What explains the LDP’s warmth toward a party that shares little of its political DNA? In this 2014 piece for The Japan Times, Robert Dujarric examines the curious alignment between Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and America’s GOP.

The deepening Sino-Japanese rift is effectively an open challenge to America’s position in Asia, forcing Washington to reconcile its treaty commitments with avoiding conflict.

Co-authors Dujarric and Shin Woon observe signs that Japan is becoming more inward-focused economically (fewer Japanese studying abroad, low foreign direct investment, closed job market). They warn that this “virtual Berlin Wall” around Japan is isolating it just as the rest of Asia globalizes, risking future stagnation.

Having the President’s ear is more important than speaking perfect Japanese – Roos’s personal access to Obama is a major plus for the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Despite Japan’s eagerness and budget, U.S. law and security concerns kept the F-22 out of Tokyo’s reach – a clear example of political and technical hurdles trumping alliance dynamics.

Obama’s presidency will likely prod Japan to take on greater responsibilities – from security contributions to energy policy – marking a shift from the more indulgent approach of previous U.S. administrations.