Japan has signalled that it wishes to make a contribution to international affairs that goes beyond financial assistance. Since 1991, when there was a change in the law, Japan has offered its Self Defence Forces for UN peacekeeping operations and they have participated in over ten such missions. More controversially, in 2004 a contingent from the SDF was dispatched to Iraq. In the past few years Japan has been canvassing for a permanent seat on the Security Council, although it has been a non-permanent member on eight previous occasions. Japan’s approach to humanitarian assistance has hitherto been defined as an overseas aid issue allied to its role as a major donor. To date little has been published in English that would draw attention to the fact that Japan’s record in relation to asylum seekers and refugees at home is so poor. However, this situation could be much improved by putting humanitarian considerations at the heart of Japan’s asylum and refugee policy. More is needed than just incremental changes to rules and procedures. The humanitarian approach also needs to be embraced and adopted by the Japanese government and people as well as those who implement the procedures and apply the rules. Not only will this result in greater compliance with international refugee law standards, but it will also lead to broader acceptance and integration of those who enter Japan and seek to remain as refugees.