Australia-Japan relations : close ties and shared aspirations

Japan has loomed large on the Australian consciousness in the post-war era. In many respects, the contemporary bilateral ties between Australia and Japan, which were founded on mutually shared interests in the post-war period, have been the most trouble-free relationship Australia has enjoyed with any country. Despite this positive assessment, however, the bilateral relationship has been hindered by periods of complacency and excessive focus by both countries on policies emanating out of Washington. This chapter will trace the post-war relationship with a focus on the normalisation of relations and the role that trade and more recently security have had as key drivers in strengthening ties. The critical role of successive Australian Prime Ministers will be examined and Japan's role in Australian post-war regional diplomacy will be assessed. Finally, sources of friction and future directions in bilateral ties will be addressed.