Anglo-Japanese Relations since the 1960s: Towards Mutual Understanding – Beyond Friction

Abstract

In this chapter I would like to look at the whole spectrum of Anglo-Japanese relations since the 1960s. In discussing the history of this mutual exchange it is difficult to separate political from diplomatic, economic or cultural issues, since these categories have become closer in recent years. It is the case that economic problems directly become political problems, and cultural issues often develop into diplomatic ones. In certain periods of economic friction or (for example) when Japanese investment became a critical issue in discussions with Britain, such matters became the centrepiece of political and diplomatic relations. History after 1960 should not therefore be restricted to a political and diplomatic approach.