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© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013.Abe bets U.S. alliance, ratings can weather Yasukuni visit
By Linda Sieg TOKYO©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
58 Comments
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minello7
The headline suggests an arrogance, and with the ratings for Abe starting to fall, maybe we might be in for a few more surprises in 2014.
nath
Abe has become a liability for the US, perhaps soon to be more so than Israel's Netanyahu. He misread American's intentions in Asia and used it as an opportunity to push its life-long intention of resurrecting Japan's past "glory". He will make Japan a bigger headache to the US than China. The so-called alliance between US and Japan proves to be similar to that between China and North Korea. It's more trouble than its worth!
It's time to reconsider. The American's "pivot" to Asia now has two goals: to contain China AND Japan.
Schopenhauer
America is as much self-righteous narco head as China is so. They don't know our values. Every country has its values. Butt Out!
OssanAmerica
That's really funny. As a China supporter I realize that splitting the US/Japan alliance is your goal. But I'm afraid that the article is most likely correct. There will be no change in the alliance and in US/Japan position towards China. Not only is he US committed by Treaty, but we also now have 240 Billion riding on it.
paulinusa
“The economy, income, social welfare - these are the concerns of the Japanese people. Foreign policy probably won’t have a decisive impact on the opinion polls.”
But China is Japan's largest trading partner. I hope Abe doesn't miscalculate.
gogogo
Pride before anything else, Abe will be the death of Japan.
CrazyJoe
Successive governments after the war have continued to seek to break away from the post-war structure.It's been done it in a manner that seems to be cunning and clever from the United States. If Abe visited the shrine in a similar context, it is too immature with no strategic (characteristics).
Vast Right-Wing Conspirator
The world needs to gather against China, as the planet's worst polluter and environmental criminal. The issue of Yasukuni is an internal matter for Japan, and China needs to shut up. A Japanese politician visits a Japanese shrine in Japan, nothing to do with anyone else unless they CHOOSE to make it an issue.
FightingViking
Abe's behaviour is that of a spoilt brat. "They all say I shouldn't visit Yasukuni but I'll show them !"
I guess his parents forgot to teach him that politics and religion don't mix very well...
Alex80
As I said, the real alliance in Asia is USA/China. The USA welcomes Japanese rearm but don't trust Abe. Seriously? Well they shouldn't welcome Japanese rearm in the first place. The USA are smart.
David Foley
Nothing private or religious about this visit. 100 percent Abe trying to show the world how big his balls are.
gkamburoff
I think we will come to regret the administration of the Nationalist Abe.
There are signs of coming tragedy.
Alex80
Japan is for the USA nothing more than North Korea is for China. I wonder why the USA accepted to fix Futenma situation with Abe, but not with Hatoyama, uh? They are pushing for Japanese nationalism, turning Japan into "the real thread for the peace in Asia". I repeat, the USA are smart and this is the only way for them to break up their alliance with Japan and to get closer to China. Turning your ally into your enemy.
OssanAmerica
-1
We have reached a level where China's position is so poor in the eyes of the world that it's supporters must now turn to constructing fantasies. Anyone who actually believes that the United States could ever form an "Alliance" with a dictatorship is pretty far out in orbit. Especially one that is openly challenging the U.S. The US has nothing to gain from turning any country into a threat to peace in Asia, China has done so all on it's own.
Alex80
threat
Really? That alliance is already there, stronger than you think. It's all about money.
chucky3176
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-12/abe-should-end-the-war-over-yasukuni-shrine.html
A short excerpt here:
This is dangerous nonsense. Yasukuni is ground zero for an unrepentant view of Japan’s wartime aggression. During World War II, the shrine served as the “command headquarters” of State Shinto, a religion that deified the emperor and mobilized Japanese subjects to fight a holy war at his behest. The private foundation that runs Yasukuni only added the 14 most controversial “souls” -- surreptitiously -- in 1978.
