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At the end of last year, when Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited China, he gave a speech at Peking University. In his speech, Prime Minister Fukuda discussed the environmental problems and oil crisis that Japan faced in the 1970s, stating that \"environmental protection and energy conservation are particularly important areas for cooperation between China and Japan,\" and he put forward some specific proposals that were approved by the Chinese side. In a sense, Prime Minister Fukuda’s emphasis on energy conservation and environmental protection is not merely aimed at Sino-Japanese cooperation; it represents a deeper reflection on Japan’s international role and influence, as well as a choice regarding the image that Japan should project. In July this year, the G8 summit will be held in Hokkaido, Japan. An article in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun dated January 3 stated that whether Japan can take the lead in discussions on global warming is a major test for Fukuda’ s foreign policy approach. By establishing a strong environmental image, Futian can enhance its international influence and governance capabilities. At the end of last year, another article in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun proposed \"to play a role centered on the environment and strive for global leadership,\" stating that \"the majority of Japanese politicians, business leaders, and citizens believe that Japan should take a leading role in the field of environmental energy, where it has technological and institutional advantages.\" Many Japanese people are deeply concerned that Japan has failed to play a role in the international community commensurate with its economic strength, and that its international influence shows a tendency to decline further. To play a greater role is also, more or less, a matter of human nature and a common aspect of national conditions. However, finding a breakthrough that can make a difference requires careful analysis and judgment. For Japan, leveraging its international role by focusing on environmental protection should be a wise choice. There are three reasons: First, Japan has a higher level of energy efficiency compared to Europe and the United States. In 2004, Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions per dollar of GDP were only 280 grams, which is half that of the 15 countries in the EU and 40% of that of the United States. In terms of energy conservation and emission reduction, Japan possesses world-class technology, which gives it the capability to assume a leadership role; at the same time, this also brings more business opportunities to Japan. Secondly, global warming is a topic of concern worldwide today, and environmental awareness represents a new moral standard for humanity. Japan strives to play a greater role in environmental protection, thereby possessing a kind of \"moral advantage\". Third, this is an area where “the international community hopes Japan will play a role.” The international community should be optimistic about Japan’s aspiration to become a great power through \"environmental protection\". After all, environmental protection is a matter that affects the fate of humanity. By contributing to environmental protection, one is doing good; and those who do good deserve respect and encouragement. Even if there is a bit of self-interest involved, it’s not a big problem. On the other hand, environmental protection has a strong global public interest character; for Japan as well, it is necessary to recognize and strengthen this sense of public interest, avoiding turning environmental protection into an activity purely driven by commercial gain. In human society, an excessive focus on self-interest and a strong desire for profit lead to the loss of \"leadership\" and \"influence\", which is a lesson that people can often observe.