SDF troops get warm welcome in typhoon-hit Philippines

Go SDF! Nice to see Japan using its armed forces to help its neighbours.

Great story. As usual Japan extends its generosity towards others in need, this time the Philippines.

When the going gets tough, you find out who your true friends are.

I salute you Dr. Tomioka! It could have been better if my son was with the group. Alas he wasn't. Guess it is only the GDSF! The decay, the devastation could be very overwhelming for most of them. My heartfelt gratitude.

This is a fantastic good news story, but for some reason AFP writers decided to write about the war. Anyway, I'm glad that the JGSDF are doing their bit to give help and assistance where needed... after the post tsunami work they did in 2011 this must seem all too familiar.

Eulalia Macaya, 74, who survived World War II and the typhoon, said she remembered being terrified by Japanese troops as a little girl.“I don’t hold any grudges anymore. There’s no more bad blood between us,” she said.

Tente Quintero, 72, a former vice mayor of Tacloban, said that at a time of dispute with an increasingly emboldened China over the ownership of South China Sea islands, Filipinos now saw the Japanese as friends and allies. He declared himself “happy” there were Japanese boots back on Philippines soil.“There’s nothing like two allies living in harmony with each other,” he said.

“Nearly 70 years ago, we were enemies. Now we’re friends,” said Joji Tomioka, a doctor.

Lieutenant Jim Alagao, a spokesman for Philippine armed forces Central Command, said the Philippines was thankful for the Japanese typhoon support, and World War II was no longer a concern for his generation.

These are very interesting comments from the Filipino people. Some folks would do well to listen and learn. I'm sure I will remember these real voices of the people next time someone comes on this site saying "all of Asia" or "all of Japan's neighbors" blah blah blah.

Im glad that people are not holding any grudges against each other, as they shouldn't since this is new generation and we should not be punished or judged for what our grandfathers and grandmothers did in the past.

I can understand how people in Philippines feel since we in Japan went through the same thing when earthquake and tsunami hit. I hope that Philippines get as much help as they need to get things back to normal.

Great to see this much needed support has now arrived in the Philippines to help aid the survivors in their recovery after the devastation that the typhoon left behind.

Also unbelievable when comparing the difference in attitudes between the Filipinos and the Chinese & SKs.... 3 countries that suffered under Japanese rule but 1 of the countries were able to move on and now has friendship with Japan.

Filipinos and the Chinese & SKs.... 3 countries that suffered under Japanese rule but 1 of the countries were able to move on and now has friendship with Japan.

Yeah the latter was never colonised. It also is geographically isolated from Japan. Kinda like all the other allies Japan has. Russia which never actually fought Japan also has bad relations with Japan. Guess you can choose your friends but not your neighbours.

It is a good story to read here in Brazil in early Morning. In general, japanese news are filled with murderer or business news, but today it was good to hear just something tenuous and pleasing.

I would like to see Japan SDF participating more in this kind of activities in the future. It will be good to Japan and to the others.

spudman

Regardless of situation, people in SK and China should understand that Japan is way different from what it was during the war period. Instead of holding grudges against Japan, they should move on. Forget about the past and think more about the future of their new generation.

Russia which never actually fought Japan also has bad relations with Japan.

Russia never fought Japan? News to me. I think Russia and Japan have decent relations now. Certainly not bad as you suggest.

Guess you can choose your friends but not your neighbours.

And who on the planet is "choosing" to be friends with PRC? Nobody, of course.

I can understand how people in Philippines feel since we in Japan went through the same thing when earthquake and tsunami hit.

Where do you live?

spudman: "Russia which never actually fought Japan also has bad relations with Japan."

Ummm... never heard of the Russo-Japan war? Anyway, it's sad to see some on here taking this amazing act by Japan and the SDF as a chance to bash other nations.

Go get 'em, SDF! Thank you for your help!!

https://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO/posts/572124356193097:0

*Mitsuo Matsuyama

Regardless of situation, people in SK and China should understand that Japan is way different from what it was during the war period. Instead of holding grudges against Japan, they should move on. Forget about the past and think more about the future of their new generation.

