Commentary / Japan Jan 19, 2022

Fix structural problems now or face SOFA revision later

The bottom line, however, is that without transparency, accountability and trust, the U.S.-Japan alliance will not enjoy the full support of the public.

Commentary Dec 21, 2021

Not everyone is sold on the new U.S. ambassador to Japan

Emanuel's appointment is worrisome for Japan, which desires the ambassadors sent to Tokyo to have influence and support in their home governments, something he does not seem to enjoy.

Commentary / Japan Nov 18, 2021

History in the making: Kobe's Japan-Taiwan Exchange Summit

The Kobe Declaration will likely go down in history as an important turning point in Japanese-Taiwanese relations, particularly for its call for a Taiwan Relations Act for Japan.

Commentary / World Oct 15, 2021

An important issue for Japan’s coming Lower House election: Defending Taiwan

Japan’s security, and hence its future, is directly related to Taiwan’s security and future existence. A vote for Taiwan is a vote for Japan.

Commentary / Japan Oct 14, 2021

Some 70 years ago it was taboo to deploy the SDF for disaster relief. Today it's indispensable.

Today, it is almost a given that the SDF will be called upon to assist local communities and prefectures after a disaster. But, 70 years ago, it was basically forbidden.

Commentary / Japan Aug 12, 2021

Shimoji Island's airport takes on new importance amid China threat

Clearly, circumstances are different today compared to 1971. So the outdated Yara memo preventing Okinawa's Shimoji Airport from being used for military purposes needs to be reconsidered.

Commentary / Japan Jun 18, 2021

Okinawa reversion agreement stands the test of time

Greater foresight by the two governments was thus necessary then, as is a more proactive approach by them today regarding the bases.

Commentary / Japan Apr 21, 2021

Okinawa’s wasted COVID-19 year

For political reasons, the economic contribution of the Okinawa bases is heavily downplayed, sometimes by five or 10 times as much, in local government publications and the media.

Commentary / Japan Apr 12, 2021

The dangerously flawed U.S. Senkakus policy

Earlier this week Kyodo News dropped a bombshell (pun intended) by introducing the contents of declassified U.S. documents that the U.S. government turned down a request in June 1978 for its military based in Japan to use its firing and bombing ranges in the ...

Commentary / Japan Mar 8, 2021

Ten years after the quake: Between recovery and remembering

It is often said that “generals fight the last battle.” The same could probably be said for disaster responders. However, each disaster presents new challenges.