ts. Yet, in spite these criticisms, I argue that the ARF should be seen as a long-term investment for Asian security. The Forum has so far made a minimum contribution. It has created a place for countries to come together and discuss their problems, which has not been done before in the region. Members are launching new diplomatic relations with each other as mentioned above. It has made the ground base for a stable regional environment. The organization is still eight years old. It is too cruel to determine its success now. Now that it has achieved the minimal trust level among states to form a collective identity as Asians, the institution shall gradually revise its mechanism for much efficiency. The mission for the ARF to become a prominent security entity is yet to be accomplished. Specific target of the institution needs to be identified at the same time managing the pace of the ARF so that no member would feel pressured or would feel that it is waste of time. It may also need a defined structure for much efficient dialogues. The ARF has much to progress and its success is certainly in the hands of member states. Especially for Japan, how she is going to play the role of leader, as a current economic superpower in the region, without intimidating the rest of the members will be one of the keys to her success in the regional security. Japan has made much of a course change in Asian security in the post-Cold War era. Her continuous commitment to the multilateral institution is crucial for her to gain trust from her neighbors and to become a normal country. ...
