Abstract
In response to a rapidly changing Asia–Pacific, Japan has formulated a number of foreign policy strategies over the past two decades. Particular focus is given to Tokyo’s ‘value-oriented diplomacy’ and ‘proactive pacifism’ that became a central element in the first and the current second Abe Administration’s foreign policy strategies, respectively. While these strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Japan’s influence by fostering a closer co-operation based on shared ‘universal values’ with like-minded countries, they are best understood in the context of an increasingly complex economic-security architecture across the Asia–Pacific that has seen a growingly assertive China and a declining US influence. This chapter’s conclusion addresses whether Tokyo’s strategies might imply a paradigm shift in Japanese diplomacy going forward.