JAPAN AND EASTERN AND SOUTH-EASTERN ASIA: IS THE REPETITION OF JAPANESE "CO-PROSPERITY" PROJECT POSSIBLE IN THE 21<sup>ST</sup> CENTURY
The article analyzes Japanese policy of strengthening relationships with the countries of East Asia region in the New World Order of the 21st century. The authors examine the new economic and political methods of holding these countries in Japanese sphere of influence, as well as underline Japan’s struggle with China for the leadership in the region to fulfill their ambitious plans to restore “the great East Asian sphere of co-prosperity”.