Japan's "rather rosy" start in 2008, as a senior Foreign Ministry official described it recently, with all the back-patting over commitments to climate change and African development reached at key summits hosted by the nation, soon faded in the face of domestic political chaos and the global economic crisis.
Stepping into 2009, Japan faces both chances and challenges as it struggles to make its presence felt — the opportunity to take a lead in assisting other economies ride out the economic storm, and the difficult choices anticipated in building its relationship with the incoming U.S. Democratic administration, experts said.
It is often said Japan enjoys better relations with the U.S., its closest ally, under Republican administrations. Some Japanese officials acknowledge the anxiety in Tokyo and say the government has already begun consultations with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's aides.