With its increasing economic importance throughout the world, Japan has the potential to expand its political influence as well. Generally, however, Japan has been reluctant to use its growing power to influence political affairs both in Asia and in the rest of the world. This digest surveys the factors affecting Japan's role in world affairs, and concludes that the caution and lack of consensus among Japan's political leaders suggests that the impact of Japan's superpower economic status will be constrained by debates and anxieties of both the past and present. A list of nine references is included. This Japan digest is written by an educator for use by teachers to instruct students about Japan, its economy, its international relations, and, particularly, its relations with the United States. The digest is designed to support the upper elementary and secondary school social studies curriculum. (DB)