ASEAN-Japan Cooperation: A Politico-Historical Analysis

Abstract

Japan's formal relationship with ASEAN dates back to 1977, when the relationship got institutionalized through the ASEAN-Japan Forum. Since that time, Japan and ASEAN have established a dynamic partnership that has contributed significantly to the region's economic, political and social development. Japan depends on ASEAN for  raw materials and market for its industrial products. ASEAN on the other hand relies on Japan for supplies of industrial goods, investment, technological and foreign aid. Japans relations with the countries of the SEA region began on a purely bilateral basis but acquired a regional emphasis in the mid-sixties especially after the formation of ASEAN. However, the relationship had a tumultuous past due to the Japanese brutal occupation of   Southeast Asian countries during the second world war. This article will try to trace some of the main factors that helped overcome the hurdles of the painful past and thereby contributed to forging a robust relationship between the two.