This document discusses Japan's primary international challenges, including territorial disputes, the Futenma base issue, and normalization with North Korea. It analyzes these challenges through the framework of structure, agency, and norms. The post-Cold War power structure has influenced challenges as Japan maintains its alliance with the US. Government agencies and politicians prioritize bilateral ties over other norms. Nationalist sentiments have also grown regarding territorial issues. The challenges are interrelated, as disputes with China affect Japan's security focus and relationship with the US. The Futenma base issue is also connected to demonstrating the continuing alliance. Resolving any of these long-standing problems will be difficult given the primacy of bilateralism in Japan's