Abstract: The strategic considerations of Japanese attitudes towards the Belt and Road Initiative have changed under three modes of thinking. First of all, power thinking determined that Japan initially adopted a waitandsee attitude towards the Belt and Road Initiative. Japan, as a major trading nation, is closely following the changes in maritime rights and worried about the loss of interest, hence taking a negative wait-and-see attitude towards the Belt and Road Initiative. Second, interest thinking has influenced Japanese attitudes toward the Belt and Road Initiative. It is estimated that Japan recognizes that the Belt and Road can bring great business opportunities, and Japanese companies can not afford to lose these opportunities. Third, Japans change of attitude towards the Belt and Road Initiative is also based on diplomatic thinking. Mr. Trumps withdrawal from the TPP is a great disappointment to Mr. Abe. The change in the attitude of major countries towards the Belt and Road Initiative is also a stimulus to Abe. In addition, Abe also tried to intervene between SinoRussian relationships. All in all, Japanese attitudes toward the Belt and Road have begun to change. While remaining cautious, Japan seeks power, interests, and diplomatic benefits through conditional support.

Key words: strategic considerations, power thinking, interest thinking, diplomatic thinking