The shrine’s political mission is on blatant display at the adjacent Yushukan museum, run by the same foundation. There, the Class A war criminals are portrayed as martyrs. Japan’s war in China is supposed to have suppressed banditry and terrorism, while its invasion of the rest of Asia is represented as a war of liberation from Western colonialism. Missing from the extensive exhibits are any mentions of the Rape of Nanjing, the awful experiments conducted by Unit 731 on prisoners of war, or the suffering endured by tens of thousands of “comfort women.”
Bgood41
It is all politics, regardless U.S. is bound by the existing agreement with Japan and the alliance will be strong as Abe delivers the relocation of Okinawa base. China asked for it and get the right dose from its bullying tactics. To visit or not, China and Korea(s) always hold grudges against Japan, even after 60 years of good intents. U.S. and Japan alliance withstand any political party to provide certain stability to the region against future bully and tyranny activities. After the defeat of Nazi in Germany, European nations tend to move on but not with China and Korea(s). Japan's economics and culture is now an integral part of the world, and the new Japan is seeking a fairness and peace among nations.
Vincehwr
From the beginning there were no Chinese supporters beside from themselves. Let's face it, China has been making very ridiculous decisions from the long time, isn't it obvious no countries call China as allies, just the trading partners. Even North Korea is just using ally as a ruse to get protection. It's ok to be a little nationalistic but at least be a bit honest.
To Vast Right-Wing Conspirator: You sound like you want all Chinese to be eliminated or destroyed. Every one of the sentences are pretty hostile like Stormfront user.
GW
Well folks the genie is trying to get out of its bottle!
I hope the yanks can keep him inside, the world doesn't need this genie released any time soon!
chucky3176
Continued excerpt from the same Bloomberg article linked above:
Vast Right-Wing Conspirator
Vince; All Chinese? No, of course not. Just their corrupt and dictatorial government.
Louis Tan
Abe bets U.S. alliance, ratings can weather Yasukuni visit....
Yes, until the shit hits the fan and Abe will be left standing alone.
Kent Mcgraw
People err if they think the treaty will remain in effect. There is a clause in the treaty that it may be ended at the request of either party, hence the United States and Japan both have the right to nullify the treaty at any time. If one party decides they want out of the treaty, the treaty becomes null one year after such notice is given.
OssanAmerica
Yes really, That's not an alliance. If it is, China has a bigger "alliance" with Japan.
Markus L
I just returned to Japan from Berlin. Seeing first hand how the people of Germany and it's government have made a sincere effort to atone for their atrocities under the Third Reich, I was almost embarrassed for the Japanese people. Only about 200 meters from Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag stands a huge monument commemorating the Soviet soldiers who died in the Battle of Berlin. Everywhere are plaques commemorating Jews that were dragged from their shops and died in the Holocaust. And at the address of the former Head Quarters of the Gestapo and SS stands a museum about their atrocities and commemorating their victims. It's hard to imagine anything like this in Tokyo. And while the German's can now move on with the respect of their former enemies and victims, the Japanese continue to whitewash their actions, provoke their neighbors, who suffered horrible atrocities at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Army, and as a result will continue to be looked upon with a complete lack of any respect.
CGB Spender
This article should be filed under "Japan Today staff personal opinions"! It reads like the typical one-sided views presented by so many western journalists about Japan.
jojotoday
@CGB Why don't you go read the Japanese newspapers then?
Guy Fawkes
I agree with you.
smithinjapan
"As far back as the summer, however, aides said Abe might visit the shrine if there was no breakthrough in ties."
So, let's take a look at Abe's comments after visiting the shrine: he said it was in order to pay respects and IMPROVE ties with neighbours, and yet now there is glaring proof that he THREATENED to visit the shrine if ties did NOT improve, knew it would exacerbate things, and clearly was not going in any private capacity. What's more, saying "I'm sure I can weather the storm" or what have you indicates he KNOWS what he did was wrong. No apologies for past mistakes? His arrogance will be his second downfall, and I think he knows that.
