Indeed, Japan's more assertive attitude is aimed at some of the same countries that Washington has serious concerns about, including China and North Korea.
"On defense, the UN ... Japan's [postwar] policies are a subset of US needs," said Ronald Morse, professor of Japan studies at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
During the Cold War, the US needed Japan to act as a bulwark in Asia against the spread of communism. Washington hasn't stopped exerting outside pressure on Tokyo -- and Tokyo has complied.
"If you look at the environment, Iraq, US base reorganization, beef, illegal prostitution, Taiwan -- it [Japan's foreign policy] is all driven by Washington's actions," Morse said.
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