Since 1965 when the idea of a Pacific Free Trade Area (PAFTA) was proposed, there have been rising levels of integration and co-operation between the Asian-Pacific countries. Pekka Korhonen examines the nature of Japan's economic rise since World War II and its economic and political relations with other nations in the Pacific area as a result of that economic prowess.

Japan and Asia Pacific Integration is a study of regional integration in the greater Pacific area during 1968-1996. It examines the political rationale of such international organisations as the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum, and the East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC). There is a focus on Japanese conceptions of regionalism and integration, but the attitudes of other countries such as the United States, Australia, Malaysia and China are also explored.