Crikey
Markus L - I agree with you. MacArthur was very much focused on rehabilitating Japan after its surrender, not destroying it. But there is little doubt in my mind that here lies the root of China`s strongly held view that Japan has never properly atoned for its past.
hakerto
Only China and Korea still see Japan as the boogeyman but China is the biggest hypocrite of all. Tibet is a modern day colony grab after WW2 which up to now is still being trampled upon by the illegal occupation of China. Another more controversial hypocrisy of China is its aggressive territory grab in the South China Sea against weak countries.
obladi
Yep, I too agree with Markus L. It's fine to be proud of your country, but it's disrespectful (and I would agree, embarrassing) for Japan's top politician to ignore the symbolic ramifications of visiting Yasukuni shrine. The way for Japan to be strong (which I hope for), is for it to face the facts of the last century openly, teach the young generation that fascism, slavery, and genocide are wrong, and be an example of democracy and cultural excellence.
This might sound corny, but I think it's well within Japan's grasp. I just don't know where the politicians are coming from. Seems like a distant planet.
kaimycahl
Again people Abe bet the alliance because He planned this with the Obama administration when Abe came to Washington this year. Abe knew relations with China was not going to get any better so why not visit the shrine in previous articles they wrote that Abe went to the US to confirm the Japanese an US alliance. I can bet the conversation he had with Obama was like this Obama to Abe how about giving the US the rights and ability to move our troops to the North to counter China’s growing military might and so that the US can have more influence in the Pacific. Abe response but what about, the growing tensions over territorial disputes between China, Japan and S.Korea? Obama response I would talk to S.Korea and in the mean time you can pay your respect at the shrine I got your back. Abe ok but i have to pay off the Okinawa government first Obama do what you gotta do lets make this happen. Abe yes Sir Mr.President in the mean time China signs an agreement with Niguragua to wide a canal similar to and bigger than the panama canal saying it will allow them to get more cargo ships faster to the US for trading , cargo ships mean subs and war ships. Its all a game of cat and mouse and the mouse never wins. In the mean time Abe has the green light to speak and do as he pleases because of the ALLIANCE which is nothing but big money interest. In other words people we cant hate the players we have to hate the game. We are just the spectators with no voices Abe is like a chess piece a pawn in the game is moves when he is told and right now he can move freely as he has been told.
Mike45
“The Americans are dissatisfied? Too bad. Will they still be our ally? Yes,”
exactly. If you dont like it, too bad, we are going to do as we please. I think the current administration underestimated Abe and friends real intentions, now they are having to backpeddle? There isnt really any central accountablity in Japan; its why we can never get anybody to take responsiblity for WW2. Abe has his own fans to please, thus the visit to Yasukuni. Its business as usual in Japan, with the usual "played with the snake, got bit" approach by outsiders.
kaimycahl
@CrisGerSan Can we all just get a long @ chucky you are really on something thats against the law
sanyuyulai
“得道多助,失道寡助。” You did it right, Abe, you will not be alone, especially those younger generation that you have taught well to threat National hero respectfully, they are all very much behind you! Those friendly countries too, they are all with you.
中国有句话叫,瘦驴拉硬屎——瞎逞能。 Keep it up Abe, push further ahead and never scared of any retaliation for things done right.
Do the above 2 phrases described best Abe...? U.S has the rating.
honey
I thought Abenomics was about improving the economy not destroying it.I also feel a bad moon arising over Japan.
GW
Markus L,
Thanks for brilliant illustration of the HUGE DIFFERENCE between Japan & Germany!!
I would love to see a Japan that faced its history honestly, where politicians didn't lie to their own. Japan could be right where Germany BUT CHOSE NOT TOO!!
So its unlikely sadly that we will never see a day in Japan where Japan can tell China & Korea to stand PROUD & tell them to shut up, current Japan isn't like the old one.......................
But sadly current Japan is JUST LIKE the old one, nothing has changed, that peaceful beauty is a very thin veneer!
hkitagawa
I'm a Japanese but I can't understand why they do visits if it causes a lot of confusion with our neighbours. I also know that our Emperor will never do that.
Mitch Cohen
Interesting post.
