2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences60:Japanese Diplomacy
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Yoko Ikemiyagi
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Wed (J2-203(J221))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.S451
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Aug 6, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Postwar Japanese Diplomacy
This course introduces the basic history of Japan’s foreign policy after World War II and helps students develop ways of thinking about it. In particular, it focuses on how the key structures that shape Japan’s diplomacy today were formed, and what their strengths and limitations are. The course examines Japan’s diplomatic history in connection with developments in international politics, especially its relationships with the United States and countries in Asia.
By studying the history of postwar Japanese diplomacy, students will gain a deeper understanding of the foreign policy challenges Japan faces today and be able to form their own opinions on these issues.
Course description and aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the key developments and characteristics of Japan’s foreign policy since World War II, and use this knowledge to consider contemporary international issues involving Japan.
2. Analyze challenges in Japanese diplomacy from multiple perspectives, and explain their own ideas clearly and logically.
3. Maintain an active interest in Japan’s international role and learn how to gather reliable information from diverse sources.
Keywords
Postwar Japanese diplomacy, Article 9 of the Constitution, U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, Self-Defense Forces, U.S. Military Bases, International Security
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
1. The class will be conducted in a lecture format using slides.
2. At the beginning of each session, students will complete short review exercises based on the previous lecture.
3. Students are encouraged to write down questions or comments, which the instructor will address in the following class. This approach helps deepen understanding and promotes two-way communication.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Introduction |
Explain the course overview, learning objectives, reference materials, and the criteria and methods for grading. |
| Class 2 | Constitution and U.S.-Japan Security Treaty |
Understand the foundation of Japan’s postwar foreign policy and the tensions between the Constitution and the Security Treaty. |
| Class 3 | Security Treaty Revision |
Learn how the treaty was revised and what that meant for Japan’s diplomacy. |
| Class 4 | Okinawa and U.S. Bases |
Study how Okinawa was returned to Japan and learn about the problems with U.S. bases there, and how these relate to the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. |
| Class 5 | Japan’s Diplomacy in Asia |
Review the history of Japan’s diplomacy in Asia and examine Japan’s role within the region. |
| Class 6 | Japan and International Security |
Study the changes in Japan’s diplomacy after the Cold War and explore the modern issues it deals with. |
| Class 7 | Final exam and Summary of the course |
Check students’ understanding of the course content through a final exam and review the main points covered in the lectures. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to reference books and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None required.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
1. Sumio Hatano and Taizo Miyagi (eds.), "How Should We Understand Japanese Diplomacy?: From the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty and Historical Issues to Okinawa," Keio University Press, 2025. (Japanese)
2. Shiro Sato, Shinji Kawana, Tomoya Kamino, Kosuke Saito, and Wataru Yamaguchi (eds.), "Japan's Contemporary Diplomacy: Issues and Debates [Revised Edition]," Horitsubunka Sha, 2024. (Japanese)
3. Yoshihide Soeya, "Japanese Diplomacy: Interpreting the Postwar Era (Middle Power Diplomacy)," Chikuma Shobo, 2017. (Japanese)
Other relevant references will be introduced during the lectures as necessary.
Course materials are provided before class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Students’ course scores are based on final exams (80%) and exercise problems (20%).
Related courses
- LAH.S104 ： International Relations A
- LAH.S204 ： International Relations B
- LAH.S305 ： International Relations C
- LAH.S426 ： Essence of Humanities and Social Sciences26:International Relations
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are necessary, but it is recommended that students have some basic knowledge of Japanese history at the high school level.