Obama says sorry to Japan over WikiLeaks claims of U.S. spying

“Prime Minister Abe said that, if the Japanese people concerned were subject to these activities, it would risk jeopardising trusting relations between allies,” Suga said.

"If?"

There is no doubt that the NSA was spying on Japanese politicians. There is no "IF" about it.

Has it stopped?

Nigelboy

This is for you; please read it. It's very interesting.

http://cryptome.org/2013/07/guccifer-cia-senkaku.pdf

Hmmn ?

Yes, that would be a fair trade.

Then perhaps Americans would come to understand why foreign nations are irked at having Uncle Sam forced up their *****.

And they should pass a new law making it illegal to deny spying, and their grandchildren and great, grandchildren and great, great, grandchildren should all be made to bow to Japan and repeat the apology.

And we want some compensation money. and a nice little island off the coast of the USA.

Manhattan would do.

A Japanese military base on Manhattan? Japanese marines raping Manhattan schoolgirls? Japanese airforce performing drills on a spot in the middle of the town and occasionally missing the spot? American citizens demanding that the army go home, but American government begging it not to leave? Well...

The good thing about Wikileaks' activities is that they expose the hypocricy underneath the diplomacy. It's true that spying has been around for centuries, but earlier it was mainly for military or political reasons, which is fair enough if you think another country is likely to be an aggressor or install a hostile regime, but now so much is for commercial advantage. Anything which advantages one country is likely to disadvantage the other. in terms of trade and jobs lost, and its use for that purpose is despicable, .

Obama is sorry that he got caught!

to think that Japan does not spy on its allies is absurd and clueless thinking. It all boils down to one thing, advantage and gains monetarily in the end regardless where or which country does the spying, the end result will go to the 1% and everyone else, well guess where in the pecking order each one of us is in.

nigelboy AUG. 27, 2015 - 03:31AM JST I'm simply arguing the abusurd nature of this 'apology'---'words followed by action'---'sincerity' loop game played by certain the governments.

Are you serious to what your saying? You are clueless.

I don't get the outrage. Spying might be an overused term, data gathering sounds so much friendlier. All countries spy on other countries. It is the way of the world. It is a known fact in the intelligence community that everyone in the world with the infrastructure to do it spies on their enemies and friends. Besides the governments, all companies do the same.

Devil's advocate mode off.

No outrage. I'm simply arguing the abusurd nature of this 'apology'-->-'words followed by action'--->'sincerity' loop game played by certain the governments.

nigelboy AUG. 27, 2015 - 02:11AM JST What type of 'action'(s) can we expect from U.S. after this apology?

I don't get the outrage. Spying might be an overused term, data gathering sounds so much friendlier. All countries spy on other countries. It is the way of the world. It is a known fact in the intelligence community that everyone in the world with the infrastructure to do it spies on their enemies and friends. Besides the governments, all companies do the same.

lols. don't make me repeat my earlier comment again!! your view seems narrow. revelations from wikileaks does not mean that US is the only country spying on Japan or to any other country for that matter. or that japan is not collecting any information that also serve that role...

Devil's advocate mode still on.

I'll make it easier by paraphrasing a quote you should be familiar with.

'his apology is not that controversial. but, perhaps he could have listed what actions to back up those words. for example, what laws, are they going to teach the true nature espionage, etc.

because he didn't list any back up, the statement is only open for interpretation, kind of weak one. for sure, he didn't offer any back up because that will go against his country's security mandate, as his apology was also approved by the his administration. U.S. has already gone through much (of the denial saga), it is time to back up those words with CONCRETE actions.'

???? Your post makes absolutely no sense. How does this prevent U.S. from spying on Japan? Or are you simply admitting to the fact that U.S. will continue to spy on Japan?

lols. don't make me repeat my earlier comment again!! your view seems narrow. revelations from wikileaks does not mean that US is the only country spying on Japan or to any other country for that matter. or that japan is not collecting any information that also serve that role...

well, there might be a possibility of the US and Japan working closer on intelligence gathering. espionage will continue, so long as the computer and internet is well and alive. it can be governmental or non-governmental.

???? Your post makes absolutely no sense. How does this prevent U.S. from spying on Japan? Or are you simply admitting to the fact that U.S. will continue to spy on Japan?

