A Democratic administration under Barack Obama is expected to maintain strong relations with Japan and other allies, while conservative analysts try to raise doubts about his commitment to Japan.
"We are committed to U.S. engagement in Asia. This begins with maintaining strong relationships with allies like Japan, Australia, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines," said the 2008 Democratic Party platform adopted at the party's convention in Denver in August.
Greg Craig, a senior Obama adviser, said Obama, a first-time senator from Illinois, "is much more eager to work with our allies, rather than go it alone" than President George W. Bush and Republican presidential nominee John McCain.