Abstract: With the standoff between the United States and Iran and the rising tension in the Middle East, Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force has sent troops to the Middle East to collect intelligence at the start of 2020. Prime Minister Abe has presided over the decision of sending troops alone based on the approach of balanced diplomacy. The decision reflected both the continuity of Japans sending troops overseas in the postCold War era and the breakthroughs in the areas of legal basis, USJapan alliance, and policy approach. By sending troops to the Middle East, the Abe cabinet aims to achieve multiple strategic objectives. Overall, it is a decision more of symbolic significance than of concrete effects.

Key words: the Abe cabinet, sending troops to the Middle East, Japan Maritime SelfDefense Force, area security