This book is the first attempt to examine Japana (TM)s relations with Russia from the perspective of national identity; providing a new interpretation of Japana (TM)s perceptions of Russia and foreign policy.
Alexander Bukh focuses on the construction of the Japanese self using Russia as the other, examining the history of bilateral relations and comparisons between the Russian and Japanese national character. The first part of the book examines the formation of modern Japana (TM)s perceptions of Russia, focusing mainly on the Cold War years. The second part of the book examines how this identity construction has been reflected in Japana (TM)s economic, security and territorial dispute related policy towards post-Soviet Russia.
Providing not only a case study of the Japan-Russia relationship, but also engaging in a critical examination of existing International Relations frameworks for conceptualizing the relationship between national identity and foreign policy, the appeal of the book will not be limited to those interested in Japanese/Russian politics but will also be of interest to the broader body of students of International Relations.

Alexander Bukh is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Science at Tsukuba University, Japan. He holds an LL.M from Tokyo University and a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics.

1. Exploring Japan's Identity 2. Constructions of Japan's "Self" 3. Japan's "Soviet Union", Japan's "Russia" 4. Ainu, Russia and Japan's Quest for "Northern Territories" 5. Shiba's Original Forms of Japan and Russia 6. "Newly Born Russia" and Japan 7. The Idea of the Northern Territories. Conclusion