From the end of the Second World War to the end of the Cold War, Japan had little room to maneuver in terms of conducting its foreign policy due to its close association with the United States. However, Japan sought to develop an independent policy towards Asia. In the 1990s it can no longer count on Cold War structures to provide the frame of reference for its foreign policy. "Japan's Asia Policy" explains the historical roots of Japan's foreign policy, especially Asia-versus-the-West debate. Wolf Mendl provides an up-to-date analysis of Japan's relations with the countries of North-East and South-East Asia. It also makes comparisons with the policies of powers of equal status in the postwar world.