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U.S. help arrives

16 Comments

U.S. military officials greet Japan Self-Defense Force personnel as they come down from U.S. Army UC-35 aircraft at a Japan Ground Self Defense Force camp in Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Monday. The U.S. military will join relief efforts in disaster-stricken areas of the prefecture as authorities struggle to feed and care for tens of thousands of people who sought shelter after two powerful earthquakes that killed at least 42 people.

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The Japanese taxpayers must pay rents for military land and compensations for damages such as noise pollution indemnity.

Mixing a teaspoon of fact with a cupful of misinformation. Japan made the choice to pay the rents of the landowners, decades ago.

If the U.S. voluntarily offers that money can be used for the reconstruction of disaster areas, that will certainly be most highly appreciated

Appreciated by whom? Not the Japanese government, Japan doesnt need fiscal support from the US in these relief efforts, it needs the logistical support that the US military is uniquely qualified and trained to do.

I guess voice bites the hand that feeds him too.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Rather than offering to help rescue quake victims as a gesture of good will, the U.S. should suggest lavish host-nation support Japan bears be used for the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas.

It's clear some of the radical anti-US posters here cannot separate their far-left anti-US views and agenda to acknowledge this humanitarian effort. It's unfortunate they cannot sympathize and empathize with the people of Kumamoto who no doubt welcome any assistance in helping save and better their lives.

We should keep this in mind when they comment other matters - they have no sense of empathy and compassion.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

voiceofokinawa: "But there should be no mixing-up between each soldier's good will and his government's policy lines based on a different motivation."

I've never met people so in need of help and so angry to get it. You could just say thank you, you know. The only one mixing up the good will of these people and government policy lines is you, my friend.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

the U.S. should suggest lavish host-nation support Japan bears be used for the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas.

Okay then. But then a series of concessions should be made to taper-off defense by USAFJ and let the SDF do everything without the US safety net underneath them. I'm all for this.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@voiceofokinawa:

Or perhaps you could thank the US military.

The government of Japan has wasted billions on Tohoku, it is incorrect to blame that on SOFA.

Were Okinawa hit with such a disaster, I bet your toon would be a bit different.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Rather than offering to help rescue quake victims as a gesture of good will, the U.S. should suggest lavish host-nation support Japan bears be used for the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas.

There's no doubt about individual U.S. soldiers' expected hard work and dedication when their relief operations begin in a full swing. But there should be no mixing-up between each soldier's good will and his government's policy lines based on a different motivation.

The Japanese taxpayers shoulder an annual $1.56 billion for the maintenance of 88 U.S. bases in Japan.

If the U.S. voluntarily offers that money can be used for the reconstruction of disaster areas, that will certainly be most highly appreciated As is known well, the Tohoku region is still struggling and even languishing under the devastation caused by the triple disasters in 2011.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

I am amazed and proud of Japan and The US over how quickly they synced their recovery efforts and how well this operation is being well. Keep it up!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Vernie JefferiesApr. 18, 2016 - 06:47PM JST I am watching them use the Ospreys for support on the news. I doubt if you will see any protesters on this matter.

Protesting Ospreys is pretty much a dead issue. Especially since there will be JGSDF Ospreys very soon.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

I am watching them use the Ospreys for support on the news. I doubt if you will see any protesters on this matter.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

RE: :"I'm often critical of America - particularly in world affairs - but credit where it is due, when disaster strikes the USA is often the first on hand to help."

It's this kind of mentality of being critical and then being hypocritical of another country and how it run's its affairs that it is even a wonder that Americans even help out at all. I for one would be much surprised that our American friends would not reach and its not a wonder why but how people treat and view the US but only lean towards it in their time of need but yet no one is there for the US when it has a need. Japan has proven that it does have America's back as well.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

love the insight you give lincolnman! keep up the good work. it's times like these that make me really proud to be american. and america does not receive enough praise when they oftem help out in times like this.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Thank you for your continued help, USA. You're a rainy-day friend!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Just beginning - 4 US MV-22 Ospreys are at Kumamoto airport and will be taking food and supplies to cut-off areas this afternoon. In addition, 2 US C-130s are bringing additional JGSDF troops down from Hokkaido to Kumamoto today. Four Japanese speaking US soldiers are at Kumamoto as liaison personnel to the JSDF response commander.

The US military and US Embassy are postured to provide whatever support the Japanese government requests. That's what friends do.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

I'm often critical of America - particularly in world affairs - but credit where it is due, when disaster strikes the USA is often the first on hand to help.

14 ( +16 / -3 )

Thank you USA.

9 ( +13 / -4 )

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