In 1995, Japan’s GDP was seven to eight times larger than ASEAN. Now it’s only two times larger. When we look at investment, trade and tourism, Japan’s role in ASEAN is becoming relatively smaller bec

Can't argue with that. I'm more attracted, budget-wise and linguistidally, to consider a few months in China as opposed to Japan. And that's a sad thought.

When we look at investment, trade and tourism, Japan’s role in ASEAN is becoming relatively smaller because of other countries emerging.

Duh, ya think? It's what happens when your economy has been stuck in neutral for 30 years or so, and others have been growing.

Because Japan is becoming more and more insular

They are rising while Japan is doing the exact SAME THING they've been doing the past three decades.

Not exactly a leading strategy. In fact, Japan's strategy ONLY worked when Japan was the ONLY Asian game in town.

They've NEVER in their entire history done well when there's ever been significant competition.

Agree 100 percent with all the above.