national

US tries to reassure Japan after documents reveal spying

81 Comments
By JOSH LEDERMAN

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

81 Comments
Login to comment

I picture the American bases are being used to spy on Japan. Does the USA hack the computers of Japanese companies and give the information to their companies?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Wow! All this "ruckus" over spying. I'm not saying it's right, but EVERY country has some sort of espionage network. The U.S. just got caught. Oh no, the U.S. is not the "perfect country" anymore! Oh, boo effin' hoo!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

^ move ...away ...from ...kb ...Kenji......must...not...respond.....

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Kenny IyekawaAUG. 07, 2015 - 03:48AM JST No, I'm in the cherry-picking industry....which is to say, I pick cherries for a living. @Stuart Hayward, you have to learn to relax and chill-out, my man...

Ah, a cherry picking troll, and still avoiding and deflecting. Lol, I'm lucky enough to be able to surf five days a week, it's a very relaxing lifestyle.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Then answer my questions, please. Do people in America always spy each other?

@yamashi. In all likelihood, yes. But national security supersedes expectation of privacy -imo. 9/11 changed everything. Look at the freedoms people have there. Pretty easy for an extremist sleeper cell to do something. Look at that one Kuwaiti guy who shot up the army/navy recruitment center in Tennessee.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No, I'm in the cherry-picking industry....which is to say, I pick cherries for a living. @Stuart Hayward, you have to learn to relax and chill-out, my man...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Kenny IyekawaAUG. 06, 2015 - 06:56PM JST "It's ALL illegal and it's wrong, there is no justification simply because others do it."

Yes, there is justification for it...it's called TBV ("Trust...But Verify").

< Lol, you might have a point if it was only about protecting the safety of a countries citizens but this far exceeds that analogy. I noticed that when I respond to each thing you say, you either avoid or cherry pick a single sentence. You wouldn't happen to be in the intelligence industry by chance? Deflection, denial and avoidance seem to be one trait you have in common with that industry. >

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

All countries can spy and looking at our past I think it may be a good idea. And if you spy, better never get catch doing it. Spying must remain secret or else you're not spying anymore.

The main issue is that USA spying is more and more visible by other countries as if they really don't care about it because they think they are the masters of the world. Sooner or later it will backfire.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"It's ALL illegal and it's wrong, there is no justification simply because others do it."

Yes, there is justification for it...it's called TBV ("Trust...But Verify").

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@dana: No doubt Harvey! We spend Trillions on defense technology and share it with our allies.

Then how come that your defense technology is used mostly (if not only) for offence?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Kenny IyekawaAUG. 06, 2015 - 10:00AM JST Also not right to single out one country over something all countries are doing, @Stuart Hayward ...it's called 'hypocrisy'

What are you talking about? If any country is caught doing illegal actions, they are and should be called out on it. I've read articles about many countries who's spies have been caught, the US isn't being singled out, they just got caught, and that makes it news. Hypocrisy? The only hypocrisy is that the US is always complaining when they are spied on, while they continue to do the very same thing. It's ALL illegal and it's wrong, there is no justification simply because others do it.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Growing up in Canada, the kids in my hood would play the 'I spy with my little eye...' game...would that one count @bass4funk?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

bass4funk : thank you !

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Then answer my questions, please. Do people in America always spy each other?

I wouldn't know. If I did, then I would probably be a spy and understand the workings of a spy and if so, I would'n't divulge that information as a spy. But as I said, who is a spy in this world and who does the spying we don't know, but most countries do it.

If so, is it considered normal for every neighborhood?

To be honest with you, I am not sure, I do have a cousin that is an Analyst for the CIA and I ask him a lot of questions and most of the time, I don't get an answer and he's a family member.

Do husbands in America always spy their wives? Is is considered normal too ? Do your friends spy on you every time? If so, is it considered normal ?

You are taking this way out of context now.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Spying on japan? yeah true nothing new about that, does US wants to know as well if japan is hiding or developing a gundam? haha however other countries does the same thing so it's not surprising.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@yamashi Maybe the 'brave' bit was 'self-boasting' , the rest was pretty much spot-on.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@bass4funk"Then you really don't understand how the world of geopolitics operate. All countries do it".

