Pacific

Pim

Pacific Islands Monthly

Japan

And The

Pacific

If the predictions by the head of the Nomura Research Institute in Tokyo are fulfilled, the ascent of Pacific Island communities to the role of shareholder in the economic leadership of the world will make Europe’s industrial revolution look like a saunter. Mr Jiro Tokuyama sees “within 10 to 15 years”, the world being led by a Pacific Basin Economy — with West Coast United States, Japan, Pacific Asia and Australia and New Zealand as its cornerstones. What ever the future, the Pacific communi ties’ destiny lies more in than out of affairs political, economic and social of the world as a whole. Japan is playing an increasing role and is having a grow ing influence on affairs Pacific. With the partial retreat of colonial authorities, markets are opening up for Japanese manufacturers and investors; oppor tunities to provide aid to Island nations are developing. In many ways, Japan will leave its mark on Pacific communi ties. In this feature, Japan and the Pacific, PIM looks specifically at Japanese influence in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Fiji; at the remarkable forecast of Mr Tokuyama; and at industry which is synonymous with Japanese interests — tuna fishing.

Also highlighted is the Japan Floating Fair ’78 which leaves Tokyo on August 30 bound for Oceania, with calls at Port Moresby, Suva, Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, be fore heading off to Southeast Asia via Fremantle and the Indian Ocean.