Japan has been a strong supporter of major U.S. foreign policies for the past three years based on the close personal relationship between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President George W. Bush.
But that honeymoon could enter a rocky period in 2004 due to the summer House of Councilors election and Nov. 2 U.S. presidential poll.
"2004 is a more critical year because both are in a situation where they have to subject themselves once again to a democratic process and they could come out weaker," said Henry Nau, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University.