A giving Japan.

For a long time Japan has prided itself on being on of the best international aid donors. However, a recent downward slide in Japan's international giving has caused them to be ranked 5th out of worlds 22 major aid donors. This is the lowest ranking for Japan since 1972.

The numbers represents a 30% decline in giving during 2007, and continue a decade long slide in total giving for Japan.

Japan's foreign minister, Masahiko Komura, committed Japan to reversing this trend and to reclaim its position as one of the most giving nations in the world. Komura's announcement came at a recent 2-day G8 meeting in Tokyo.

One reason giving may be so important to Japan: Without a serious military presence, Japan's global influence is most wielded through economics and international aid.