Among the problems which perplex many Japanese is their relationship with the countries of south-east Asia. During the past century Japan has oscillated between policies of disengagement, aggressive expansion and economic reparation, not always well received; and at the same time has moved resolutely into the orbit of the West. The Japanese want to do right by south-east Asia, but find themselves caught between two worlds.
Louis Allen discusses the Japanese dilemma with SHINICHI ICHIMURA and TORU YANO , past and present directors, respectively, of Kyoto University Centre for South-East Asian Studies. Producer STANLEY WILLIAMSON BBC Manchester followed by an interlude