But recently Japan's treatment of the rest of the world as little more than a series of markets for Japanese goods has become less tenable.

The Bush Administration, following up on Reagan Administration efforts, has been pressuring the Japanese to open up more of their markets to American goods.

And almost lost in the sound and fury over his party's impending election setback was Prime Minister Uno's unveiling of a multi-billion dollar Third World aid package at the Paris economic summit.

The aid package represents Japan's initial groping toward defining its role in the world.

And the chipping away at LDP power represented by this month's election tallies will likely accelerate the translation of Japan's economic power into a more forceful Japanese presence in the world.

IF the election results signal anything, it is the rise of real politics in Japan. No longer will the LDP be assured of a legislative majority year after year, and no longer will it be able to use its power simply to fine tune the existing system.

Voters presented with more than one real choice in an election will demand that candidates address substantive questions. And as Japan continues its inevitable entrance onto the world stage, candidates will have to express a vision of Japan's role in the international community.

Whether that role will eventually include a resurgence of militarism or simply demands for more influence in international groups like the World Bank remains to be seen. But one thing is certain--the Japan of the coming decade will no longer be able to stay content as a series of islands unto themselves.