That figure, representing less than 1 percent of Tokyo's total bilateral aid disbursements for the year, placed Peru 29th on the list of the largest recipients of Japanese direct foreign assistance. The United States was a substantially larger donor to Peru in 1995. Japan's investment presence is hardly more significant. Total trade between Japan and Peru remains modest as well. The reality of Peru's relatively limited economic ties with Japan has prompted some observers to speculate that the guerrillas' decision to target a Japanese facility was sparked mainly by other, perhaps simpler, considerations.
Some analysts point to the relatively lax security at the ambassador's residence.
Other observers suggest that Japan's history of granting quick concessions in order to secure the release of hostages also may have added to the attractiveness of a Japanese target. Tupac Amaru leaders may have thought that they could extract similar concessions from Tokyo. In July 1991, for example, leftist guerrillas shot and killed three Japanese aid workers during a raid in central Peru. Marxist guerrillas also attacked the Japanese embassy in December 1990 and again in April 1991 during a series of raids on foreign embassies. Those incidents prompted Tokyo to beef up security at the Lima facility and to warn visitors to exercise care while traveling in Peru.