Japan Today Get your ticket to GaijinPot Expo 2024
politics

Fears grow Japan-U.S. alliance may be affected by Osprey crash

94 Comments
By Keita Nakamura

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

© KYODO

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

94 Comments
Login to comment

As the article reads the problem was more about how the US did not address the Japanese concerns than the crash itself.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

Those familiar with post war history know that it's not just about one Osprey crash.

10 ( +16 / -6 )

I don't know why the US military is in Japan in the first place. This isn't US territory.

“By this treaty, USFJ is responsible for the defense of Japan. As part of this agreement, the Japanese government requested that the U.S. military bases remain in Japan and agreed to provide funds and various interests specified in the Status of Forces Agreement.”

Have you ever heard of a little website called “Google”? It took me less than a minute to look this up.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

You’re naive if you believe the US will ever go to war with China for Japan.

The US is compelled to defend Japan.

Article 5 of the US-Japan Joint Security Treaty commits the United States to defend Japan if it is attacked by a third party. 

Communist China can believe that the US won't defend Japan if they attack Japan - at their own peril.

7 ( +15 / -8 )

You’re naive if you believe the US will ever go to war with China for Japan.

Japan and the U.S. are major trading and strategic partners, Americas key ally in the pacific. I’m really curious why you think the US would just turn tail and run if China attacked Japan

6 ( +10 / -4 )

If this one incident is the catalyst that wreaks havoc on the security agreement, it was never as strong as it should have been in the first place.

The US is disrespecting Japan by refusing to heed calls for a stand down until the incident is investigated.

Now we shall see just how strong, not holding my breath here, Kishida is in dealing with the US on this issue.

5 ( +17 / -12 )

Now you are doing comedy. I took a look at the list of the United Nations member nations and found no nation named "Taiwan". 

There are countries that aren’t in the UN but aren’t still countries. Let me ask you this: can Chinese citizens travel to Taiwan freely without any paperwork? Also, please read the first sentence of Wikipedia when you look up Taiwan. It says:

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a country in East Asia.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Japan seems to be able to operate these aircraft safely- but the US has a serious maintenance issue - likely due to a lack of skilled engineers/personnel. 

The U.S. has 400+ Ospreys whereas Japan only has 14, so obviously the U.S. is going to have more operational failures.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Yes yes... always the "Osprays are unsafe" narrative.. how about the 10 Japanese personal that were lost just this April in AH-60 Blackhawk incident this April?

https://apnews.com/article/missing-japan-army-helicopter-5943b0468eb83af32af37a0fcbebd1f9

No talk about safety there?

NHK had a military expert discussing this weeks incident... As usual a question related to the safety of the Osprays was asked to him... to my surprise he responded that they are one of the safest crafts right now as the earlier incidents have been identified and resolved. Was nice to see him not playing along.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Actually the US has a long track record of inciting and initiating wars and conflicts around the world while China has a long track record of peaceful dispute resolution with its neighbors. 

Whataboutism. Your response has nothing to do with the comment I was responding to

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Please link to English or Chinese language government website stating this clearly. Taiwan as a country has never existed. If you are referring to the Republic of China...it's China 中華民國 as the Chinese clearly reads.

Nope. Taiwan:

Elects its own politicians separate to those of the PRC

Has its own military separate to that of the PRV

Controls its boarders to the point that people from mainland China need paperwork in order to enter Taiwan

By all accounts Taiwan is an independent country

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Unfortunately, in all walks of life, accidents and fatal accidents happen. I've seen with my own eyes ships colliding, hitting piers, pulling down large parts during ops like refueling and much more. I've also heard many second-hand accounts from eyewitnesses. When you do exercises on the frequency of what a country like the U.S. has its military do, there are going to be accidents and deaths. They are always going to be extra-maginified in Japan due to the way people feel about foreigners in general and the U.S. military, especially in Okinawa. The Osprey does seem to be more prone to accidents but it could be the operators, weather, or a combination of several different factors but weapons that are needed and used can't always just be pulled out of service upon anyone's request. We lost some servicemen and there were no casualties on the Japanese side. Rest in peace to the ones we lost and we keep moving. People from places with small or inactive militaries will never understand how these brave men and women go out there ready to put their lives on the line every day. Easy to comment from your armchair about something you know very little about or even really care about, for that matter.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The Japan-US alliance will not be shaken by the fall of the Osprey. There are countless accidents involving planes, trains, and cars.

