Miyashita operates in a realist world and sets the research question in the broader context of Japan's rise in the interstate hierarchy over the past few decades. He reminds us that Japan has not truly escaped its asymmetric dependence on the United States. The analytic precision that is brought to bear allows this study to eclipse other work in this area.

Akio Watanabe, University of Tokyo (Emeritus)

Through a series of vivid case studies of Japanese foreign aid policy, Miyashita shows how the primacy of Japan's American connection often drives Japanese policy in directions the Japanese government, other things being equal, would prefer not to go. Miyashita's well-argued point is that other things are not equal and that it is Japan's asymmetric dependence on the United States that makes it a soft target for gaiatsu, the effective application of American pressure on Japan's foreign aid policy. Miyashita has written an interesting and important book.

Gerald Curtis, Professor of Political Science, Columbia University

This is a very useful addition to the literature on Japanese foreign aid policy. The book, well-written and forcefully argued, takes us beyond the more traditional way of looking at Japanese foreign aid. . ..At the same time, it is not a book just about foreign aid; it also addresses why Japan is sensitive to American pressure.

Pacific Affairs

Miyashita challenges a number of preexisting conclusions about Japanese aid policy and he provides an excellent case in support of alternative explanations. In doing so, he adds considerably to our understanding of Japanese politics and Japanese foreignpolicy.

T. J. Pempel, Director, Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley

Miyashita challenges a number of preexisting conclusions about Japanese aid policy and he provides an excellent case in
support of alternative explanations. In doing so, he adds considerably to our understanding of Japanese politics and Japanese
foreign policy.

T. J. Pempel, Director, Institute of East Asian Studies, University of California, Berkeley