Japan is not a claimant in the South China Sea, the South China Sea, however, is of Japan’s national interests. In addition, Japan is among the major countries in the Asia-Pacific, therefore, Japan’s foreign policy over points of traditional security in the region has a significant influence on regional security and stability. It is needed to adopt an approach to Japan’s policy towards the South China Sea from practice to policy due to insufficient information presented in Japan’s policy documents. The article, based on policy documents, and official statements of Japanese leaders, especially the implementation of the South China Sea-related bilateral and multilateral relations of Japan, aims to identify Japan’s position and policy orientation over the South China Sea in the period of 2012-2020.