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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
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Japan, Help Us Wrestle the World's Problems

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(Newser) – Japan's economic collapse in the 1990s and its decades of US dependence have left the nation rather timid, Christian Caryl writes in Newsweek. But its strong economy, bold environmental moves, and likely change of government this year will leave it poised to help the world. “The only trick now,” Caryl writes, “is to persuade Tokyo—under its current leaders or its next ones—to take the plunge.”

Japan has already shown some gusto, extending a credit line to the International Monetary Fund and bolstering Asia's financial security with financial mechanisms called credit swaps. Next, it can boost world security with non-military "boots on the ground" in hot-spots like Afghanistan. Japan must stop being "the Hamlet of Asia, endlessly fretting about its waning world influence while failing to do much about it," writes Caryl.

Japanese Sumo wrestlers.
Japanese Sumo wrestlers.   (AP Photo)
Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso gestures while speaking during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso gestures while speaking during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos.   (AP Photo)
Charts showing Japan's industrial production index and unemployment rate.
Charts showing Japan's industrial production index and unemployment rate.   (AP Photo)
A makushita rikishi performs the bow dance or 'yumitorishiki' to conclude day one of the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on June 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
A makushita rikishi performs the bow dance or 'yumitorishiki' to conclude day one of the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on June 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
Sumo wreslters squat in positon during a demonstration of techniques prior to the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on June 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Sumo wreslters squat in positon during a demonstration of techniques prior to the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on June 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
Tosanoumi pushes at the neck of Wakanoho during their second round match during the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on June 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Tosanoumi pushes at the neck of Wakanoho during their second round match during the 2008 Grand Sumo Tournament at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on June 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.   (Getty Images)
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When they say 'boots on the ground,' it doesn't have to be military boots. It can be the boots of construction workers, teachers, health officials. - Jeff Kingston, Temple University Tokyo, on Japan's international presence

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