It seems that countries that do not want Ospreys in operation are issuing instructions to incite fear. The majority of Japanese people don't care about that. The government's request to the U.S. military to cease operations is only a formality. The military cannot function without training.

Previously, a case occurred in Okinawa where a junior high school girl was raped and strangled to death by three American soldiers, and her body was discovered.

However, the US military continues to be stationed in Okinawa. As long as there are agreements between countries.

No one cares if the plane crashes, right?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

If there is a fault or a genuine concern into the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft safety record then that concern has to be fully addressed.

It is a simple as that.

Overall judgement, final decision making, has always been something of a political grey area in the command structure to/of US forward bases.

This fiasco gives further added weight credence to question again, if and when, such forces will be sent into battle, under whose command, to what ends.

Think about this carefully.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

This is how far the Chinese are.

https://www.defensemirror.com/news/35030/China_Unveils_Tilt_Rotor_Helicopter_Model_at_China_Helicopter_Expo#:~:text=China%20has%20revealed%20a%20full,concluded%20last%20week%20in%20Tianjin.

Looks perfectly safe to me /:

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I'd like to see a curtailment of the US Flying their noisy black-hawk helicopters l

Huh? Blackhawks are among the quieter helicopters out there. UH-1 Hueys and CH-47 Chinooks are both pretty loud, lots of blade slap from big wide rotor blades beating the air into submission. The Fenestron tail rotors on some Eurocopter models have a high pitched and annoying scream. Blackhawks are comparatively muted.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If I had to guess Japanese government doesn’t care at all about this incident. It’s an easy way to appeal to voters while at the same time knowing the U.S. won’t stop. If by chance the U.S. ever did sit down and say “you know what, you’re right. We’re going to pack our bags and leave Japan for good” the Japanese government would be on their hands and knees begging them to stay.

2 ( +16 / -14 )

Ospreys, capable of taking off and landing like helicopters but cruising like planes, have a track record of accidents and mishaps in Japan and abroad.

As does every other military aircraft in service anywhere, including Japan, and many of their safety records are worse than the Osprey's. Sorry this doesn't fit the narrative many of you have ignorantly swallowed.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

When a car crashes do you ask people to stop driving while an investigation is conducted?

No.

Asking the U.S. to suspend flights is purely political. It has nothing to do with safety.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"The U.S. side declared: The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. It reaffirms its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question by the Chinese themselves."

Why do I care what the U.S. says? Taiwan has declared itself an independent country and the PRC can’t enforce its rule on the Island. It’s a country.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

but that treaty is just a paper work which the U.S. side frequently violates with impunity and nonchalantly.

Thats a bold claim. Do you have any examples?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The Okinawa government hates the Ospreys shaky safety record. 

Sigh. Aviation enthusiasts and a good many experienced pilots get all rubbery kneed singing the praises of the mighty C-130 Hercules, and nobody would demand the US stop flying them after a mishap, but in real life the Hercules has a higher mishap rate per 100,000 flight hours than the V-22. Right now at least the V-22 has the second best safety record in the Marine Corps, after the F-35B. Better than the Hercules, CH-53E, F/A-18C/D, AV-8B and C-21 Gulfstream IV.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Same as Vietnam and Afghanistan..

Absolutely nothing in common. Someone should get off the crack, they just like rooting for the collapse of the West. Sorry, its not happening.

Life is not perfect. The world is not perfect. Most things are not perfect but it doesnt stop things from working effectively none the less.

I am thankful every day that China and Russia do not rule the world. That makes the world much nicer and better to live in.