What type of 'action'(s) can we expect from U.S. after this apology?

well, there might be a possibility of the US and Japan working closer on intelligence gathering. espionage will continue, so long as the computer and internet is well and alive. it can be governmental or non-governmental.

@nigel, ok, so u'r playing the devil's advocate while trying to change the narrative that is the crux of the issue in asia. i guess i'm talking with a kid -- i should keep that in mind from now on.

It's a simple question souka. What type of 'action'(s) can we expect from U.S. after this apology? Don't blame me for the fact that you cannot answer this simple question. Blame those posters who had the audacity to bring forth Abe's apology in this thread.

@nigel, ok, so u'r playing the devil's advocate while trying to change the narrative that is the crux of the issue in asia. i guess i'm talking with a kid -- i should keep that in mind from now on.

well, maybe 'sincerity' card can act as a switch for the other card (victim). they are both interchangeable.

Sigh. I'll bite. Words followed by action. So souka. What type of 'action'(s) can we expect from U.S. after this apology?

After reading your comment a thought came to my mind that Japan might apply it for China and Korea. Well, this is what the US always does, and always blames others when they do the same. This is what allies do to allies, but not friends. Do you think the US trusts Japan with a one foot pole? Obviously you don’t, otherwise you wouldn’t come up with the above comment.

Again, I was merely playing a devil's advocate. You're right. This is what allies do to allies. U.S. and Japan are certainly not 'friends' (BFF). I see no problem with this.

nigelboy,

“On top of that, apology should be 'official' where it should be passed by both houses of legislature with a final signature from the POTUS. They should also make a law that makes such actions illegal. This should be placed on every U.S. textbook (don't whitewash). And any official and/or lawmakers who defies these actions would simply be translated to insincerity where it cancels everything out.”

After reading your comment a thought came to my mind that Japan might apply it for China and Korea. Well, this is what the US always does, and always blames others when they do the same. This is what allies do to allies, but not friends. Do you think the US trusts Japan with a one foot pole? Obviously you don’t, otherwise you wouldn’t come up with the above comment.

Get a clue. I'm playing a devil's advocate for this 'sincerity' card is BS.

well, maybe 'sincerity' card can act as a switch for the other card (victim). they are both interchangeable.

yes, it is not really similar. and those responsible are no longer exist. and yes, you have to be sincere to yourselve regarding the many other things that you use to conviniently omit. at least this one is not denied but acknowledged and is open for discussion, it is not being censured or classified as somehow sensitive.

Get a clue. I'm playing a devil's advocate for this 'sincerity' card is BS.

Not really similar since this is a recent event where people in charge are still 'in charge'. While WWII, pretty much those who are responsible no longer exist. Now, can I play the 'sincerity' card in regards to your comments. LOL

yes, it is not really similar. and those responsible are no longer exist. and yes, you have to be sincere to yourselve regarding the many other things that you use to conviniently omit. at least this one is not denied but acknowledged and is open for discussion, it is not being censured or classified as somehow sensitive.

@nigelboy

In the light of China's reaction to the WWII apology, Japan should criticize the US apology as being 'insincere'. Which would actually be true, 'coz the US did not provide details of their spying activities, did not stop spying and did nothing to repair the damages.

On top of that, apology should be 'official' where it should be passed by both houses of legislature with a final signature from the POTUS. They should also make a law that makes such actions illegal. This should be placed on every U.S. textbook (don't whitewash). And any official and/or lawmakers who defies these actions would simply be translated to insincerity where it cancels everything out.

And they should pass a new law making it illegal to deny spying, and their grandchildren and great, grandchildren and great, great, grandchildren should all be made to bow to Japan and repeat the apology.

And we want some compensation money. and a nice little island off the coast of the USA.

Manhattan would do.

propagada

Thank You President Obama!

That was an honorable thing to do and I know The U.S. and Japan will continue To work very close to each other as Allies and our Tomodachi - Friends. :)

do u really think that wwii is similar with what is going on right now? so what, you are now the true victim!! lol

Not really similar since this is a recent event where people in charge are still 'in charge'. While WWII, pretty much those who are responsible no longer exist. Now, can I play the 'sincerity' card in regards to your comments. LOL.

Wait, wait all of you said back in 2009 Obama was gonna bla bla bla

Straw. Meet man.