Then answer my questions, please. Do people in America always spy each other? If so, is it considered normal for every neighborhood? Do husbands in America always spy their wives? Is is considered normal too ? Do your friends spy on you every time? If so, is it considered normal ?

@Kenny lyekawa "exactly what inaccurate about this assessment?"

LOL. What could be accurate in these examples of self-boasting propagandist slogans, based on plain lie?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Why are the American's here, like the military occupation of Okinawa and then spying on us?

If that were true, we'd have IHOP everywhere. Come on now....

Friends don't spy on each other. Not if they are real friends, that is.

Then you really don't understand how the world of geopolitics operate. All countries do it and the ones that can't, don't because the lack of financial resources, if they did, then they would do so as well.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

"We have democracy that Chinese hasn't...we have freedom that Soviets haven't...our land is for brave and free while Iran and North Korea are hellholes"...and exactly what is inaccurate about this assessment, @yamashi ?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@bajhista65"what kind of people this Americans we call brothers"

Americans always painted themselves as "unique" nation. For decades. "We have democracy that Chinese hasn't...we have freedom that Soviets haven't...our land is for brave and free while Iran and North Korea are hellholes" etc Nowadays, when being caught with pants down American began to play a card " they are ordinary country, no worse no better than others". Another one shooting spree in American city? Hey, it takes place in other countries too! Spying for friends and allies? Hey, other countries also spy each others! Shameless fools.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Also not right to single out one country over something all countries are doing, @Stuart Hayward ...it's called 'hypocrisy'

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

It's funny to see so many justify a wrong doing, just because others frequently do it. Do you also believe murder is ok, because soo many do it. I know these are two different topics but they are both wrong and illegal actions!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Kenny Iyekawa

Well this situation highlights how pathetic Washington coupled with the U.S. Automaker Unions have become. What ever happen to the term "Innovation"? Hey, if you cannot innovate or compete, then step aside and let the real thinkers do the innovating right?

Spying is just a quick & lazy attempt a getting ahead of the competition or opponent. That's a standard I normally expect from Communist China AND NOT The United States.

Plus what was purpose at collecting data on Japan's Climate Change Initiatives? Is Washington planning to halt and or disrupt Japan's Initiatives in some form or another? If so, what's the reason? To appease China? Why not? Washington took a blind eye to China's Island Reclamation in the South China Sea then played STUPID after the Media broke the story as of they didn't know?

Perhaps the Japanese simply want to drink cleaner water and breath cleaner air - has that ever donged on Washington?

The Japnese are our friends and allies in the Asian Region and Washington & The U.S. Auto Unions had better get comfortable with that reality and keep their noses where it belongs.

Looks like those Jiji's & Baba's in the Abe administration are going to have to start having their meetings at the Onsens and not in their offices where the NSA is bugging their Phones and intercepting their emails.

Idiots.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@bajhista65 To accuse the White House mouthpiece of lying is one thing (possibly true)...to then generalize that ALL Americans are just like THAT is quite another thing. Political, industrial, military, strategic espionage happens all the time and every nation does it, including Japan

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/1996-01-01/growth-economic-espionage-america-target-number-one

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

"The White House has also said the U.S. doesn’t conduct spying to gain an economic edge."

So what the heck is USA spying for.....It was already stated by the NSA documents that leaked... hahaha.. Funny what Obama stated. That now they will not spy on friends and allies.. of course you will because you were caught spying... geeesshh what kind of people this americans we call brothers.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

That would be the 'Five Ehs' in Canada, Saketown

2 ( +2 / -0 )

OMG - I am utterly SHOCKED and Extremely Disappointed in Washington about this Spying Program called "Target Tokyo" via the NSA collecting and passing along sensitive information that belongs to the Japanese - our only honorable and trustworthy allied nation in Asia to the "Five Eyes" - The U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand (and The U.S)??

What if any of those nations sold that information to Communist China or Russia? How much damage may have been caused to the Japanese? Or could that information backfire on us one day?

Oh BTW - The Chinese and Russian Media's is Eating This UP!

