Abstract: In 2008, Japan became a global partner of NATO, officially initiating the process of Japan NATO cooperation. Japans cooperation with NATO is characterized by institutionalization, emphasis on value security, substantive cooperation in various fields, and emphasis on strengthening interoperability. On the whole, the cause of Japans cooperation with NATD is that both parties have common strategic interests in cooperation. Japan hopes to use NATO to achieve the goal of becoming a military power to contain China, while NATO wants to promote Asia-Pacificization and win over Japan to cope with so-called challenges posed by China and North Korea.

Key words: Japan, NATO, cooperation, China, Asia Pacificization, interoperability