The idea of a "concert" or "league" of democracies has gained greater prominence of late, with Japan frequently mentioned on the shortlist for membership. Yet Japan's recent experiment with "values diplomacy" raises questions about how it might contribute to such a grouping of like-minded states. This article reviews Japan's values diplomacy and challenges the assumption that Japan would be as active in a Concert of Democracies as its proponents envision.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the East-West Center or any organization with which the author is affiliated.