Child, Japan gorged on the collapsing Asian mainland and caused irredeemable damage. Today Asia stands tall and proud, with Japan being the disowned murderous and dishonored relative who now prostitutes herself to the Western world.
China and Chinese were and are now the Asian hegemon. A couple of decades from now, China might 'come and help' Japan and forward the standing of the Asian peoples.
What do you mean by "Asia"? Do you refer to India? Bangladesh?, Siri lanka? Russia? Indonesia? Turkey Or Just China?
Im my opinion, if you remove Japan, Korea, China, from Asia - Asia will be nothing. These nations are the ones who make Asia anything on the world stage.