The American voters have spoken. Professionalism, dignity and respect are no longer valued. Instead of electing a president who stands as a moral leader, Americans elected an unqualified, childish man who uses nicknames and lies to attack those who oppose him. As an American female, I am scared. As a half-Japanese daughter of a Japanese immigrant, I am terrified.
Donald Trump is a significant threat to Japan. He is ignorant of the potential warfare in the Pacific region. About the Japan-U.S. security treaty, Trump said at the Aug. 5 debate: "You know, we have a treaty with Japan, where if Japan is attacked we have to use the full force and might of the United States. If we're attacked, Japan doesn't have to do anything. They can sit home and watch their Sony televisions, OK?" During that same debate Trump said, "You always have to be prepared to walk ... I don't think it's going to be necessary. It could be though." If America were to walk away from the treaty and, as Trump said, "Japan will have to defend itself against North Korea," Japan is sadly unprepared.
Japan's Constitution does not allow for any national military force. This must change. Japan can no longer rely on the U.S. to protect it from the very real threats of China and North Korea. Under a Trump presidency war is a terrifyingly real possibility. The Japanese people must band together and amend the Constitution. Trump is simply too unreliable and too foolish to be Japan's protector.
As someone who loves Japan, I implore the citizens to make a change. The old world is gone and nuclear war is possible. Trump does not just threaten my future or America's future — he threatens yours and Japan's.
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.