When Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan visits Washington, D.C. in a few months, the spotlight likely will shine on the anticipated roll-out of a new "vision" for the U.S.-Japan security relationship. But as Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara pointed out during a brief visit to Washington in early January, the continued evolution of the bilateral alliance also will depend on robust economic relations. Prof. Edward Lincoln of New York University considers domestic and regional developments that may challenge some of Tokyo's economic aspirations.

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