It's "Look at The U.S. Double Standard Day" in China and Russia

The President needs to get on Air Force 1 and fly to Japan ASAP!

Yes, not only the Vice President but The President himself needs to personally apologize to Prime Minister Abe & The Japanese People as an act of Honor for the misbehavior of the NSA.

The truth needs to be brought to light here and a Full Explanation and Accountability of the data collected and the damage it may have caused to Japan and potentially us for that matter.

Finally, we've been working tirelessly at trying to get the people of Okinawa to trust us - How does Washington think this news going to settle with them?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"I believe that US spying is different from that of other countries. It is used for national security, NOT provided to corporations trying to win contracts."

You are quite naïve @theFu

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/edward-snowden-says-nsa-engages-in-industrial-espionage-1.2511635

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I believe that US spying is different from that of other countries. It is used for national security, NOT provided to corporations trying to win contracts. It is also used for treaty negotiations - to try and prevent the US from being screwed - which happens very often. Remember those vegetable imports being blocked waiting a month for inspection?

This is vastly different from what Japan, France, China, India and many others have been caught doing. Their government spying is passed onto friendly corporations immediately to provide an edge in negotiations.

I would like to live in a world were every country could be trusted and was "honorable." That just isn't the current situation with friends or enemies.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Hi Tina, the speech certainly reflected optimism and closeness, receiving a warm reaction from congress. Japan from a economic and security perspective, will remain pivotal to US interests in APAC. The Government of China is claiming 80/90% of the South China Sea, and consolidating this claim with militarization of Fiery Cross Reef, building a runway capable of accommodating long range bombers. This unwelcome leaking of embarrassing NSA 'surveillance' harms the U.S. Japan alliance joint vision statement.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@ Yamashi.... For the last 70 years the USA has mostly been in control. Sure we're not perfect, sure we have our share of idiots, sure we get overzealous and overstep our bounds, sure we are arrogant, but when you've been the top dog those are byproducts. I'll even go further... Vietnam and Iraq were mistakes... and damn big ones. We were idiots. But you know what.... the people spoke up and the government and the idiot politicians had to listen. Have you ever thought how difficult it is to keep politicians in check when they wield the power of the U.S. Military? Yes... there have been many times when we should never have meddled.... but remember, the USA is made up of immigrants from every country in the world. 320 million people. So when something happens anywhere in the world... the people from those countries start hounding politicians to do something and sometimes we get involved. Or the country is a strategic partner. So many of you try to make things Black and White to keep it simple in your minds... but its complicated. Being top dog is no picnic.... can't wait to see how China handles it in about 20 to 50 years. I'm sure they'll be more benevolent and be fair in all matters. We'll see.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@ Harvey pekar "Yes, the USA is the world's police"

ROTFL. Rather the asylum for insane bullies. You started many aggressive wars against small and weak countries, grabbing their sources. Strong countries like Russia, Iran and China simply wash their boots by your dirty mugs. And THEY DO IT RIGHT !

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Vassal state would be a better definition.

Independent country being illegally treated as colony by US.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

USA is an ally even if it spies on US. Its like a couple. Sometimes you uust check your partner phone.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Vassal state would be a better definition.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Bossu

In the US' defense, an empire must know everything their colony is doing in order to run it.

Japan does not have any colony agreement with your country USA. It is illegal for your country to treat Japan as your colony.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

tinawatanabeAUG. 05, 2015 - 08:57PM JST

I'm sure the Japanese have their spies too

Not that I know of at least not on USA especially not for economic advantage. USA is already squeezing lot of money from Japan in many different forms taking advantage of Japan's weak position.

TIna has finally hinted at her real identity. 'She' must be the Prime Minister or one of the top government officials privy to the most classified secrets of Japan.

I'm not saying I think Japan has spies on the U.S., but do prey tell explain to us how you think your lack of knowledge of top secret information is any sort of 'proof'?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

WikiLeaks also posted what it says is an NSA list of 35 Japanese targets for telephone intercepts, including the Japanese Cabinet office, Bank of Japan officials, Finance and Trade Ministry offices, the natural gas division at Mitsubishi and the petroleum division at Mitsui.

