Japan and the Origins of the Asia-Pacific Order: Masayoshi Ohira's Diplomacy and Philosophy

This book provides a critical biography of Masayoshi Ohira, examining his ideology, philosophy, and actions as a politician and minister. It explores his political philosophy, focusing on his vision of creating a new order in the Asia-Pacific region, and his efforts to balance pursuit of this goal with Asian diplomacy and cooperation with the USA. Based on primary sources from Japan and the USA, it makes a significant contribution to the field of Japanese political and diplomatic history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 167 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the ideology, philosophy, and actions of Masayoshi Ohira, a prominent politician and minister in Japan, as well as his significant contributions to the field of Japanese political and diplomatic history. Drawing upon primary sources from Japan and the United States, the author offers a detailed analysis of Ohira's life and work, with a particular focus on his political philosophy and his ambitious vision for creating a new order in the Asia-Pacific region.

As the first critical biography to explore the life and career of Masayoshi Ohira, this book sheds light on his political philosophy and his unwavering pursuit of establishing a new order in the Asia-Pacific region. Ohira's unwavering commitment to diplomacy made him a pioneer in Japanese statesmanship, and his extensive involvement in foreign policy had a profound impact on the region.

One of the remarkable aspects of Ohira's career was his two-term tenure as foreign minister, a rare achievement in Japanese politics. During his time in office, he attempted to balance the pursuit of a new order in the Pacific Rim with Asian diplomacy, emphasizing cooperation with the United States while avoiding excessive reliance on it. This nuanced approach reflected Ohira's understanding of the complex dynamics of international relations and his desire to foster stability and cooperation in the region.

The availability of original documents decades after Ohira's death has made this book possible, allowing the author to meticulously follow and record Ohira's diplomatic vision. The book combines history, political philosophy, political science, and international relations, making it of interest to history scholars, students of Japan, and those interested in the foreign relations of countries such as the United States, China, and Korea.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable addition to the literature on Japanese political and diplomatic history. It provides a comprehensive analysis of Masayoshi Ohira's life and work, shedding light on his political philosophy, his contributions to foreign policy, and his vision for a new order in the Asia-Pacific region. Through the use of primary sources and a rigorous analytical approach, the author offers a fresh perspective on Ohira's legacy and his place in the history of Japan and international relations.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811919015
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022