However Japan is too proud to emulate Germany, and will continue to accuse their closest neighbours of over-reacting and maliciously attacking Japan. You don't often see Germans who try to justify their past wrongdoing, but there are plenty of Japanese people who do it, including on this site. And this is to the detriment of Japan, economically as well as politically.
kuuku
as for the first part of the sentence, i only aware of the current US President's speech (Barack) in Berlin before the EU summit when he publicly called that German's role on the international stage is very well needed/welcomed and should be increased, but i think i haven't heard if he already made that kind of speech here (Japan)... i think i didn't even hear that as well from Vice Presd Biden during his last visit for Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing..perhaps i missed out on something about any public speech or announcement from Washington for Tokyo to boost its military posture..but, sorry if it was not a very public one..
tinawatanabe
China & Skorea started making a fuss about Yasukuni quite recently. Why should we suddenly stop centuries of tradition.
hkitagawa
I think that before 1945 the world was just not enough connected. Every country did atrocities. We still have it happening in civil war in Africa. Nuclear weapons were also used in the history, Roman empire also did worse. The past war happened mainly by the collapse of US economy in the 20's and people voted in favor of extreme dictators. Well, but... Abe just visited the temple and he talked that was looking for peace.
OzKen
Abe has a right to do whatever he wants in regards to Yasukuni. Everyone has an interpretation, but Abe is doing it to respect those who sacrificed their lives for their country rather than the criminals who are enshrined there - Japan has always been and always will be a complex nation. Japan will always be a major player in Asian geopolitics and we need them (as an Australian loyal to her allies) to retain a status quo in the region. Post world war thinking has long ended, America will need strong allies in the 21st century and beyond.
Mike45
@Cohen,
"However Japan is too proud to emulate Germany"
Its not really a case of pride, its a case of there is nobody to blame in Japan. When troublemaking occurs in Japan, the blame is shifted, because there isnt anybody to be held accountable. Its a puzzeling but clever manipulation of events. In the case of WW2, many say Hirohito should be blamed, but in Japan he was seen as a god or diety, so how can he be held accountable? Many Japanese say the Army was to blame, but who in the Army? Enjoy the mystery. Sex slaives? Corporations provided them, not the Army. Abe visits Yasukuni? Well, he isnt to blame, its the interest groups or "strange" interest groups who have extremist agendas that ask him to go there.
tinawatanabe
Japan has apologized many many times. Why should Japan act in the exact same way as German does. Abe's visit to the shrine is his way to express his promise to peace as other Japanese do at the shrine.
Chooky88
I agree with the direction modern Japan is taking. But this shrine is for disgusting war criminals. Abe should 'pull his head in'" and the shrine should remove all the criminals in it. What these people did defies forgiveness. Japan had heroes, who showed selflessness and bravery, honour them even if they fought for the wrong side as you fight for your country. But a criminal is a criminal, just because they wore a uniform doesn't earn respect. Abe is wrong g on this. Completely.
litho-B
I am not a religious man by any means, but there is a phrase that has plenty of meaning all the same. "Let thee without sin cast the first stone." China has little room to talk about atrocities to humanity.
tinawatanabe
If people don't like Yasukuni so much, why don't you take this to International Court. And prove that Abe is not paying respect and not promising peace there.
hkitagawa
It sounds like conspiracy theory but US already knows that Abe was going to visit the temple. It seems that the major problem here is not actually the visit but the increase in China military expenses up to 1/7 of USA.
sanyuyulai
Many Japanese think that their Prime Minister's visit is as simple as just paying respect to someone they love; no! Yasukuni Shrine is a place where Class A and other war criminals of World War 2 are also embraced. By doing this, Abe is (1) damaging the feeling of the people once suffered from Japanese militarist aggression and colonial domination. (2)is giving the peace-loving peoples of the world a blatant provocation of historical justice and a gross violation of human conscience, (3) and is arrogantly challenging the outcome of the World over the victory on Anti-Fascist War and denying the Charter of the post-war international order.
As simple as only an "Internal Affair" or " individual's visit" looks silly to the world! Unless those souls are removed back home and embrace by their individual family.
Naturally Abe's perverse evil course is strongly opposed and strongly condemned by the Chinese government and its people, and people from the international community.