In the US' defense, an empire must know everything their colony is doing in order to run it.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@itsonlyrocknroll

I don't think Americans took Abe Address positively. Here is one American reaction in another thread on this subject.

I wonder Abe actually could keep himself believe the US would trust him and his minions after shameless and transparent apple-polishings, including his English speech simply because I find myself hard to track his thoughts.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

As we can be fairly sure Japan is not about to launch a surprise attack in the USA (it's a wonder the "Remember Pearl Harbor" mob is not out), I suppose this relates mainly to trade negotiations?

Who are the giving the information to?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Hi Harvey, this is barefaced espionage, 'policing' implies an organization devoted to methods of law enforcement.

It would be inappropriate to posting links to documents marked 'top secret', hopefully JT will allow a paragraph quote to the press release marked - WikiLeaks Target Tokyo...

The reports demonstrate the depth of US surveillance of the Japanese government, indicating that intelligence was gathered and processed from numerous Japanese government ministries and offices. The documents demonstrate intimate knowledge of internal Japanese deliberations on such issues as: agricultural imports and trade disputes; negotiating positions in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization; Japanese technical development plans, climate change policy, nuclear and energy policy and carbon emissions schemes; correspondence with international bodies such as the International Energy Agency (IEA); strategy planning and draft talking points memoranda concerning the management of diplomatic relations with the United States and the European Union; and the content of a confidential Prime Ministerial briefing that took place at Shinzo Abe's official residence

It is effing outrageous Harvey. The NSA had it's snout everywhere...... Prejudice I think not, betrayal of a close friend and ally. Let's be clear my disappointment is focused on the US government and security services, not the people....

May I humbly remind you Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Address to Joint Meeting of Congress Prime Minster Shinzo Abe's......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGRi9OiQNVU

Ladies and gentlemen, the finest asset the U.S. has to give to the world was hope, is hope, will be, and must always be hope. Distinguished representatives of the citizens of the United States, let us call the U.S.-Japan alliance, an alliance of hope. Let the two of us, America and Japan, join our hands together and do our best to make the world a better, a much better, place to live. Alliance of hope.... Together, we can make a difference

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Friends don't spy on each other.

Not if they are real friends, that is.

2 ( +6 / -3 )

Japan should do as same thing as possible to get secrets from the US. Other countries are doing it already. Japan has been so naive to trust easily here because Japan is too peaceful. Just do not use regular phone or cellphone while talking very important things. NSA always bugging should be understood.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

history has shown us that we can avoid large pre-meditated attacks

How can Japan attack US while US military all over in Japan?

and we can prevent technology and secrets from getting into the wrong hands if we do.

By stealing Japan's technology and secrets and giving them into the hands of other countries?

3 ( +5 / -1 )

Not that I know of at least not on USA especially not for economic advantage. USA is already squeezing lot of money from Japan in many different forms taking advantage of Japan's weak position.

Japan is paying for protection the US isn't squeezing not one Yen from Japan. China would love to see the US and Japan divorce once that happens Japans back would be up against the wall being squeezed by a military that wants total revenge while people like Tina Wantanabe whining about were is the US WHEN WE NEED THEM.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

No doubt Harvey! We spend Trillions on defense technology and share it with our allies. Some of our allies do not have the capability to properly monitor if this shared technology is kept safe.... we do. We're not out spying for secrets, we out spying to protect the secrets we share. But that said... we probably are also spying a bit to make sure our "allies", are actually our allies. Things do change.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Yes, the US is the world's police

@harvey pekar

Hmm, most countries of the world did not ask the US to play the police for them.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

If spying is ok, then I don't know what the US is complaining about when they get spied on.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I don't take it as a given that they would be worse.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

These are some of my favorite prejudiced quotes from the commenters:

"USA is so insecure even about her own best allies that she distrusts Japan (and Germamy, France, UK etc) as much as she distrusts her perceived "enemies." "

"The US has done this to just about everybody,"

"US behaved like the voyeur spying in frenzy on his female neighbour's bath"

"Why are the American's here, like the military occupation of Okinawa and then spying on us?"

