As Japan seeks good relations with Southeast Asian countries, one positive development of late is its continued aid to Cambodia. A recent news report noted that Japan is the largest donor to the Cambodian court seeking to try members of the Khmer Rouge for crimes committed during its reign. Support for the special United Nations-backed court, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, is one way that Japan can constructively contribute to the region's development.
Japan has much to offer beyond the monetary. Its experience with democracy, the rule of law and its civil society are valuable commodities that can be exported. That knowledge can help Cambodia, in this case, facilitate the work of courts and expand the rule of law. That may be a more nebulous contribution, but in the long run, it will last longer than a new bridge or another factory.
Despite the weaknesses and problems with the legal system here in Japan, its greatest export might just be judicial.