Books: Is Japan a maritime great power?

'Leaning Seaward' argues Tokyo's seafaring renaissance is boosting its global influence

In "Leaning Seaward," author Geoffrey F. Gresh examines Japan's growing maritime capabilities, from naval power and shipbuilding to ports, logistics and resource security. (Yale University Press)

No one doubts the importance of the sea to Japan. The nation stretches across 14,000 islands, its undulating coastline is 30% longer than that of the U.S., and its maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is the world's sixth largest. More than 99% of its international trade is seaborne.