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Philipp Franz von Siebold Stiftung
Deutsches Institut fuer Japanstudien
DIJ Forum
In its series of public lectures, the German Institute for Japanese
Studies will present on
Wednesday, April 5, 2000
Bernhard May
(German Society for Foreign Affairs, Berlin)
"US-Japan Relations in Turmoil?"
A decade ago, Japan seemed poised to become the leading economy of the
21st century. Americans in the 1980s envied Japan for its strong
economic growth, low inflation, low unemployment and its companies that
were global leaders in their industries. Since these were related to
fundamentals such as a strong family system, education, work ethic,
political stability and high savings, Japan's position seemed secure.
But the nation has squandered its chances and now faces a troubled
future. Optimists are hoping for a strong Japan finally re-emerging. But
over the next several decades Japan will have to face a couple of
critical problems: stimulating the economy, restructuring its industrial
system, solving the debt and banking crisis, dealing with the
demographic change, reforming the political system, and defining Japan's
role in Asia as well as in world politics. The translation of those
tasks into action will lead to serious problems in US-Japan relations.
It will create serious economic and especially trade problems. The
overcoming of serious political and security challenges and a
repositioning of Japan's role in world politics in terms of burden and
responsibility sharing will demand priority on the agenda.
Dr. May is Senior Research Fellow at the Research Institute of the
German Society for Foreign Affairs in Berlin, lecturer in international
relations at the Free University of Berlin, and Secretary General of the
German section of the Trilateral Commission. Dr. May has published
widely on European integration, American foreign policy, Japan's foreign
policy, and world trade issues. His most recent books are Japan in der
Krise [Japan in Crisis]; Asia, Europe and the Challenges of
Globalization (together with J. Krause and U. Niemann).
The lecture will be given in English. It will take place on Wednesday,
April 05, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. at the DIJ. Admission is free, but please
register by April 03 with Ms. Dinkel at the DIJ.
Deutsches Institut foer Japanstudien
Nissei Kojimachi Bldg., 3-3-6 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074
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