2012 is shaping up to be full of diplomatic challenges for Japan and the world.
From the financial crisis in Europe and the helm change sparked by the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il to the leadership elections looming across the United States, Russia, China, the Middle East and other parts of the world, the international community will be tested in unprecedented ways.
Experts say the key to avoiding global fallout will be to establish a firm diplomatic framework involving Japan, the U.S. and China.