<P> Under American pressure Japan worked toward a comprehensive security strategy with closer cooperation with the United States for a more reciprocal and autonomous basis . This policy was put to the test in November 1979, when radical Iranians seized the United States embassy in Tehran, taking sixty hostages . Japan reacted by condemning the action as a violation of international law . At the same time, Japanese trading firms and oil companies reportedly purchased Iranian oil that had become available when the United States banned oil imported from Iran . This action brought sharp criticism from the United States of Japanese government "insensitivity" for allowing the oil purchases and led to a Japanese apology and agreement to participate in sanctions against Iran in concert with other United States allies . </P> <P> Following that incident, the Japanese government took greater care to support United States international policies designed to preserve stability and promote prosperity . Japan was prompt and effective in announcing and implementing sanctions against the Soviet Union following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979 . In 1981, in response to United States requests, it accepted greater responsibility for defense of seas around Japan, pledged greater support for United States forces in Japan, and persisted with a steady buildup of the SDF . </P> <P> A qualitatively new stage of Japan - United States cooperation in world affairs appeared to be reached in late 1982 with the election of Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone . Officials of the Ronald Reagan administration worked closely with their Japanese counterparts to develop a personal relationship between the two leaders based on their common security and international outlook . President Reagan and Prime Minister enjoyed a particularly close relationship . It was Nakasone that backed Reagan to deploy Pershing missiles in Europe at the 1983 9th G7 summit . Nakasone reassured United States leaders of Japan's determination against the Soviet threat, closely coordinated policies with the United States toward such Asian trouble spots as the Korean Peninsula and Southeast Asia, and worked cooperatively with the United States in developing China policy . The Japanese government welcomed the increase of United States forces in Japan and the western Pacific, continued the steady buildup of the SDF, and positioned Japan firmly on the side of the United States against the threat of Soviet international expansion . Japan continued to cooperate closely with United States policy in these areas following Nakasone's term of office, although the political leadership scandals in Japan in the late 1980s (i.e. the Recruit scandal) made it difficult for newly elected President George H.W. Bush to establish the same kind of close personal ties that marked the Reagan years . </P> <P> A specific example of Japan's close cooperation with the United States included its quick response to the United States' call for greater host nation support from Japan following the rapid realignment of Japan - United States currencies in the mid-1980s . The currency realignment resulted in a rapid rise of United States costs in Japan, which the Japanese government, upon United States request, was willing to offset . Another set of examples was provided by Japan's willingness to respond to United States requests for foreign assistance to countries considered of strategic importance to the West . During the 1980s, United States officials voiced appreciation for Japan's "strategic aid" to countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jamaica . Prime Minister Kaifu Toshiki's pledges of support for East European and Middle Eastern countries in 1990 fit the pattern of Japan's willingness to share greater responsibility for world stability . Another example of US - Japan cooperation is through energy cooperation . In 1983 a US - Japan working group, chaired by William Flynn Martin, produced the Reagan - Nakasone Joint Statement on Japan - United States Energy Cooperation . Other instances of energy relations is shown through the US - Japan Nuclear Cooperation Agreement of 1987 which was an agreement concerning the peaceful use of nuclear energy . Testimony by William Flynn Martin, US Deputy Secretary of Energy, outlined the highlights of the nuclear agreement, including the benefits to both countries . </P>

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