Abstract: As the core of Japan's international strategic system in recent years, the “Indo-Pacific Strategy” serves not only to counterbalance China's rise but also as a crucial tool for Japan to enhance its regional influence, pursue a dominant role in shaping international order and rules, and construct a global diplomatic network. As the western flank of Japan's “Indo-Pacific Strategy”, Africa is not only integral to the comprehensive improvement and advancement of Japan's “Indo-Pacific Strategy” framework but also a key area for Japan to curb China's international influence and seek strategic autonomy. Guided by the “Indo-Pacific Strategy”,Japan has continuously deepened the strategic nature of its diplomacy with Africa. By fostering political mutual trust and integrating the “Indo-Pacific Strategy” into its aid programs to promote African countries' understanding of its strategy, Japan has further advanced its diplomatic engagement with Africa. It has intensified investment and cooperation with Africa, competing with China in trade, investment, and rule-setting while shaping its own institutional and rule-based advantages. Japan has also emphasized security cooperation with Africa, contributing to peace and stability on the continent while using Africa as a testing ground for its “military externalization” to enhance its strategic autonomy in military and security affairs. The development of Japan's African diplomacy is conducive to Japan's enhancement of the discourse on Africa-related issues and the dominant position in the framework of the “Indo-Pacific Strategy”, exposing Japan's determination and ambition to seek great power diplomacy and status.

Key words: “Indo-Pacific Strategy”, Japan-Africa diplomacy, strategic measures, strategic autonomy