Europe's top two countries for stronger ties with Japan

Japan ranked second only on a list of countries Europeans think they should have stronger ties with, according to a survey conducted by Japan's Foreign Ministry.

The United States was cited by 53 percent of thesurveyed as the country outside Europe they need to strengthen relationships with, while 51 percent named Japan, which allowed multiple answers, according to the survey.

The two countries were followed by Canada, Australia and China.

Although Japan is not a NATO member, its members seem to approve of our contribution so far, a ministry official said.

The study, part of a larger survey of Japan's global image, involved 500 individuals each from Italy, Britain, Germany, Hungary and France.

The survey also asked Americans about Japan's defense policies.

Among influential people that included government and corporate leaders, 49 percent, up 14 percent from the previous year, said Japan should increase its defense capabilities, while 42 percent, down 13 percent, said the country should keep them at the current level.

In comparison, 32 percent of the public, up 8 percentage points, said Japan needs to strengthen its defense forces while 37 percent, down 2 percentage points, said they should remain at the same level.