Kishida addresses Congress amid skepticism about U.S. role abroad

Why is everyone smiling? That makes me nervous.

“When necessary, it made noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world,” Kishida said of the U.S.

200 years of American history proves otherwise

Kishida makes me extremely annoyed he's not doing more to improve the health and well-being of japan domestically

I approve of Japan's military defense

There's so much more needs to happen to improve the economy and lives of those that live in japan

Kamala , Biden and Kishida

What a circus act

All that smiling and joking reaks of insincerity !

Why is everyone smiling? 

Yabba dabba doo!

“Although I could never translate, ‘Yabba dabba doo.’”

Mr GoodmanToday  07:09 am JST

“When necessary, it made noble sacrifices to fulfill its commitment to a better world,” Kishida said of the U.S.

200 years of American history proves otherwise

No, the post-WW2 history of the world proves US engagement is positive and essential.

All that smiling and joking reaks of insincerity !

Insecure that the US could have a leader that isn't a hateful bigot and traitor?

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said earlier this week that he hoped Kishida's visit would underscore “that we’re in a worldwide situation here against the enemies of democracy — led by China, Russia and Iran.”

That’s his opinion and he’s welcome to it.

“Why is everyone smiling? “

Because Kishida cracked a joke that wasn’t funny at all but out of respect for the official guest the Americans were smiling obligingly.

200 years of American history proves otherwise

We foot the bill in some way for whatever third world country you live in

No, the post-WW2 history of the world proves US engagement is positive and essential.

100% and it’s more obvious now that ever. Now that the U.S. has started to take even the slightest step back on the world stage you see fires starting everywhere (Ukraine, China in the South China Sea, tensions in the Middle East)

America is in hot waters due to Pres. Biden Blind Support to Netanyahu, it was a mistake that cost the 33,000 human lives.

MeiyouwentiToday  07:46 am JST

“Why is everyone smiling? “

Because Kishida cracked a joke that wasn’t funny at all but out of respect for the official guest the Americans were smiling obligingly.

No, in the US we laugh when something is funny. In Japan you laugh when your boss or guest attempts to be funny out of "sontaku". That's a cultural difference.

""He sought to remind lawmakers of the leading role the U.S. has played globally since World War II. After dropping two nuclear weapons on Japan to end the war, the U.S. helped rebuild Japan, and the nations transformed from bitter enemies to close allies.""

WOW, WOW, Is Mr. Kishida suggesting that this is how conflicts should end, or WW2 should have ended? Is he justifying the use of NUKE to end the war the right thing to do?? I am really confused??

The pathetic skit continues..

Why is everyone smiling? That makes me nervous.

It should. Three grifters laughing at the people they rule over.

Wonder how much Kishida's weeklong publicity campaign will end up costing us.

Guess we might find out next week when the government finally gets round to publishing how much he has pledged to the US arms industry.

He emphasized that Japan has committed to providing Kyiv with $12 billion in wartime aid, including anti-drone detection systems.

It is already the beginning of the end. Russia wins this war. Save your money. They just go to the defense contractors. Ukraine needs them now.

He relished the moment and highlighted his ties to the U.S. He told lawmakers how he spent his first three years of elementary school in New York City while his father worked there as a trade official. Lawmakers applauded and laughed as he recalled American pastimes like attending baseball games and watching the Flintstones.

“I still miss that show,” Kishida told them. “Although I could never translate, ‘Yabba dabba doo.’”

What the…? Seriously, Fumio?

…

Today  08:17 am JST

MeiyouwentiToday  07:46 am JST

“Why is everyone smiling? “

Because Kishida cracked a joke that wasn’t funny at all but out of respect for the official guest the Americans were smiling obligingly.

“ No, in the US we laugh when something is funny. In Japan you laugh when your boss or guest attempts to be funny out of "sontaku". That's a cultural difference. “

No, they were smiling because he was trying to be funny (it’s not just the joke). A typical Japanese middle aged man trying to be relatable to an audience full of Americans can be an awkward, funny situation.

