Hoh & Wheeler/East by Mid-East, 12. The Vicissitudes of Japan-Saudi Relations

This chapter will examine the Japan-Saudi relationship from its origins in the 1930s to the present day. This will include a review of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the first major bilateral oil development project, Japan’s growing dependence on oil, the political consequences of that dependence, the decline in Japan Saudi ties, and the more recent effort to revitalize the connection. Finally, a brief assessment will point out a recurring pattern in the Japan-Saudi relationship that should be addressed by the policymakers of both nations.