Since Prime Minister Koizumi’s visit to Pyongyang in North Korea last September, Japanese diplomatic efforts have captured the world’s attention. However, the many Japanese “abduction” cases had been continuously neglected over the past quarter century. Had it not been for the direction of international diplomacy since “the fight to eliminate terrorism” announced by the Bush administration after the shocking terrorism in New York on September 11, 2001, the turning point in acknowledging these cases might never have come.

There are pros and cons regarding the American diplomatic policy of not hesitating to use force against any country that resists the American diplomatic imperative. However, acting in the nature of policeman to the world, cracking down on any country or group that intends to disrupt new world order, America demonstrates its strong “sense of mission” and “national will.”

The Bush administration, differing greatly from Clinton administration, is already working for the demise of the Kim Jong-il regime in North Korea.  What concerns America is the timing and process of that regimes dissolution. The end of Kim’s government may herald the beginning of a new cold war among America, China, Russia, Korea and Japan.

Like a warrior provoking a battle with only a “Wakizashi”(or short sword), Prime Minister Koizumi’s diplomacy proceeds with only economic power as Japan’s “strength” arrayed against China, Russia and North Korea all of whom armed with nuclear weapons.

The only card Prime Minister Koizumi can play against these countries is “the power of intelligence;” Japan must utilize this potential ability, gathering “information” throughout the north east Asia region.