When Japan pledged to provide up to $500 million in grants to help survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster within days of the catastrophe, it apparently hoped to kill two birds with one stone.
By making what many view as a quick and generous gesture, Japanese government officials admit they were hoping to not only assist fellow Asian countries affected by the Dec. 26 disaster, but also boost its campaign to seek a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.
"In the past, it has always been, 'Hey, when you think back, Japan is doing a lot too,' " a senior government official said. "But that does not leave much of an impression. A lot of people in the government are beginning to realize that we have to be the first to appeal to the global public about what we are doing."
The announcement to provide up to $500 million in grants to the areas affected by the catastrophe was made by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Jan. 1.