No one who lives in Japan can truly understand the insanity that allows all Americans to own nearly any sort of gun. While long guns such as rifles and shotguns could be argued by some as a defense against tyranny, handguns have no such defense. I truly feel for Mieko Hattori, but her heartfelt words are nearly useless in a country where many fear their government in spite of its being fairly elected to office.
One of the many reasons I am so fond of visiting Japan is the absolute safety from harm except by natural disaster that I enjoy while visiting. It is a place where my eyes need see only forward, never fear what may be behind. Most Americans never really understand this about Japan and would find it nearly incomprehensible, so deeply is the ever-present threat to personal safety that is a part of daily life in the U.S., particularly in large cities.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.