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Japan and the United Nations Fact sheet released by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs U.S. Department of State, June 26, 2000

Since joining the United Nations in 1956, Japan has assumed an increasingly important and constructive role in UN activities. Japan has been elected eight times to two-year terms on the UN Security Council; most recently, Japan completed a two-year term in December 1998. Japan is the second largest financial supporter of the UN after the United States, currently shouldering an assessment rate of 20.57% of the UN regular budget. Japanese nationals, such as High Commissioner for Refugees Ogata, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Akashi and Ambassador Matsuura as head of UNESCO have served with distinction in the United Nations.

Seeking to play a broader international role commensurate with its economic capabilities and political interests, Japan has expressed interest in securing a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The U.S. has publicly supported Japan's bid for a UN Security Council permanent seat since 1972. Since 1992, UN members have had on-going consultations regarding the question of Security Council composition and the status of additional countries/regions, including Japan, as permanent members.

Consistent with its interest in playing an expanded international role, Japan is moving toward a higher financial and personnel profile in international peacekeeping. Japanese Self Defense Forces have provided transport and secondary support for UN peacekeeping operations in Cambodia, Mozambique, and on the Golan Heights. Japanese election observers also served in peacekeeping operations in Angola and El Salvador. Passage in Japan of a UN peacekeeping law in 1992 established a framework for such activities. A number of Japanese leaders advocate greater participation in UN peacekeeping activities within this framework. The governing coalition is considering a proposal to amend current Japanese law to permit Japanese personnel in UN-led peacekeeping operations to carry out greatly expanded duties: monitoring disarmaments; patrolling buffer zones; collecting, storing, and destroying weapons; assisting in establishing a cease-fire zone; and participating in the exchange of prisoners.

The United States welcomes Japan's broadening role in the United Nations, including its financial, leadership, and personnel contributions to peacekeeping efforts around the world.

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