Japan's diplomatic outreach has grown since Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's government was formed in September, but the real challenge — whether it can play a pivotal role in reshaping the order in the Asia-Pacific region — will come this year.
Noda has traveled abroad each month since his inauguration, checking off a long list of countries expecting a visit from Japan's leader. The moves — not unlike the Japanese custom of yearend cleaning to usher in the new year with a fresh start — came after months of diplomatic stalemate under the previous leadership.
But the situation recently turned unexpectedly difficult, as if a toy box had been turned upside down and emptied in the final stages of cleaning.