1. Necessity for deepening the understanding of Isalm within Japan
   The understanding about Islam among the Japanese people in general has not achieved necessary accuracy and adequacy. Islam nowadays tends to be interpreted in various meanings because of its diversified presence in political and economic aspects. Though the overwhelmingg majority of Muslims dedicated themselves to peaceful worship and social activitie, radical trends toward the fundamentalism and terrorism are also witnesses.
   Islam shouhd be understood through analyzing sources of those radical trends and eliminating inaccuracy in grasping Islam merely from such trends, in order to enhance the mutual understanding between Japan and Islamic countries.

2. Necessity for further considration of Islam in Japan's external relations
   Some might argue that Japan has not given enough considration to Islam in some aspects though it promotes dialogue with many countries. Japan, because it has fortunately not experinced clash against Islamic civilization, has not cultivated discriminatory prejudices on Islam.
   Isalm is a religion that dictates a wide range of human activities and thus is one of the most important factors to be though over when relations among states are handled. While Islam has spread world-wide beyond the Middle East, its implications and positions in each country indicate respectively diversified particularities. Since Islam has been developing its significance in Southeast Asian countries, with which Japan enjoys strong ties in every aspect, the necessity for Japan to enhance its understanding on Islam is increasing in its attempt to correctly manage the relationship with those countries.
   In this respect, Japan should promote its relations with Islamic countries, based upon accurate understanding of Islam and in-depth analyses of its implications in those countries.