Experts on Japanese-U.S. relations broadly see George W. Bush's victory in the U.S. presidential election as a good sign for Tokyo, as the Republican Party places relatively strong importance on Japan in its Asia policy, and the new administration is expected to take a less-confrontational approach to trade relations.
But some experts also said Bush's anticipated emphasis on the alliance with Japan will mean that Tokyo will be required to play a greater role in its ownsecurity.
Trade officials are concerned that, after the legal wrangling that kept the presidency undecided for weeks and split America along party lines, Bush may be kept busy with domestic politics and fail to pay sufficient heed to diplomatic concerns in the immediate future.