Few would doubt that Japan's economic relevance was already being questioned by some in the global community before the tragic events of March 11.
This was due to such things as years of economic sluggishness, the rise of China as Asia's leading economy and key driver of global economic growth, and Japan's high-cost economy due to the strength of the yen. Also working to undermine Japan's international economic relevance were perceptions of years of political inertia hindering development and implementation of a long-term economic reform program.
The recent crisis has put Japan center stage on the international agenda, and the country's response to the current economic, environmental and humanitarian challenges will clearly determine how it will be perceived by stakeholders around the world for many years to come.