Since North Korea's outburst on July 5th, when the regime of Kim Jong Il fired off seven missiles, including a long-range ballistic Taepodong-2, into neighbouring seas, Japan has displayed a sense of purpose that has surprised even its own diplomats, usually more inclined to follow than to lead. After the firings, Japan immediately called an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. It drafted a resolution condemning North Korea's actions and calling for sanctions backed by force. This was the first time in living memory that Japan had seized the diplomatic initiative—and about time too, say the many policymakers who want their country to play a more assertive role in the world. "Japan", boasts one, "has lost her virginity."
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