Discuss Not Only "Sea" But "Space"

by MATSUI Akira, former Ambassador of Japan to Kazakhstan
(27 April 2012)

No.41 Is the US Really Returning to East Asia?

by SAKAI Nobuhiko, Director of Japan Institute of Nationalism Studies and former Professor of the University of Tokyo
(10 February 2012)

No.40 Is It True That Nobody Could Predict the Fall of the Soviet Union?

by YAMAMOTO Yuichi, former Lecturer of university
(16 December 2011)

"GFJ Updates" introduces to you the latest events, announcements and/or publications of GFJ.

The Fourth Japan-Black Sea Area Dialogue "How to Develop Japan and Black Sea Area Cooperation"

The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ), under the co-sponsorship with Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), will convene The Fourth Japan-Black Sea Area Dialogue "How to Develop Japan and Black Sea Area Cooperation" in Tokyo on February 21, 2013.

This dialogue will feature such eminent panelists as Prof. MUTSUSHIKA Shigeo of University of Shizuoka and Ms. KOIKE Yuriko of Member of the House of Representatives from the Japanese side, and Amb. Victor TVIRCUN of Secretary General of BSEC and Dr. Ioan Mircea PASCU of Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EP) from Black Sea Area side.

For more information, please refer to;
http://www.gfj.jp/jpn/dialogue/47/draft_program.pdf

The readers of GFJ E-Letter are invited to pay attention to the notice of GFJ that it will offer an "Invitation Ticket" to the first 20 applicants for participation in the Dialogue. Should you wish to attend the Dialogue, please inform us of (1) your name, (2) affiliation, (3) title, (4) phone number, (5) e-mail address, and (6) the sessions you wish to attend by e-mail ( dialogue@gfj.jp ) by February 15. We will send an "Invitation Ticket" to the first 20 applicants by e-mail by February 18. Unless an "Invitation Ticket" is sent to you by then, please understand that you are not included in our invitation list this time. English-Japanese simultaneous interpretation will be provided at the Dialogue.

The Japan-China Dialogue "Toward a Future-Oriented Japan-China Relationship" Held

The Global Forum of Japan (GFJ), under the co-sponsorship with Beijing Normal University, World Resources Institute, Zhejiang University and The Japan Forum on International Relations, organized the "The Japan-China Dialogue" on the theme of "Toward a Future-Oriented Japan-China Relationship" in Tokyo on January 24, 2013. This Dialogue was attended by 102 participants including Prof. HIRONO Ryokichi of Seikei University, Prof. ITO Go of Meiji University, Prof. YU Xunda of College of Public Administration, Zhejiang University and Dr. HU Tao of Beijing Normal University.

For more please refer to :
http://www.gfj.jp/eng/dialogue/46/cp.pdf

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