Fumio Kyuma, Japan’ s outspoken defence minister, on Tuesday felt obliged to explain why he would not be meeting Dick Cheney, the US vice-president, who on Wednesday begins a visit to Japan during which security will take centre stage.

Mr Cheney, Mr Kyuma explained, could not be expected to meet a mere defence minister. “There is a difference in rank. It is a matter that pertains to the [Japanese] prime minister,” he said.