On top of that, apology should be 'official' where it should be passed by both houses of legislature with a final signature from the POTUS. They should also make a law that makes such actions illegal. This should be placed on every U.S. textbook (don't whitewash). And any official and/or lawmakers who defies these actions would simply be translated to insincerity where it cancels everything out.

do u really think that wwii is similar with what is going on right now? so what, you are now the true victim!! lol

Wait, wait all of you said back in 2009 Obama was gonna set all wrongs right, walk on water, heal the sick and raise the dead. All of you ain't turning on your messiah are you? Remember Obama was gonna make all the world love Murica again. We'd walk down the streets of Albania and they'd throw roses at our feet.

Instead you fools got a wire tapping, drone dropping, and terrorist enabling America hating Red diaper baby that was mentored by Frank Marshall Davis. This president and his administration has treated American citizens as criminals without trial and subjects allies to spying as if they are enemies. Now a little wire tapping on Japan and all of you are shocked.

I bet you 10 yen more than two spy operatives post here at JT.

In the light of China's reaction to the WWII apology, Japan should criticize the US apology as being 'insincere'. Which would actually be true, 'coz the US did not provide details of their spying activities, did not stop spying and did nothing to repair the damages.

On top of that, apology should be 'official' where it should be passed by both houses of legislature with a final signature from the POTUS. They should also make a law that makes such actions illegal. This should be placed on every U.S. textbook (don't whitewash). And any official and/or lawmakers who defies these actions would simply be translated to insincerity where it cancels everything out.

Aly RustomAug. 26, 2015 - 04:14PM JST Japan has done everything it can to infuriate its neighbors; making it even more dependent on the US for defense.

Yea like apologizing countless times, signing peace treaties and treaties of friendship and giving reparations and aid.

A limp and lethargic apology by any sense of the imagination, there is no commitment to rail back on industrial or technology espionage.

It is time for this government to dig political heels in and insist on total clarity or withdraw financial support for forward USAF and Navy bases. There has not been a serious political debate on the consequences.

globalwatcherAUG. 26, 2015 - 09:29PM JST johninjapanAug. 26, 2015 - 09:03PM JST

No one is responsible

Whoat? John, Pleeeze.

US needs to take an ownership of wrong doing and apologize to Japanese.. You do not spy on friends.

I stand by what you said but when it comes to the USA we have no friend. That is the mentality for a large part of our population and government. For those who say Japan has nothing to hide. LOL it has nothing to do with what is been hid and all to do with what they can hold for ransom so to speak to gain leverage. Leverage is what powerhouses want if they want to keep other countries leaders in check. It doesn't have to make sense it just is what it is for a superpower.

Oh, c'mon Japan! It's just big-brother watching you. If it wasn't for the U.S. you wouldn't have any friends at all! You may very well be concealing secrets from China and Korea, but you can't hide your secrets from big-brother.

In the future this kind of "apology" may be known as the "Suga Apology.""I'm sorry you were upset about it."

Japan is not demanding an apology but explanation.

@Bertie: The accurate message obama expressed to Abe is: I am sorry to let you know something I have done over your countrymen that you shouldn't know. I will get snowden ASAP! Sorry for unconveniences

Stuart Hayward,

In the future this kind of "apology" may be known as the "Suga Apology."

"I'm sorry you were upset about it."

So the article only says he apologized for causing a big debate, lol. No confirmation of spying, nor confirmation it will stop.

obviously japan never spies on US. But US keep spying on japan and they will continue to do so. About Abe is not a bugging target...... well, lets say like this: Will you put a pinhole camera to monitor where your cat goes everyday?

@BertieWoosterAUG. 26, 2015 - 04:54PM JST So, have the US stopped the spying?

That's the important thing.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Which US base(s) in Japan NSA has their operations ?

Only strong man can admit the wrong doing while weaker one cannot.Agree?

I agree. Weak people deny. Strong people accept responsibility.

Sir the excuse is what we call Crocodile tears--USA spies on its own AND E UROPE--take Obamas excuse and put it down the toilet; Remember he is only an Uncle tom

But was the apology sincere?

It's amazing. A newsfeed about American spying and AFP have to turn it into an anti-Japan propaganda regarding how "Japan’s neighbors suffered badly from its imperial march across Asia".