Japan has committed to providing Kyiv with $12 billion in wartime aid, including anti-drone detection systems.

Is it accurate to call it "wartime aid"? I thought was promises about rebuilding, which will go to Japanese companies and won't happen during "wartime".

Antidrone stuff will be wartime, but won't amount to billions of dollars.

When is that trip over? It is positively unbearable to watch.

Don’t for some flattery, a free meal, you blindly, sheepishly get pulled in to do their fighting, sacrificing Japan/Japanese. Be smart.

It's entirely predictable for Kishida and the LDP to cling tightly to the salad days policies of the 1960s, 70s & 80s when the Asia Pacific was an American lake. Today's world is multi-polar and will only continue going forward. Maybe the next LDP leader will realize that trend but I wouldn't wager any money on it.

As a Western European from a G7 country and member of the EU and pro NATO and West in general I feel perplexed of how Japan and the LDP in general have this evident servility toward to the US.

In this country on a daily basis all the media focus on the bilateral relationship with the United States and this seems really one sided.

Japan should be close friend of the US but also regain a bit of it’s sovereignty and not do whatever Washington suggest them to do.

This relationship to my European eyes look more like servility to a master and it is frankly sad to see how hard Kishida is trying to please them with his words and behaviour.

Sad day for Japan and the remainder of the Pacific. If I was a foreigner in Japan I would seriously think of leaving.

The joker behind Kishida aside, the speech sounds like a monumental one, well thought out, on point, and brazenly relevant. Bravo Mr Kishida, you have done Japan proud on this one.

Mao Ning, the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman, said, “Despite China’s serious concerns, the U.S. and Japan attacked and smeared China on the Taiwan question and maritime issues, grossly interfered in China’s domestic affairs and violated the basic norms in international relations.”

The bitter and resentful remarks from the Chinese spokesman highlight the clear-as-day differences between the two emerging sides. You couldn't have scripted it better. It's all out there on show.

I like the picture.

"And then when I pulled his finger...."

Ramsey's KitchenToday 09:26 am JST

No, the post-WW2 history of the world proves US engagement is positive and essential.

"Positive and essential engagement " is all relative aint it. Pretty sure millions of casualties of US "positive" interventions and regime change operations would disagree.

Your heroes have caused plenty as well.

200 years of American history proves otherwise

No, the post-WW2 history of the world proves US engagement is positive and essential.

All that smiling and joking reaks of insincerity !

Insecure that the US could have a leader that isn't a hateful bigot and traitor?

Hey iam sorry you feel offended being an American and i know how embarrassing it must be .

I wouldn’t call the industrial revolutions and genocide of native Americans and nuclear testing and the holocaust etc etc anything to be proud of or necessary for that matter

Furthermore there's no need to feel offended as i wasn't directing the comment at you personally .

The USA government doesn't always do what's necessary

saving the world looks like a lot of fun.....

You can peruse the objectives of the WEF and number one on the list is that America will no longer be a superpower. Pursuant to this objective, the 46th killed the US energy independence, jobs, economy, and opened the borders for mass migration of illegals that will further weaken America from within. After the rapture of Christians, America will lose its superpower status. So it is wise for Japan to strengthen its military capabilities and not depend on the US.

Not reading from prompt cards, his speech was memorized, sure, but it was well-paced, easy to understand, on-target and powerful, as RK13 says above. Congratulations, Mr Kishida!

Kamala , Biden and Kishida

What a circus act

True.

All that smiling and joking reaks of insincerity !

Well, I’m skeptical as well and with good reason, but let’s see what happens.

Mr GoodmanToday 12:41 pm JST

200 years of American history proves otherwise

No, the post-WW2 history of the world proves US engagement is positive and essential.

All that smiling and joking reaks of insincerity !

