Japan's election as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council in mid-October means that Japan will again be able to make positive marks around the world. Though this is the 10th time for Japan to serve, the current problems in the world mean that Japan's interactions with foreign countries will take on added weight.
The burden of foreign policy and international action can be carried more easily through cooperation with Japan's numerous nongovernment organizations (NGOs). Although an essential source of information and advice, these NGOs have often failed to get the ear of the Foreign Ministry. Japan's NGOs have also been financially strapped.
The time to work for greater NGO/government cooperation within Japan is now. The need to help spur development, promote human rights, improve health and help keep peace throughout the world are more urgent than the bureaucratic squabbling over budgets, the authority in control, and minor policy shifts.