中国有句话叫"得道多助,失道寡助"..Moral being, enjoys abundant supports, whereas unjust gets none. Adjust the wrong doing or else, be a 瘦驴拉硬屎——瞎逞能。 A thin donkey pulling hard feces - be blindly conceited. You can't do much but a lonelier man days after days.
tinawatanabe
@hkitagawa Yasukuni is not a temple, it's a shrine. I can not believe You are Japanese.
nath
@tinawatanabe YES, Japan SHOULD emulate the way Germany apologised and till today openly shows that bad things happened and talk about them openly, THAT is how people learn and THAT is how it won`t happen again. It is sad how little people here know about the past and the bad things that happened and WHY. It amazes me how, when I tell my friends here when we have some deeper discussions about things that are commonly known in europe about the japanese invasions etc. and they don't really know the details or the truth.. Yasukuni was once a proper shrine to honour the dead but has since then been turned into a hideous political statement by the group that run this and should be eradicated and demolished. Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery is the proper place to honour the dead. In this modern world Japan is being selfish and inconsiderate of others, sad to say. It would be so easy to just change.. Japan needs a new enlightenment period, atone for the past sins, make everyone aware what occurred, don't whitewash the truth and embrace the past, the horrors and atrocities committed and tell people what really happened. Then restart and rebuild. Be happy that it is over and start looking forward again. But never let people forget what happened. I love Japan, my partner is Japanese and I truly enjoy it here..but it would be so much better for not just Japan but also the Japanese to reflect and change..
KappNets2
The comparison between Japan and Germany seems too simplistic. Simply put, the war in Europe was fought among the white people. The war in Asia had a flavor of white colonialism, backwardness and the difference in national character. This is reflected in the attitude of Asian countries against Japan after the war. Some Asian countries tend to view Japan more as a liberator than an aggressor. Taiwanese view Japan more enlightened than the continental Chinese who invaded Taiwan after WWII, and they do not hate Japan as South Koreans do. Vietnam was savaged in the war with US and SKorea but does not complain, does not demand compensation. Do not forget that Japan has faithfully compensated the countries for the loss in the war as far as the money is concerned.
Simply put, there are only two remaining countries (China and SKorea) that view Japan as a vicious aggressor and harass Japan about its "misdemeanor." The denunciation of Japan is not only part of their education but also movie films. Today, typical Japanese people feel that apology is not the solution.
I do not necessarily clap hands for Abe's visit of the shrine, but I cannot accuse him in light of the importunacy of the two countries.
The wars Japan has fought are viewed by many Japanese more as the (possibly defiant) steps of upgrowth to catch up western nations ('the worries of youth?'). This is a notion even the white people could and should understand. Yasukuni is part of legacy for them. It is a symbol of unity (even though many Japanese died by the name of Emperor) rather than a symbol of evil as believed abroad.
Guy Fawkes
Taiwanese view Japan more enlightened than the continental Chinese who invaded Taiwan after WWII, and they do not hate Japan as South Koreans do.
KappNets2
"Taiwanese harbor against the Japanese for WWII is just as strong as mainland China and SK."
I can understand that. Japan deserves that. However, at least diplomatically, Taiwan acts like other Asian countries adopting a forgiving attitude.
tomoki
GJ PM Abe. Many Japanese have been waiting for his visit at Yasukuni. He should go there daily if he would like. He should be considered as the best prime minister we have had after the war.
Mike45
"Some Asian countries tend to view Japan more as a liberator than an aggressor"
This is one of the most ridiculous statements I have read on this site, even outrating the japanophiles who defend all things neofacist Japan. Yes, you might read such a statement at the yasukuni muesum, but not by any natives of any of the countries Japan once colonized. From Singapore, HK, Guam, Tawain, Korea, Thailand, I have never heard anything positive or nostalgic about the occupation by Japan. I dont see HK or Singapore requiring mandatory japanese language lessons, instead they reverted back to the English education and legal system; might of had something to do with being massacred for not acknowleding the emperor in the correct manner? Maybe you can ask Mr. Yew what he thinks about it. They did latter adapt some of Japans economic policy, but Im not convinced any former colonies would trade their independance or what they learned under English occupation for Japan.