Abstract
In 2012, the Obama Administration represented by its Secretary of State Hilary Clinton published an ambitious document putting forth the United States' intention to pivot its main foreign policy concerns to the Asia-Pacific region. Traditionally in charge of ensuring security over allies such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, the U.S desires to project itself as an Asia-Pacific power and a major actor in the regional sphere. Two main legal obligations are currently shaping and constraining Japanese foreign policy-making: the U.S-Japan Security treaty, as well as its own constitution. On one hand, article 9 of Japan's constitution of May 1947, doesn't grant the state its right to belligerency and possess "war potential".
On the other hand, the U.S-Japan Security treaty, constrained Japan to resolve international dispute through peaceful mean (Art. 1) and gives prominence to the U.S to deal with aggression and the country's security (Art. 6). This essay will analyze whether or not contemporary events in international affairs, could justify the means for Japan to reevaluate its role as a regional diplomatic power; moreover, it will recommend the resources Japan should use in order to achieve its national interests while respecting international law and protecting regional peace.