Did you read the article “Nearly 70 years ago, we were enemies. Now we're friends,” said Joji Tomioka, a doctor helping to co-ordinate a civilian medical team.We cannot forget the past, but we must learn from history so that we will not do the same thing again.

You need to send that message to the revisionist prime minister called Shinzo Abe.

… I can only express my profound appreciation and sincere thanks to Japan, it’s people and the SDF for undertaking a huge humanitarian efforts and needs to the affected people of super typhoon Haiyan. In these times of harsh calamities and events, social responsiveness counts through helps, care and understanding. This is the true essence of social and human being.

Thank you for the nice comments by the public(netizens),and the good coverage by the JT.

Democratic allies! There is much to celebrate in the improving relationship between Japan and the Philippines. Democracies stick together and this will help bring more stability and lasting friendship to the region.

No doubt the Philippines is warmer than Japan at this time of year. A truly warm welcome.

Most guys around me decide there are two kinds of Japanese--good kind and bad kind. (just like every country in the world). And all decide, under Mr Abe, good kind prevail.

Glad JSDF can help Philippine victims.

This is a one-sided story. Nothing is mentioned about the demonstrations by a group of Filipinos who still harbour the hatred against Japanese troops landed on their soil. Notice that Japan is playing political game to boost up its military image whereas China doesn’t want to play this game. China knows this game through and through that is why it doesn’t send troops but only the needed supplies and materials, and medical teams. This is supposed to be a disaster relief operation and not a political game show.

You need to send that message to the revisionist prime minister called Shinzo Abe.

Mr Abe and his government stand by the Maruyama statement - as complete an apology as was ever uttered. So perhaps you'd better cease calling the man a revisionist? Judging by the scale of the efforts made by the Japanese government to help the victims of this tragedy, we can also safely assume Mr Abe is concerned about being a good neighbor. I think some folks were so determined to hate Abe that it makes them sick to their stomachs to see him having so much success. May I suggest Tums.

Filipino are happy that both USA and Japan are here not only to help the typhoon victims but also to protect them from China bullies.

flowersNov. 23, 2013 - 01:46AM JST This is a one-sided story. Nothing is mentioned about the demonstrations by a group of Filipinos who still harbour the >hatred against Japanese troops landed on their soil.

Where is this demonstration? Did they demonstrate AFTER the typhoon? I bet there isn't a single Philippine person who is against Japanese, US or other allied militaries helping them.

Notice that Japan is playing political game to boost up its military image whereas China doesn’t want to play this >game. China knows this game through and through that is why it doesn’t send troops but only the needed supplies >and materials, and medical teams. This is supposed to be a disaster relief operation and not a political game show.

Non it's China playing the political game because they initially offered practically nothing because they feel the Philippines are SUBORDINATE enough to China to warrant any help. Only after global criticism and embarrassment has China started to increase it's aid. Even then, they know the Philippines will not accept the Chinese PLA on their soil. The US, Japan and other allied nations immediately treated this as a disaster relief operation. Only China let politics dictate it's policy towards the Philippines. I would be ashamed rather than continuing to post anti-japan messages.

I live in USA. All news about Philippines are victims and they pushing their hands begging food, etc. I doubt very much those victims have energy to demonstrate. They have to drink water and eat food first. they don;t even have streets or roads. Debris after debris. USA medias guessed people sleep on ?????

Thank you to all good hearted Japanese who are mentors in the world. The timing is everything.

You are helping many in needs. Your kindness, compassion and love would never be forgotten by disaster victims.

Globalwatcher. Agree witb you. Your nicce comment wont be removed.

With help from USA, Japan and many other countries, finally they get some water and food. I think I have to stop writing about food,, though next week Thanksgiving is coming.

It really touches my heart to see the out pouring of love and support by the international community to help our Filipino beothers and sisters in their time of need. Thanks to everyone and shame, shame, shame on CHINA!! The world can see what CHINA is up to!! They only want more and more $$$$ and power!!!

thank you japan, for helping the philippines.

@choco chan: Hope children received chocolate beside meals. Gee, I wanted to stop writing food but your name made me choco hungry. Back to typhoon, it was huge. Winter is coming. Hope victims get blankets and tents.