Japan's potential is great, but its performance has been lacking. Too often in the past, Japan has allowed domestic economic and political factors to stain its international reputation. For example, Japan has failed to demonstrate that the primary goal of its foreign aid program is development, not economic gain for Japanese companies. Some projects, furthermore, give the appearance of being designed solely for the benefit of Japanese companies, with little regard for their development potential, while others are actually detrimental to development. Adopting a less imperialist attitude on foreign aid would stifle criticisms and counter the impression that the country is neither prepared nor able to assume moral leadership in the industrialized world.
Japan also needs to display a greater understanding of and concern for the environment.
This should be easy for a nation blessed with exquisite natural beauty and a cultural heritage marked by a strong regard for unity between humanity and environment. The government's actions display a perplexing sense of priorities, and suggest that the country is still willing to subjugate its own interests to those of the United States. The same disturbing traits are apparent in the plan to build an airport at Miyakejima for U.S. Navy pilots to practice night landings. The citizens of the island, although initially supportive of the scheme, have since then made their opposition resoundingly known. Again, the government's refusal to back down or seek a compromise is worrisome.