ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on East Asian integration by examining the domestic politics of the Japanese Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) policy. The great majority of case studies on East Asia are concerned with the parameters of international systems. The focus of research concerned with issues other than international systems is limited to cultural and emotional parameters. Research on the parameters of domestic politics in East Asia remains an undeveloped area of study. The chapter clarifies the factors that promote and hinder FTA formation, focusing on domestic politics. It argues that Japan should pursue the scenario "grow with Asia". The chapter presents a new perspective on research on regional integration and FTAs by focusing on the political causes of FTA formation through the lens of international political economy (IPE). It explores the roots of the Japanese government proposal for an East Asian Community focusing on the domestic politics of the FTA process.
