For the Japanese, these ambiguities are seen as permissible because they can smooth out social relations and help to avoid confrontation. However, when the same principle is used in a regional context, it causes more harm.

To help prevent this, Abe must be frank and sincere in explaining Japan's stances on different issues.

It is sad that Asia as a whole has yet to see Japan's growing strength in a positive light. Painful historical memories continue to haunt Japan's current status and ambitions. For instance, visits to the Yasukuni shrine by Japanese leaders have always been a source of contention, stirring up anti-Japanese sentiments in South Korea and China, countries that suffered wartime atrocities at Japan's hand.

If Abe were to continue Koizumi's tradition of making these trips to commemorate Japan's war dead, including notorious war criminals, it would cause irreparable damage to Japan's external relations.

It is our hope that Abe, who prior to his appointment as prime minister made regular visits to the shrine, understands the sensitivity surrounding these visits. Otherwise, the visits could easily damage Japan's regional and global profile.

At the top of Abe's agenda now is finding ways to work together with China to ensure that no dramatic disruption in relations occurs again, as has been the case over the past three years. Good Sino-Japanese relations provide a much-needed foundation and will set the tone for Japan's engagement with the rest of the Asian region.

The two countries must also realise that unless they fully reconcile and put painful historical memories to rest, closer cooperation between them and any hopes of solidifying regional integration would remain an elusive dream.

Indeed, it must be pointed out that China and Japan, the two major powers, have yet to think and act in terms of regionalism. Their diplomatic efforts are characterised more by rivalry - vying for the acceptance of countries in the region - than by an accommodative approach. Any diplomatic advances made by one side are seen as a setback by the other.

Within Southeast Asia, the quality of Japan and China's bilateral relations has a direct impact on the overall diplomatic atmosphere in the region. Southeast Asian countries see both Asian powers as being indispensable to the stability and prosperity of the region. Asean has gone through years of high anxiety under Koizumi because of strained relations between the two countries.

Abe's greatest challenge will be to restore Sino-Japan relations. He has the potential to make history like his father, Shintaro, a former foreign minister, who broadened Japan's diplomatic outlook by contributing directly to international efforts in peacekeeping. The new premier will have important summits to attend before the end of the year, during which he can put his vision forward and establish a better rapport with his Asian colleagues.

Failure to provide a clear view of what he plans to accomplish will leave an unfavourable first impression that would be difficult to erase.

At a time like this, Japan can no longer afford to risk any misunderstanding with its neighbours. This is a time for us to work together to strengthen the region and to build an East Asian community - an ambitious goal, which, if realised, will be of benefit to everyone.