CONTENTS I. PREFACE II. BEFORE THE OTTAWA PROCESS A. Background of the Anti-Personnel Landmine Problem B. Japan's Action C. The U.S. Actions III. OTTAWA PROCESS A. Ottawa Process Overview B. States as Actors C. NGO Activities and Multiplicity of Actors D. THE Role Of The Legislature E. Brussels Conference (June 24-27, 1997) F. U.S. Trends IV. OSLO CONFERENCE A. Japan's Official Decision to Participate in the Oslo Conference B. Oslo Conference (September 1-18, 1997) C. The U.S. Response (After Oslo Conference) V. THE MOVEMENTS OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH A. The Movements of The Top of The Executive Branch B. Movement Within The Executive Branch VI. CONSIDERATION REGARDING NATIONAL SECURITY A. A State As A Rational Actor B. National Security (Military) Issues C. Matters Concerning Japan-US Security Framework D. Other Considerations (Humanitarianism/Human Rights, World Public Opinion, etc.) VII. CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY