Japan’s African Diplomacy in Africa: The Interaction of External and Internal Factors

Abstract

This chapter underscores the interaction between external and internal factors (as unit actors) and the relevance of each factor in terms of both decision level and scope in the shift of Japan’s decision-making in organizing TICAD. It contends that external factors in terms of pressure have facilitated the organization of TICAD but have not been decisive. Paradoxically, the aloofness of some domestic actors regarding Africa gave MOFA space to launch TICAD. Ultimately, Japan’s domestic policy changes and ODA reforms shaped the power balance among the political actors, which in turn had a positive effect on the outcome of TICAD.