Nothing insincere about it: Europe and Japan would have been overrun by less civilized countries if not for the US.

TemyongToday 01:04 pm JST

You can peruse the objectives of the WEF and number one on the list is that America will no longer be a superpower. Pursuant to this objective, the 46th killed the US energy independence, jobs, economy, and opened the borders for mass migration of illegals that will further weaken America from within. After the rapture of Christians, America will lose its superpower status. So it is wise for Japan to strengthen its military capabilities and not depend on the US.

Yeah, you got to worry about a sudden spate of raptures that might happen. Jesus take the wheel!!!

William77Today  11:00 am JST “ As a Western European from a G7 country and member of the EU and pro NATO and West in general I feel perplexed of how Japan and the LDP in general have this evident servility toward to the US.

In this country on a daily basis all the media focus on the bilateral relationship with the United States and this seems really one sided.

Japan should be close friend of the US but also regain a bit of it’s sovereignty and not do whatever Washington suggest them to do.

This relationship to my European eyes look more like servility to a master and it is frankly sad to see how hard Kishida is trying to please them with his words and behaviour. “

Well said, my fellow Western European but—we shouldn’t forget that these two countries formed an unbreakable bond after the end of WWII but I agree that Japan is a sleeping giant that is being kept on a leash by the US. So much wasted potential…

CoreyToday  09:18 am JST “ When is that trip over? It is positively unbearable to watch. “

daito_hakToday  12:30 pm JST

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday, as Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson look on. 

“ Look at him laughing like an imbecile . A puppet willing to ruin his own country to be seen as the servant of US. His masters behind him are delighted to have such a puppet who they can tell what they want him to say. “

Heheh. Well said.

So with Japan joining, AUKUS will become JAUKUS ? Sounds like and will be a JACKASS.

After the rapture of Christians, America will lose its superpower status. So it is wise for Japan to strengthen its military capabilities and not depend on the US.

Word.

Japan and the US must be prepared for any eventuality like a fungal zombie apocalypse from cordyceps , the rising of Great Cthulhu from R'lyeh or a passing comet granting superpowers to some part of humanity.

There are so many eventualities that could alter the US-Japan relationship.

Japan's PM is working for US, not for Japanese general citizen.

So, he is welcomed from US president or congress.

If posted previously please forgive.....

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses joint meeting of Congress | full video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E11f_ZT0h8k

Busy times

After dropping two nuclear weapons on Japan to end the war, the U.S. helped rebuild Japan, and the nations transformed from bitter enemies to close allies.

If Japan was a close ally to the U.S., why are U.S. forces stationed in Japan like they were during the occupation period, maintaining large swaths of bases almost the same as before?

This alliance is nothing but a farce and shenanigans.

The speech hit the sweet spot, even if the humour is a tad toe curling.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is a consummate diplomat.

Unarguably.

Both administrations, Japan and US will have to convince the people.

Lets leave it at that, for the moment

Kishida told them. “Although I could never translate, ‘Yabba dabba doo.’”

It’s great to see Kishida “having a gay old time”.

Nothing insincere about it: Europe and Japan would have been overrun by less civilized countries if not for the US.

But isn't the United States currently seriously divided ?

Does it seem civilized to be surrounded by guns and drugs and crime and obesity ?

If not insecure then there's no need to get your peaceful freedom feathers all ruffled over others opinions and feelings then ?

What is your purpose here ?

This alliance is nothing but a farce and shenanigans.

Bingo !

Best quote from P.M. Kishida's speech: "Yubba Dubba Doo"

I just saw his speech on the news and I have to give him a 10/10. Very articulate.

The Lend-Lease Act saved Russia without hoping to be paid back

The Marshall Plan saved Europe

Unfortunately the US has a government structure that allows one fascist puppet to tie up and strangle foreign policy despite the will of the elected representatives at the ultimate behest of a foreign inimical power.

Johnson has a lot to answer for, as does the Oompa Loompa.