Certainly the most important bilateral relationship of the latter half of the 20th century into the early 21st is one of the most peculiar. Despite the disparity in size and population, the United States and Japan have been the anchor of relations in East Asia, and Asia more broadly, sometimes having a worldwide impact. It is odd, first of all, because of the huge disproportion in size and population between the two, to say nothing of social and cultural differences. It is also odd in that the United States was initially also much more dynamic economically and was actually willing to tolerate Japan’s rise to economic prominence through trade. But it is particularly unusual in that, just prior to its establishment, the two countries were at war and the former occupied the latter, and presently guarantees its defense. Yet, over the decades the ties have only grown stronger, and along with political, economic, and military links, there are increasingly close and amicable relations between the peoples, due to travel and cultural exchange, as well more recently as inter-marriage and immigration.