What's the connection?

johninjapanAug. 26, 2015 - 09:03PM JST

No one is responsible

Whoat? John, Pleeeze.

US needs to take an ownership of wrong doing and apologize to Japanese.. You do not spy on friends.

By the way, the job well done by Obama. Only strong man can admit the wrong doing while weaker one cannot.Agree?

A wiki leak... Why are these people believing what they find on wiki? Half the things on wiki are false.

jerseyboy

Maybe some good will come of this in that Abe will learn how a true apology is offered. Not mincing of words. If a country truly values a relationship, with anonther, and respects that country, it accepts responsibiity for its failures and mans-up to them

As if this is the end of US spying in Japan lol. If anything, the US is reaffirming Japan's stance of insincerely apologizing just to get it over with and hope this whole thing will be forgotten.

If he apologized Japan-style: "Spying is regrettable. The USA suffered worst. No one is responsible. My heart hurts. I hope this is enough."

“President Obama said he was very sorry… as the case caused a big debate in Japan,”

This does not sound like an apology for spying, just for causing a trouble like the one J. Biden said.

I feel Japan was raped by US and when Japan complained. being laughed at with "You are just a mistress" or "a slave" as some american posters said.

“President Obama said he was very sorry… as the case caused a big debate in Japan,” Suga told a regular news conference, without confirming the spying claims.

Maybe some good will come of this in that Abe will learn how a true apology is offered. Not mincing of words. If a country truly values a relationship, with anonther, and respects that country, it accepts responsibiity for its failures and mans-up to them.

Well, gee, Mr Obama, thank you. Now US, please be sure not to elect Hilary as president. Like Obama, her attitude is that Japan is a little lap dog, and when you say JUMP! it jumps and when you say PLAY DEAD, it plays dead. よろしくね！

One possible reason US is spying on politicians and industry of Japan Germany and others may be to find out if any country is thinking of secretly building nuclear arsenal like the Israel did. Other possible reason is gather intelligence helpful in boosting opposition power in this countries..Abe should hit out at Obama for spying on Japan.

NSA spying on allies, whether a part of life in the 21st century or not, is despicable every time a dispatch is released. The most infuriating, frustrating and sad thing is that Japanese people will not see that their U.S. drafted constitution is the noose around their neck with which the Americans strangle them, and so nothing (apart from possibly the already modest security legislation) will change.

Target Tokyo

https://wikileaks.org/nsa-japan/

The reason why Japan has not carry on like other counties is that Japan has nothing to hide.

US was spying on important govt officials and large business corporations. US wouldn't have spied so long if Japan had nothing worth hiding. And Japan wouldn't have needed the secrecy law.

What a crud to apologize when there is nothing to apologize for in the first place. Spying goes well into the history of countries before there was even a US. Noblamo should know this much. No need to apologize for something that is common. Besides the Japanese have their own spies will embedded within the US military in Japan as military labor contract workers (MLC)'s who have access to networks and information included classified programs and projects.

In the light of China's reaction to the WWII apology, Japan should criticize the US apology as being 'insincere'. Which would actually be true, 'coz the US did not provide details of their spying activities, did not stop spying and did nothing to repair the damages.

The reason why Japan has not carry on like other counties is that Japan has nothing to hide. But Japanese Government will play this for all it worth and so should they.

Who did they spy on and for what reason would be more important info.

As long as he apologized and showed remorse I am sure Japan will be fine.

It seems that the US can't help spying on countries and its own citizens no matter what, because America is very afraid if it can't take one step ahead.

So, have the US stopped the spying?

That's the important thing.

Obama: Hey bud, sorry 'bout that one! We're still cool, right? Abe: Hai.

Abe did not appear to be a direct target of wiretapping — but other senior politicians were

that speaks volumes

Tokyo’s response has been widely seen as muted compared to the anger expressed in France and Germany following similar NSA spying allegations.

Well of course. Unlike these 2 nations, Japan has done everything it can to infuriate its neighbors; making it even more dependent on the US for defense.

Nationalism has crippled Japan's soverignty in its relationship to the US. I'm sure Abe would have responded MUCH more forcefully to these allegations had relations with China and South Korea been very good. But he has no choice but to mute his response and not be outraged but merely concerned since he needs the US to protect him ever more from his neighbors.