"Weasel words from Vice President Biden,"

"think every nation on Earth should pause and ask just why they tolerate the Americans doing whatever they want to do, wherever they want to do it."

"Dude people this is all the work of the beloved obama! "

"This is a question for so-called "American allies", who used to trust America. Such countries as India, Russia, China, Iran always saw a true nature of the USA."

"So, it's OK for Japan to spy on US?" "The MSM is in cahoots with the whores of Washington"

Ok, now try subbing any other G12 country or world leader in for the US and you'd be just about as accurate.

Really, "Canada spying on it's citizens", which is true, isn't as sexy so it doesn't get the same coverage, but people have a really absurd level of hate towards the US and incomplete view of their role in the world.

Yes, the US is the world's police and like your country's police they can be corrupt, they can be irrational and they can be criminal, but they are still the best world police we got. And yes, we do a world's police because the UN is more corrupt than the US.

I know people would love for America to eat it and lose it's power but if that happened, can you honestly say it'd be a better world if China or Russia or Germany (who also spies plenty according to wikileaks), the next batters up, would be an improvement over the US?

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Wow, big surprise there! The U.S. setup the LDP in the first place, so of course they are still keeping tabs on what is going on.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Not that I know of

Why would you know? They wouldn't be very good spies if you did know.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Yes it OK for Japan to spy on the USA... and I'm sure they do. The Chinese do, the Russians do, the Israelis too. You guys are amazingly naïve. But you know... if you do find that perfect and trusting world somewhere... let me know. Look... it would be great if we did not need to spy... but history has shown us that we can avoid large pre-meditated attacks and we can prevent technology and secrets from getting into the wrong hands if we do.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Total propoganda piece. The MSM is in cahoots with the whores of Washington

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I steal from you but I am not going to this or at least not on the the large scale. I will still do it but more gently so you will not feel it or worry about. White House.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

And for those of you that are so naïve as to think spying is bad and shows distrust...

So, it's OK for Japan to spy on US?

5 ( +7 / -2 )

- danalawton1@yahoo.comAUG. 05, 2015 - 08:33PM JST We spy on them as a measure to be sure they're not being spied on by non-friendly nations. < So you really belive the US is spying on Japan for Japans own protection? Lol! > And for those of you that are so naïve as to think spying is bad and shows distrust... wake up. < So you would be ok with your friend spying on you and your family, privet life, business and so on?> Information is security. < It's also corruption> If you believe your country does not spy or does not make use of information provided by spies, then you really should be living on Fantasy Island. I'm sure the Japanese have their spies too. < Just because others do something bad, still doesn't make it right! Do you feel the same way about murder? Oh, so many people do it, it must be ok and excepted. Wow!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I'm sure the Japanese have their spies too

Not that I know of at least not on USA especially not for economic advantage. USA is already squeezing lot of money from Japan in many different forms taking advantage of Japan's weak position.

-2 ( +5 / -6 )

Why such surprise & excitement!? People have been spying on one another since the beginning of time.

-2 ( +2 / -5 )

Want to read something interesting about US spying?

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/08/03/gchq_duncan_campbell/

Japan, in my view, has every right to be nervous.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

The White House has also said the U.S. doesn’t conduct spying to gain an economic edge.

Really?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Dear Japan, do not worry, please. Mistrust - this is the usual state of ordinary people on the ground. In the US, even the Congress does not agree with the President on many issues - rather than no fuss and help for the future President of the United States around the world. But "the world lieth in wickedness."

-3 ( +0 / -2 )

We spy on them as a measure to be sure they're not being spied on by non-friendly nations. And for those of you that are so naïve as to think spying is bad and shows distrust... wake up. Information is security. If you believe your country does not spy or does not make use of information provided by spies, then you really should be living on Fantasy Island. I'm sure the Japanese have their spies too. Politicians and Diplomats just shake their heads in disbelief that this is even surprising. Sure Abe will voice concern... but that is only to placate the naïve.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

@Thunderbird2"Do we all really fear America so much"

This is a question for so-called "American allies", who used to trust America. Such countries as India, Russia, China, Iran always saw a true nature of the USA.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

It's ok Japan, just roll over and submit now...