The US and Japanese alliance are one of the pillars that the Asian region relies upon to maintain peace and stability. In this instance the US authorities need to be more sensitive to local concerns and requirements. Regardless of the reasons they are there, they are guests of the Japanese government and must follow protocol dictated by the local law, or face the prospect of being asked to leave. That will not happen over this accident, but big things can grow from small "incidents" and that should not be allowed to happen. Both sides owe it to themselves to keep the alliance strong. Evil eyes are watching.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

If the Government of Japan have requested grounding of the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

US Airforce/Navy must comply.

It is a necessary action to maintain trust and confidence in the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty

All flight safety data including, disposition of risk-mitigating actions need to be fully investigated/jointly managed.

To simply ignore perfectly reasonable requests is not an option.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Should read “Fears of US-Japan Alliance grow…”. This won’t impact a thing except public sentiment.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I really don’t get what world so many readers live in right now. Japan needs the US military more than it ever has, and the US government and people aren’t exactly loving it.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Hahaha sure

Cool I’m still waiting

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The “alliance” should be re-established. The bases should be honest and report truthfully. We all read about the 20-ish year old American Marine in Iwakuni that attacked a Japanese national in her 70’s . But what you did not read was that he was drunk and naked and tried to sexually assault the woman. Then a week later, which you did not read about, a young Marine, also in Iwakuni, attacked an elderly man. The military needs to stop hiding their poor actions and step up their responsibilities.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Left wing and China backed media fanning the fire of fear mongering,

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This is how far the Chinese are.

https://www.defensemirror.com/news/35030/China_Unveils_Tilt_Rotor_Helicopter_Model_at_China_Helicopter_Expo#:~:text=China%20has%20revealed%20a%20full,concluded%20last%20week%20in%20Tianjin.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

AureliusDec. 5 10:15 am JST

Yeah it would be terrible if Asian countries had robust economies, freedom, and solid demographics like the US.

Is it possible for Americans as yourself to allow others to have an opinion with out constantly discriminating and acting belligerent ?

Your commentary sarcasm isn't appreciated on this topic

The comment I was responding to was clearly discriminatory belligerent nonsense against America.

Please seek amusement elsewhere

No, I think I will stay.

I am thankful every day that China and Russia do not rule the world.

China and Russia area attempting to either

You are right: China and Russia are attempting to.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The US-Japan alliance is unshakeable. Japans enemies are hoping otherwise, but the bonds are very strong.

Having said that, the US should follow Japans direction and stand down all Osprey aircraft pending investigations.

Japan seems to be able to operate these aircraft safely- but the US has a serious maintenance issue - likely due to a lack of skilled engineers/personnel. Who would be a US Military aircraft engineer or mechanic when you can get much greater pay in the private sector.

0 ( +13 / -13 )

Us forces are occupying forces here.

War have ended in 1945.

you have no business here guys,pack and go back home

Surprise, surprise.

The very same wish that Japan's enemies have. Not going to happen.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

TaiwanIsNotChinaToday 11:09 am JST

itsonlyrocknrollToday 09:53 am JST

To simply ignore perfectly reasonable requests is not an option.

There was no formal request it seems.

Ah, sorry, I need to read more carefully. Still any reasonable request needs to be time limited.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

as local historian pls explain why they should be still here and get sponsored by my money?

Because China is a territory hungry monster that continues to encroach on territorial waters of sovereign countries and threaten to invade the independent nation of Taiwan. The only thing keeping China from trying to bully the region around is U.S. military presence

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Whatever,, it's good that you acknowledge it's true though

Weird, I don’t remember acknowledging that. Can you please point out where I did?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

deanzaZZRToday 01:58 am JST

That's the whole point. The American military does not need to be the world's policeman. Halve the Pentagon budget as a start and both the world and the US will be safer.

Not as long as criminal China and Russia are on the run.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If "the people of Japan" (AKA Okinawa's Governor) really want the US to leave, then the US should leave. I think it would be reasonable to implement a 5-year transition plan. After 5 years the US will be gone, and Japan will have the responsibility to defend itself. Consider what it will cost the Japanese people. You will be paying triple your current taxes for at least 10 years just to pay for the required build-up. You will have to change your constitution. Your children will be subject to mandatory military service. Of course, you also have the choice to become Chinese...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Predictable comments, "send them home, why are they here, balabalah blah blah, go home cry cry cry"

The US Military will not be leaving Japan, accept the fact and you are better off.

