In this volume, Dr Abe sets out to answer a number of crucial questions on the effect of Japan's international relations upon its internal affairs - in particular how international issues, and Japan's growing relationship with the EU, have come to penetrate the political economy and decision-making structure in Japanese industry and legislation. Japan/EU affairs have never been marked by any significant political relations, and until the past 20 years, characterised by a reserved indifference.However, as a result of accelerated political and economic relations largely initiated by trade...