Analysts say Tokyo is excessively optimistic about U.S. President Barack Obama's re-election and his administration's strategic shift toward the Asia-Pacific region is unlikely to result in any dividend for Japan.
Instead of trying to protect the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are claimed by China, Washington could urge Tokyo to bolster its defense capability on its own because Obama is aiming to cut military spending during his second term, according to experts.
"Ultraman won't come without doing anything," said Tatsuhiko Yoshizaki, executive vice president of Sojitz Research Institute, comparing the United States to the popular giant-size hero character.