Jason Ring comments

Or perhaps some would support 25T¥ in tribute money via electronic wire transfer to the People's Bank of China?

Perhaps I misread the intent of the concept, but shouldn't technology and innovation enhance classroom instruction, not replace it? Especially in primary school?

Oh man, is one thing for politicians to say stuff like this but Gen Yuan? Gen, please leave such double talk and nonsensical comments to the politbureau and stick to commenting on Sun Tzu please.

One Prime Minister, one JASDF Blue Impulse Arial Demonstration aircraft that flys in peaceful air shows, bears the number 731 and this equates to.....?? So, could someone have written an article on visiting and spending time with the JASDF? Wait, I'm sure SK and Japan would protest that as a warmongering and proocative act.

Wow... That they had plans to do this is disturbing and disheartening. That it took a petition for them to remove it is sickening. No rationalization can justify it's reenactment. It is a sad chapter in world history and should not be glorified.

@sfjp330 very interesting. Perhaps could one say that China wants the US involved militarily and diplomatically in the region, based on its actions, as a diversion and side show to cover other actions? To the untrained eye?

Thank you Captain of the Chinese military vessel for your singularly distinctive accomplishment in locking on to the Japanese Coast Guard cutter (which oh by the way wasn't carrying offensive anti ship weapons) and thank you PRC for explaining it away as the Captains lone decision and using him as a patsy for either your terrible judgement (in allowing it to happen) or utter incompetence and lack of control of your forces. You just gave US more reasons to be in your proverbial shiza, along with justifying "the pivot", not that your puppet to the east (N. Korea) doesn't give US ample reason to be in your neighborhood (ps, you should consider reigning in Jr if you really want US to think about disengaging). For someone who claims they want the US out of the area and regional disputes, you sure have a funny way of giving US reasons not to be engaged and settling disputes diplomatically as you say you desire.

I would almost give anything to be back in Japan working with the JSDF on this one! NIPPON!!

Sigh... The dude already threatened to leave Washington in a ring of fire (sorry Johnny Cash) or something like that.. Was this an add on that he forgot to mention previously? Or is this somehow more threatening or worse? Not sure what Okinawa has to do with this or did he forget to mention them as well in the first threat?

@some14some has it right..

I'm a Christian but chose to find the plenty of common fertile ground whether it be in teachings, parables or objectives. Sure there are differences, even amongst the numerous denominations of Christianity and faiths, but I believe it's a choice to focus on the shared grounds and I have much interest and hope in the new Pope! Many blessings to him and his work to be done :)

I'm sincerely sorry to the government of Japan for the actions of these individuals as they are not representative of the whole. The US military medical system "should" provide the appropriate care for theses individuals if their medical condition and ailments were due to exposure to harmful radiation while performing their assigned duties as they are claiming. If they believe their ailments are due to military orders placing them in situation which caused their exposure, then their issue rests with their chain of command, service and the Department of Defense, not the country where they were serving as Japan did not direct US service members to take action. Their service and the DoD (ie their country) did. And are dependents really trying to get a piece of this? That, is more ridiculous then the service members claim.

Big congratulations!!!

@Xeno23 and @tkoind2.. Amazing posts and you hit at the core of the issue as well as addressing Bruce Willis's comments.

If I may ask a question regarding the proposed reforms. I read through the 23 executive action items and I don't see one proposal that would A) prevent anyone from attempting to legally purchase ANY firearm (hand gun, rifle, shot gun, sniper rifle, assault gun, automatic or semiautomatic), B) limit the quantity of guns owned, C) take guns from owners, D) overturn or limit the second amendment rights or E) prevent another Newton event from happening (although items 12, 18 and 19 are a start at addressing that vulnerability). With that, can someone please explain what the NRA is opposed to? My source is below: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/16/obama-to-announce-gun-control-proposals-shortly/

Not to totally change the topic, but is any side really developing or tapping into the supposed natural resources which is what the row is partially about? I understand the historical and territorial sides of the discussion, but last time I checked we were looking at some rocks in the middle of the water with the only real value being in the natural resources in fishing and gas. If no one is really doing anything to tap the resources, it seems to be more about pride, which is even more difficult to mediate an agreement or resolution to.

Japan .. How I miss you so! This is a great article and is another reason why I love Nihongo!

I'm truly sorry for the US service members actions as well as those who have committee the same and worse in the past. These events should never happen in any country service members are stationed. Although it is understandable and justifiable that the citizens and family view service members in a bad light with these occurrences, I hope that you might have room for those who are grateful and honored for the opportunity to learn from and know your beautiful country and culture. Although no nation and people are perfect, I hope that you may be accepting of those who wish to befriend and know you.