After the demise of the Cold War we came to learn so many new categories of state--rogue state, failed state and even pariah state. Before it was much easier, because the Soviet Union was supposed to be all of them. Now we have to study each independent case.

To make political science even more complex Japan proudly announces (for itself) a new type of state--a hysteria state, or to put it in Joseph Nye's style "hysteria power".

When your beloved spouse suddenly becomes irrational and emotional, what can you do about it? Just divorce partner of your life? If not, then you will do everything to bring your spouse to sanity, offering liqueur and bonbons, won't you? Then it means that hysteria can generate power, by attracting attention and even care. Irrational behavior and thinking does not lower one's position in the world but on the contrary.

Japan wants to be treated as equal by the U.S., not because she is doing lots of contribution for the maintenance of the world stability, but simply because Japan is Japan. Japan does not want to see foreign troops permanently based on its own territories, but she is firmly convinced that in case of emergency the mightly U.S. troops will rush to save her out of any danger.

Japan's politics is very populistic. Its leaders do not lead, but they are led by the people. This is a democracy in its very extreme form. People do not want to pay more taxes, but they do want to receive more social benefits.

Therefore, as the Japanese elite (The word "elite" itself is detested in the egalitarian Japanese society. Their layer is very thin, if any.) can not convince the people, the only choice left is to utilize our own irrationality as diplomatic weapon. Japan still matters in the world, and it can not be easily discarded by partners. So, change thy weakpoint into a insurmountable weapon to have your own way in the world. Watch out for a hysteria power!

(Dear readers, please understand the degree of my despair about what is being done in my country)