Japan and Asia in the New Century

There is no American scholar better able to discuss the relations between Japan and Asia in the 21st century than Ezra Vogel. During his long career as a sociologist, he observed first-hand enormous social changes in both Japan and China, but also stimulated debate about the role of Asian countries in the world economy and politics. In addition to major publications such as “Canton under Communism” (1969), “One Step Ahead in China: Guangdong Under Reform” (1989) and “Japan as Number One: Lessons for America” (1979), he served in the Clinton administration as the National Intelligence Officer for East Asia (1993-1995). Currently, he is also the Director of the Asia Foundation Task Force to recommend Asia policy for the next presidential administration.

On the basis of his long experience both as a scholar and a commentator on Asian affairs, he will address the following three questions:

1. How can relations between Japan and Korea continue to improve?
   
   
   
   
   
2. What are the problems in the China-Japan relationship?
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why is Japan an economic superpower in Asia, but not a political superpower?