You may wish it all you want, that is fine and you may join in the gate protests at any of the bases. Oh and in the summer when it is open base you will go there with a F**ing smile on your face.

I spent 13 years dealing with the ignorance/lack of info in Japan regarding why we are there.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I assume this go way deeper then the isssue of safety of the aircraft. I see this issue is a great concern of the safety to the Japanese Government and be so hard press if other issues were not in play. Japan is using this safety issue as a whipping boy and usually would not pressure the USA as hard. I assume The USA / Israel relationship is the real target and the real concern. Government that Allie the USA are seeing in real time with utter dismay the Israel terrorism The USA is allowing when it is coming off 30 years of leading the fight against muslin terrorism. Terrorism is still terrorism one religion terrorism is still the same if it is Christian or Jew or Irish Catholics and the Japanese are using this to negotiate an outcome behind close door on the Palestine apartheid issue.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Good! I don't want Japan to continue following America's disastrous path.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Tony W.Today 10:12 am JST

On the other hand, would Japan want an ally whose equipment isn't sound; apart from these helicoptors, think faulty Iran rescue ones, poor maintenance on that space shuttle that blew up, was they've not won (Vietnam), ones they've started on dodgy intelligence (Iraq), and so on.

Any other nonsequiturs you'd like to include? It's also the country that put a man on the moon and has a successful private space program now.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

JboneInTheZone

Today 11:46 am JST

as local historian pls explain why they should be still here and get sponsored by my money?

> Because China is a territory hungry monster that continues to encroach on territorial waters of sovereign countries and threaten to invade the independent nation of Taiwan. The only thing keeping China from trying to bully the region around is U.S. military presence

Actually the US has a long track record of inciting and initiating wars and conflicts around the world while China has a long track record of peaceful dispute resolution with its neighbors.

Of course China did use armed methods too

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

we all know that it is not the truth. it is years long history alliance + friendship, plus the cruel reality of commie lurking around + russia in the north, all of this push for even stronger solid alliance between Japan and the West. A single Osprey or even ten Ospreys wont change the solid foundation that had been built for so many decades. Commies can choose to believe this hoax and try to take down Taiwan or Senkaku, an unexpected great disaster is waiting for them

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Hahaha sure

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

ianToday 12:02 pm JST

Actually the US has a long track record of inciting and initiating wars and conflicts around the world while China has a long track record of peaceful dispute resolution with its neighbors.

China has a long record of getting others to fight its wars while preparing to start WW3. FTFY.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Survivors of the victims might be lamenting why their sons had to go to Japan on a dangerous mission. There is no condolence to the victims from the Japanese government and their people.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Don't let China regime tear us apart due to the one Osprey crash.

Don't let your faulty designs sacrifice the lives of young men.

The real weapon is economic leverage. China inks trade agreements with Taiwan and uses leverage to move towards reunification. Many of you relics still have the mindset of D-Day seaborne infantry amphibious landings on Omaha beach. China has no plans for such invasions. Pineapples and durians are stronger than Higgins boats. Trade deals work better than arms sales. The pen is mightier than the sword.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

quercetumToday 04:06 pm JST

Don't let China regime tear us apart due to the one Osprey crash.

Don't let your faulty designs sacrifice the lives of young men.

The real weapon is economic leverage. China inks trade agreements with Taiwan and uses leverage to move towards reunification. Many of you relics still have the mindset of D-Day seaborne infantry amphibious landings on Omaha beach. China has no plans for such invasions. Pineapples and durians are stronger than Higgins boats. Trade deals work better than arms sales. The pen is mightier than the sword.

According to this, bide your time is over, including for pineapples:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_pineapples

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

AureliusToday 07:07 am JST

I think the USA looks like a war mongering country not a peace keeper.

Yeah, if you refuse to acknowledge the rape of Ukraine by Russia and the huge threat to Taiwan, you would believe nonsense like that.

