Japan's diplomacy somewhat stabilized since Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's government was formed in September, but the real challenge -- whether it can play a pivotal role in reshaping the regional order in the Asia-Pacific region -- will come in 2012.
Noda traveled abroad every month since his inauguration, wiping off a long list of countries to be visited by a Japanese leader after months of diplomatic stalemate under the previous leadership, as though it is customary for Japanese people to do a big house cleaning toward the end of a year to welcome a new year with fresh mind.
But, to stay with this analogy, the situation has recently become unexpectedly difficult as if a toy box has been turned upside down while in the final stage of cleaning. (Mainichi)
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