Japan, U.S. agree to deepen alliance, cooperate on Futenma, N Korea

Interesting article in today's Daily Yomiuri. It gave Kan high marks for his work in preparing for the summit, but suggested that he is possibly not as effective as he might be due to the language barrier. Too late for Kan, but Japan needs to seriously address its horrible foreign langauge skills if it wants to take its rightful place on the world stage.

No need for language improvement. Kan got to meet President Obama by recognizing his place. He said "Yes Sir" and in only a few weeks got the photo op of his life, a handshake and smile with the US president. Hatoyama with his fluent english and Stanford PhD got nothing except kicked out of office. Kan learned a valuable lesson from that.

alphawolf

Kan got to meet President Obama by recognizing his place. He said "Yes Sir"

What are you smoking? "recognising his place"?? Japan is the 6th most powerful economy in the world, ranking 3rd on pure GPD. Your statement implies that every other world leader should adopt a servile and fawning attitude to the U.S. in order to engage in constructive dialogue, and that the U.S. should be regarded as the "boss". I can't believe that anyone could have such a backwards view of the world. It reminds me of the British Empire during the colonial period... and look where they are now. You'd think that people would learn from history, but it seems like learning is a little beyond most people.

japan agrees to once again, bend over and deepen its 'bilateral' ties. kan couldnt possibly do it any other way because he's as good as mute when it comes to discussing issues with other foreign leaders. what year is it again? why is the leader of a such a posperous and adevanced nation as such as japan, unable to speak a lick of English?!?

it seems like all that the states and japan do is meet and greet these days. the PM turns over much too rapidly to get any real work done

Japan, U.S. agree to deepen alliance.

How many times have I read or heard this? How the hell deep is this metaphorical pit of alliance?

security from who?!

In many ways, it is better to have a translator for the Japanese PM. Japanese culture is different, and English would be a second language. Japan became the 2nd largest economy in the world by more action, rather than talk. Also, if the PM is not absolutely fluent in English, any error in word usage takes on a life of its own. The world class translator, when in doubt, will err on the side of caution, and generally make both parties look good. I'm a fluent speaker of English, but would prefer a translator in all situations if the situation is important - not very practical. In the US, the person would be a "spokesperson".

We need to tell the United States that Japan is NEUTRAL in the conflict in Korea. It was 100 years ago when Japan got involved in the internal affairs of Korea. Soon Korea was bought into the Empire by power crazed people. Not all that long latter Manchuria was added and then the war in China. Now the Americans want us to violate Article 9 of the Constitution. Our previous warlike actions lead directly to Nagasaki and the lessons learned by millions of dead Japanese Nationals is not to get involved. Say no to the Americans and protect the peace of the last 65 years.

Yuri you forgot about all the Okinawa's that were killed too by the past actions of Japan.

Takuma7, the Okinawa people were killed by the Americans and Japanese. Thus you state another fine reason to leave the problem of Korea to others. We do not need a repeat of the Steel Typhoon and letting the Americans use their bases on Okinawa to attack North Korea invites them to attack Japan and Okinawa.

frungy: I was being sarcastic because I can't believe it either but it appears to be the truth. If Kan took office stating he didn't want to deepen but to slowly degrade and eliminate the alliance and replace arms with more openness and dialoge in Asia. If he made a speach desireing to move Futenma back to America, this photo wouldn't exist.

‘‘We both noted the significance of 50 years of a U.S.-Japan alliance that has been a cornerstone not only of our two nations’ security but also of peace and prosperity throughout Asia,’’ Obama told reporters.

Our two nations security? The Japanese would come to our defense? I DO NOT THINK SO.

Goddog, neither do I, so the alliance shouldn't exist... we're the idiots.

Dear japanise pepole,I love so much your country and you're doing better than Italy that for a lot of reason seems to be such degraded as the Africa (I'm referring expecially of the quetion in the South).That's why I have to say that having a friendly relationship with USA is for your advantage and for your security,becouse you know how dangerous is North Corea lately. We must think that is a Chinese ally. It may be difficult not care abut the last umiliation, (something that I'm really sorry) but is forthe reason of your own security that you must stop this tention. Is not just for the Asia, but to avoid an atomic war in the rest of the world. I think you know how painful was the last atomic attack;right?

Japan has a constitution, w/ Article 9. The SDF is valid as long as it is for the defense of Japanese interests. An alliance can take many forms, and this US/Japan alliance is one of US stationing bases in Japan, and Japan will give support, but not an active participant in US military actions - the same alliance as during the Cold War.

It appears the voice of the people aren't being heard by the politicians in power. China to a degree is an ally of NK, however, China's Pres Hu Jintao has spoken that in lieu of escalating the situation between North & South Korea there should be dialogue between the two countries. Regrettably, NK wanted to send an investigation team to SK, but was denied by SK and I wonder who influenced SK to take that stand?