With the way the USA is looking domestically there's many countries in Asia concerned that American culture is undermining their traditional values and way of life more negatively than positively

Yeah it would be terrible if Asian countries had robust economies, freedom, and solid demographics like the US.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

When the hen house is burning, the chickens fly away..

This is your reminder that Taiwan is an independent country because China is terrified of the U.S. military

-2 ( +13 / -15 )

I love the line about public trust. It’s like when parents argue and use the “not in front of the kid” excuse when they are loosing.

I wonder if they public trust they are scared of loosing is the same one they ignore asking to reduce the size of the bases, not destroy their island, and see actual consequences for poor choices and decisions made by the people around them?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The Okinawa government hates the Ospreys shaky safety record. The US would do well to sacrifice these expensive toys of theirs that aren't really needed for operations. They are redundant and were built at cost overrun.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Incident was unfortunate but it's also a good reminder for Japan to not have any illusions about who they're dealing with

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Statistically all modes of transport can be shown to be safe.

The question here is the U.S. military Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft has been flagged.

So now an appropriate manner to restore confidence, not only in the Osprey safety record. but also in the decision making process that if and when a concern is raised, action is completed to the satisfaction of all involved

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Now you are doing comedy. I took a look at the list of the United Nations member nations and found no nation named "Taiwan".

threaten to invade the independent nation of Taiwan

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The Osprey is not just an APAC base region issue, problem's and concerns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accidents_and_incidents_involving_the_V-22_Osprey#:~:text=Four%20crashes%20killed%20a%20total,a%20total%20of%2033%20people

Its a major problem.(globally)

Since 1991 just till 2007 a window in time. Four crashes killed a total of 30 people during testing from 1991 to 2000. Since the V-22 became operational in 2007, 12 crashes, including two in combat zones, and several other accidents and incidents have killed a total of 33 people.

The tilting rotors and the software do not gel together.

Japan's concerns are warranted and anywhere this aircraft is deployed as well stateside.

They really need to get the aircraft safer some how. Too many have died.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

JboneInTheZone

Today 01:02 pm JST

Actually the US has a long track record of inciting and initiating wars and conflicts around the world while China has a long track record of peaceful dispute resolution with its neighbors.

> Whataboutism. Your response has nothing to do with the comment I was responding to

Lol what is whataboutisn? Whatever,, it's good that you acknowledge it's true though

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

deanzaZZRToday 01:04 pm JST

@JboneInTheZone Read and learn something today. From the US-PRC Joint Communique in 1972 with text taken from the American Institute in Taiwan. https://www.ait.org.tw/u-s-prc-joint-communique-1972/

"The U.S. side declared: The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. It reaffirms its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question by the Chinese themselves."

Yeah, so the US was forced to declare a patently false statement that was false in 1972. At what point would like to acknowledge the truth?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Simply embarrassing. How can a country with any sense of pride allow such a thing?

The U.S. Forces Japan, meanwhile, has effectively ignored the demand by continuing to operate Ospreys other than CV-22s.

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

On the other hand, would Japan want an ally whose equipment isn't sound; apart from these helicoptors, think faulty Iran rescue ones, poor maintenance on that space shuttle that blew up, was they've not won (Vietnam), ones they've started on dodgy intelligence (Iraq), and so on.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Expected

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

@JboneInTheZone Read and learn something today. From the US-PRC Joint Communique in 1972 with text taken from the American Institute in Taiwan. https://www.ait.org.tw/u-s-prc-joint-communique-1972/

"The U.S. side declared: The United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. It reaffirms its interest in a peaceful settlement of the Taiwan question by the Chinese themselves."

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

TaiwanIsNotChina, this whole situation could have been given allot more thought, paid careful consideration of/to public opinion.

It matters, really does, politically the Government of China thrives on huffs and puffs, any loss of face, between allies.

I know I harp on, but the Government of China will never view Taiwan as anything our than Chinese sovereign territory to one day invade and seize control.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@JboneInTheZone Great, then publish a declaration of independence as the 13 American colonies did (for example) and deal with the consequences.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Survivors of the victims might be lamenting why their sons had to go to Japan on a dangerous mission. There is no condolence to the victims from the Japanese government and their people.

