Hiroki Nakamura

Japan is working with African countries to advance the “Rule of Law”. At the same time, business relation between Japan and Africa are gaining importance. The cooperation in the field of politics such as the “Rule of Law” and economy are complementary. Both can help to strengthen the relation between Japan and Africa.

The world is becoming increasingly volatile. Great powers tend to ignore the “Rule of Law.” But the rules can protect middle and small powers. The “Rule of Law” is even more important for smaller powers because they are weaker. Therefore, Japan and African countries are potentially partners. Even European countries can be part of it, also. Japan can work with African countries to strengthen the “Rule of Law”.

30 years have passed since TICAD process was initiated in 1993.There has been the 2 general shifts of orientations since then. One is the shift from ODA to Business. Another is the shift from economic assistance to political issues. Business orientation is necessary because Africa’s economy is developing and Japan cannot increase ODA drastically. The public sector has to continue to encourage the private sector to do business in Africa and with Africa toward TICAD 9 and further. There are much more to do in the field of Peace and Security. The political situation of African continent is alarming. Especially, the unconstitutional changes of government can be very damaging for Africa and for the world. The dissatisfaction of African people toward western countries has been largely exploited by the putschists. Japan has an advantage because African people don’t have this kind of negative feeling toward Japan. Japan has to make use of this advantage to promote the universal values that it advocates and to contain this dangerous tendency. With this regard, the upcoming TICAD 9 offers a great opportunity for Japan.

Japan has to improve its approach to Africa to increase or maintain its presence in Africa. Value-oriented diplomacy is a way to promote Japanese presence in Africa. Concrete projects which confirm and endorse the values are needed. Projects related to the maritime security could be this kind of cooperation. The public diplomacy is also important. Japan has to show the seriousness of its commitments toward Africa by showing the coherence between its ideas and its projects through effective public diplomacy.