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 analyzes his political philosophy and how he sought to create a new order in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on his cooperation with the USA without becoming overly reliant on it. The availability of original documents has enabled the author to systematically follow and record Ohira's diplomatic vision, making it of appeal to history scholars and students of Japan, as well as the foreign relations of countries such as the USA, China, and Korea.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 167 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
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 the region and his desire to foster stability and cooperation among nations.

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 the region, and his enduring legacy. Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, this book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of Japanese foreign policy and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.

Weight: 291g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811919046
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022