By Channel NewsAsia's Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida | Posted: 17 September 2009 2206 hrsTOKYO: Japan's new DPJ-led government is looking to overhaul its relationship with the United States.
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada has signalled that it would renegotiate an agreement on US military bases in Japan.
The United States has 47,000 troops stationed in the country, more than half of which are on Okinawa island.
Japan's support for US-led operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan are expected to come under immediate review.
"I am very confident that the strength of our relationship and our alliance will stand the test of any political changes, although there will be new policies and new approaches. I think that's only to be expected," said Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State.
Mr Okada has ordered his ministry officials to re-investigate a secret deal with the US regarding the possibility of US ships carrying nuclear weapons into Japanese ports.
The results of the investigation are expected to be released by the end of November. If the outcome supports the existence of such a secret deal, it would be a violation of Japan's non-nuclear policy and an embarrassment to the former LDP government.
"His style may provide an interesting future, in both positive and negative ways. His positive ways are reflected in his fresh policy towards a nuclear free world. He's been too idealistic," said Masashi Nishihara, president of the Research Institute for Peace and Security.
"He's trying to make score, a good point in the early stages of his tenure," he added.
Mr Okada, known as Mr Clean, also plans to take a tougher stance against North Korea.
He said normalisation of ties would be out of the question, unless long-standing issues - such as abduction of Japanese citizens and nuclear proliferation - are resolved.
- CNA/sc
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