Abstract
Japan has always claimed for a particular place in international relations. The Japanese prefer their country to be a unique model of integration – or non-integration – in the world's diplomatic system rather than a “normal power” that has never been supported by any majority of Japanese diplomats.
Thus, we can wonder what is the “uniqueness of Japan's diplomacy?
Obviously, such uniqueness can be defined by the contradictions in Japan's international aims and the paradoxes in her vision of her place within the world and within the state's alliances – radically opposed views in international relations have always defined Japanese diplomacy in her history.
Indeed, Japan always swung between isolationism and internationalism, Asianism or alliance with the West, independent leadership or alignment with a great power.
