When it comes to postwar reconstruction and building ties with the United States after World War II, Japan usually gets compared to Germany. That's hardly surprising, given that the two countries were allies during the war in which they were ultimately defeated by the Allies. The economic recovery of both Japan and Germany would have not been possible without U.S. support, while both continue to depend deeply on a U.S. commitment to regional security in Asia and Europe, respectively.
Yet when it comes to having a special relationship with the U.S., there are more similarities between Japan and Britain than there are with Germany. To be sure, the historical, cultural, social and, of course, linguistic ties that the U.S. and Britain share are undoubtedly the strongest bar none. No other European country, including Germany, France and Italy, could claim to have as deep-rooted ties with the U.S. at all levels as Britain does.
But in Asia, Japan is the staunchest ally and partner of the U.S., and not just because of the security alliance or the fact that together they account for about 30 percent of global GDP. Japan has also come to represent U.S. values and interests in Asia even as Washington itself is seemingly retreating from some of those commitments itself.