If the V-22 wasn't flying, their sons might have been able to avoid death.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

TokyoLivingToday 06:57 am JST

Japan will be protected by the US by the hard times are coming.

Same as Vietnam and Afghanistan..

When the hen house is burning, the chickens fly away..

LOOOOOOL!!!!!...

Thankfully it will be a conventional war over Taiwan, but you are right that the US has to prove its commitment by funding and supplying Ukraine.

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

it will undermine the "Japanese public's trust and support" for the bilateral alliance

Does the Japanese public support this unilateral alliance?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Please link to English or Chinese language government website stating this clearly. Taiwan as a country has never existed. If you are referring to the Republic of China...it's China 中華民國 as the Chinese clearly reads.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

A dangerous and defective military aircraft has claimed five more U.S. Marines. The Marines were on board an MV-22 Osprey that crashed near the Glamis community in California on June 9, 2022.

The Osprey has got to go.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

That's the whole point. The American military does not need to be the world's policeman. Halve the Pentagon budget as a start and both the world and the US will be safer.

When you do exercises on the frequency of what a country like the U.S. has its military do

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

As someone living in the US, we didn't even hear about this incident in US news. I find these days that tells you US mainstream media was instructed to not promote this story.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

itsonlyrocknrollToday 09:53 am JST

To simply ignore perfectly reasonable requests is not an option.

There was no formal request it seems.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Larr Flint

The Japan-U.S. alliance is not a real alliance between two equal partners, so that it could crumble any time such incidents might occur.

It's the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty that the alliance is supposed to be legally based, but that treaty is just a paper work which the U.S. side frequently violates with impunity and nonchalantly.

The Japan-U.S. Security Treaty is nothing but a concoction with which to make Japan's occupation by the U.S. last forever.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Products liability design defect. Find a way for the U.S. military to save face and get rid the Osprey.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

I don't know why the US military is in Japan in the first place. This isn't US territory.

-6 ( +9 / -15 )

Fears grow Japan-U.S. alliance may be affected by Osprey crash

Something not quite right about that headline. Let's fix it.

Fears stoked by media Japan-U.S. alliance may be affected by Osprey crash

There you go.

-7 ( +12 / -19 )

Agree with gary. It's much ado about nothing

-8 ( +10 / -18 )

The Japanese government is very shocked their concerns of their own air safety in their own air space are not respected. They have been loyal and obey for decades. Very ungrateful from the Americans, truth is always hurt !

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

Japan can easily make sufficient amount of nuclear weapons to be free from fears of any invasion. This so called US “protection” is obviously not doing any good for Japan as an independent country.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Japan will be protected by the US by the hard times are coming.

Same as Vietnam and Afghanistan..

When the hen house is burning, the chickens fly away..

LOOOOOOL!!!!!...

-11 ( +13 / -24 )

The Japanese were horrified to learn they have no say of anything about their air space. This is what being a vassal state deserve to have. The truth hurts but this is a fact !

-11 ( +13 / -24 )

Fears grow Japan-U.S. alliance may be affected by Osprey crash

Per usual, the japanese operating in bad faith. Truth is ( other than the communist leftists in japan ) nobody gives a crap about these 'incidents'.

What is happening, and always happens when there is a so-called 'incident' with the U.S. military which has protected japan for close to a century now, is the japanese seeking repartions of sorts to gain some kind of political or financial advantage in this awkward relationship.

I say ditch japan as they have been a thorn in America's side for centuries and feed them to China. Then and only then will the japnaese have something to complain about.

-11 ( +10 / -21 )

Thanks Gary, forgot to submit that one too

-12 ( +4 / -16 )

Japan will have to start thinking very seriously about acquiring nukes to protect itself from nuclear armed rogue neighbors. You’re naive if you believe the US will ever go to war with China for Japan.

-12 ( +5 / -17 )

I'm reminded of this moment in late Tokugawa Japan. 尊王攘夷

-15 ( +1 / -16 )

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