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

I think every nation on Earth should pause and ask just why they tolerate the Americans doing whatever they want to do, wherever they want to do it. Is it fear? Do we all really fear America so much that we allow them to treat the rest of us like little children?

1 ( +7 / -5 )

Weasel words from Vice President Biden, economic and industrial espionage and little or nothing to do with national security. The phone intercept were to gain a economic advantage. The question remains into what retaliatory action? Shelve TPP and review U.S. service military justice system jurisdiction to try a member of the US armed service personal stationed in Japan. Bring the full weight of the law onto all and sundry.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer, keep your dogs even closer.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Why are the American's here, like the military occupation of Okinawa and then spying on us?

0 ( +6 / -5 )

Well at least someone is spying on the Japanese government. The citizens don't seem that bothered by anything the government does.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

All states spy on most other states and this is a fact. Does this make it any more palatable? No, not really, it just means that having someone try to take the high ground is highly hypocritical, especially if those trying to do so are from Wikileaks. First off, most of their revelations that make the news are about the US, which shows their leanings. Second off, and most importantly, each time they do something like this it comes at a politically sensitive time, which shows they are merely trying to push their own political agenda, not create a fair and open world. While it is fair to seek a more open and transparent world, claiming to do so while targeting a specific nation and trying to push your own beliefs, especially at the expense of others safety, is disgusting.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

all they revealed about Japan was indeed how wishy-washy and indecisive they are behind close doors but that they don't want to appear to be

US wouldn't bother to collect and give to the Anglo Saxon allies such intelligence. Japan should ask US to extradite the culprit(s) based on secrecy law

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

US behaved like the voyeur spying in frenzy on his female neighbour's bath, just because he can, and thinking he'll never be caught.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Yet the USA lectures China and Russia etc about hacking etc. The hypocrisy keeps swelling until when...?

Every country spies on one another both enemy and ally, nothing new.

So much for the Abe's claim that the Japan-USA alliance is the "strongest and the best" in the world. Biggest joke of the century, which is making Japanese people distrust the USA even more.

The U.S. and Japan ARE allies regardless if they agree or disagree, suspicious or not, doesn't change anything about the relationship.

Getting that upper hand on that tpp trade deal. Japan needs to forget the tpp, you can't trust the American government. And yes I am an American.

Not only the American government. All governments are questionable.

The US has done this to just about everybody, and then everyone else (just hasn't been leaked yet).

Right.

Besides, all they revealed about Japan was indeed how wishy-washy and indecisive they are behind close doors but that they don't want to appear to be -- ie., nothing new.

Exactly.

-2 ( +8 / -11 )

The US has done this to just about everybody, and then everyone else (just hasn't been leaked yet). Besides, all they revealed about Japan was indeed how wishy-washy and indecisive they are behind close doors but that they don't want to appear to be -- ie., nothing new.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Getting that upper hand on that tpp trade deal. Japan needs to forget the tpp, you can't trust the American government. And yes I am an American.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

in certain areas of Japanese public life, the list of people not passing intelligence to Uncle Sam is probably a lot shorter than the list of those who are.

That's why Japan passed the secrecy law.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

The country with the largest spy agency in the world using it to spy isn't really all that surprising.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Yes, we are friends and allies, as we know what you are doing inside out. We reaffirm that.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Again, is this really news?

As I wrote the other day, anybody with a basic iota of knowledge regarding Japan knows that all of the 5 Eyes have been active in Japan for years. Moreover, there are more than a few Japanese who are more than willing to furnish documents and other material to Langley and the rest. Indeed, in certain areas of Japanese public life, the list of people not passing intelligence to Uncle Sam is probably a lot shorter than the list of those who are.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Yep, Japan and America are "best pals"... to the extent that USA is so insecure even about her own best allies that she distrusts Japan (and Germamy, France, UK etc) as much as she distrusts her perceived "enemies." Yet the USA lectures China and Russia etc about hacking etc. The hypocrisy keeps swelling until when...?

So much for the Abe's claim that the Japan-USA alliance is the "strongest and the best" in the world. Biggest joke of the century, which is making Japanese people distrust the USA even more.

6 ( +14 / -7 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites