This study is the result of collaborative research by ASEAN and Japanese scholars. By means of cross analyses, the study attempts to understand the problems faced by both Japan and the ASEAN countries with the aim of generating effective joint mechanisms that would facilitate the relocation of certain industries from Japan to the ASEAN countries.

The central puzzle in the study of Japanese foreign policy has been why Japan has continued to play a passive role in international affairs, despite its impressive economic and political power. Challenging this central puzzle, the core argument of this study is to present an alternative path for the study of Japanese foreign policy. In fact, in recent years Japanese foreign policy has become less dependent on the United States, more strategic towards Asia, and more energetic towards international and regional institutions. One of the main features is multilateralism in Japanese foreign policy, as shown by Japan's active participation in the regional institutions. In pursuing multilateralism, Japan cooperated closely with the only durable regional body in Southeast Asia, to wit, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Given the fact that East Asian regionalism has been driven by ASEAN, it is of utmost urgency to investigate the emerging partnership between Japan and ASEAN. The central thesis of this study is thus to put Japan's ASEAN policy into a proper perspective by asserting that Japan's new policy initiatives towards ASEAN are not reactive, nor are they exceptions in a broader framework of merely reactive foreign policy.

This work is the result of collaborative research between ASEAN and Japanese scholars. It consists of two parts. The first focuses on the experiences and technology development efforts in ASEAN by ASEAN researchers. The second focuses on Japanese researchers’ perceptions on ASEAN needs and performances in technology development; and Japan’s historical experience as a recipient of international technology transfer

A burgeoning Japanese role in the Asia-Pacific region has been one of the most contentious issues to the Southeast Asian countries in recent years with its positive and negative implications. It is thus timely and significant to come to terms with Japan's "design" in the region from a historical perspective. Attributing Japan's active involvement in Southeast Asian affairs to the proclamation of the so-called Fukuda Doctrine of August 1977, this study traces the origins of Japan's political role in the region and analyses the development and effects of the very first Japanese foreign policy doctrine. As perhaps the most exclusive scrutiny on the Fukuda Doctrine as well as on Japan-ASEAN relations, this study renders a comprehensive history of Japan-Southeast Asia relations in the post-war period.

This is one in four country papers resulting from the ASEAN Regional Studies Promotion Programme. Relying on primary data collected through field surveys and various materials including those from official sources not readily available in published form, the papers deal comprehensively with problems related to the task of acquiring technology from developed countries - specifically Japan. In addition to the identification and examination of problems and issues common to the ASEAN countries, each paper gives a lucid account of special factors related to the state of technology transfer and skills enhancement in the particular country concerned.

This volume represents the first tangible results of transnational cooperative research between and among ASEAN and Japanese scholars. The ASEAN Overview covers Industrial and Related Trends in both Japan and ASEAN; ASEAN-Japan Economic Relations; and Policy Issues and Porposed Policy Studies. The Japan Overview covers both Economic Issues and Non-Econoimic Issues in Japan-ASEAN Industrial Cooperation.

This is country paper is one in four resulting from the ASEAN Regional Studies Promotion Programme. Relying on primary data collected through field surveys and various materials including those from official sources not readily available in published form, the papers deal comprehensively with problems related to the task of acquiring technology from developed countries - specifically Japan. In addition to the identification and examination of problems and issues common to the ASEAN countries, each paper gives a lucid account of special factors related to the state of technology transfer and skills enhancement in the particular country concerned.