Latest 15 of 21 Total Comments Show All

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  NuckinFutz at 03:28 PM JST - 2nd April

  The article doesn't really clarify what personnel costs are being paid. The Japanese government only pays the wages of Japanese workers on US military installations in Japan. Not one foreign national receives so much as one yen of Japanese taxpayer money. If they truly decide they don't want to pay for these workers the end result will be several hundred unemployed people. Why should the US pay their salaries when we can offer the jobs to military family members at a 50% savings.

  Keep in mind that 100% of Japanese funding for US military installations goes right back into the Japanese economy. There's no secret flight carrying bags of yen out of the country in the black of the night! All utility costs are for utilities provided by Japanese companies, salaries go to Japanese directly (who pay Japanese taxes).

  I'd say both the US and Japan are getting a good deal.

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  Sarge at 03:31 PM JST - 2nd April

  They would.

  "both the US and Japan are getting a good deal"

  Japan's getting the better of the deal, but that's OK.

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  VoXman at 05:10 PM JST - 2nd April

  Japan's getting the better of the deal

  Emotions aside, If some foreign power was providing the full security of the US and its territories, and providing the manpower and technical expertise and hardware, plus putting their countries proverbial @$$ on the line for our political future, and the US only had to pay 2-3 billion a year....I say sign us up, and lets take the trillions we spend on our mil now and pour into expanding our economy. Oh wait isn't that what Japan is doing now?

  Tell you what if they don't start paying the bill soon we may see a parting of the ways sooner than Nippon is ready. And that will bring down the current gov in Tokyo.

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  VoXman at 05:15 PM JST - 2nd April

  But before we start Japan bashing here, let me remind my fellow non Japanese that the press here propagandizes the non factual notion that the US gets a free ride here and the poor average Japanese is footing a bill for a defense or mission that is not necessary or could be had for far less. As my wife points out the numerous stories that feed the frenzy of housewives who wave a sign out front of the gates. I say, its not their fault. They are misinformed by their press,educational system, and their government lets it happen for the political points. Taking a page from Mein Kamp, you have to give the masses something to hate, so they don't direct their real hatred toward their government.

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  outhousejt at 05:16 PM JST - 2nd April

  If US must protect Japan it can do so from the Middle OF No Where USA. It is a lovely place. They have nice white wooden churches and good diners and a shopping mall. Why is it that US only wants to be Japans friends only IF they can occupy Japanese land?

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  VoXman at 05:27 PM JST - 2nd April

  If US must protect Japan it can do so from the Middle OF No Where USA. It is a lovely place. They have nice white wooden churches and good diners and a shopping mall. Why is it that US only wants to be Japans friends only IF they can occupy Japanese land?

  If we go will you promise to enlist in the newly expanding JMSDF? Will you provide for you own countries defense as proudly as Japanese forefathers? I only say this because none have had to serve since 1945. Could you outhousejt hold off the largest army on earth (China) from over-running Japan until we can get our guys to over here to help you?

  Any benefit you think we gain from being here could be provided in Guam or Singapore or combination of the two. I've always thought we needed to create a Asian NATO

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  outhousejt at 05:33 PM JST - 2nd April

  I do not think China will invade Japan. The concept of wars is getting outdated. Besides Japan and US can be good friends and allies despite not having American bases in Japan. I like USA and Americans in general thought there are things about the country I dislike. Having bases in Japan serves US interests more than Japans interests. Its a part of USAs strategy. To have as many bases around the world. Its a new concept of colonialism.

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  VoXman at 06:28 PM JST - 2nd April

  I do not think China will invade Japan.

  Sorry you didn't answer the question. Would you enlist to protect Japan's interests or just sit back and let China bully Japan? What interest does bases here serve the US? The US has nothing to fear from China or North Korea. I think you are a bit naive. What you should be doing is devoting an equal amount of your posting time deploring the rising crime rate against women and children in Japan. Because long after the bases are gone. Kids and women will continue to get stabbed and strangled by (and few taxi drivers too) your fellow Japanese.

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  alphawolf at 06:51 PM JST - 2nd April

  Definitely stop paying for entertainment facilities including golf courses... also cut back on utilities and off base housing rentals.

  aw

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  the_sicilian at 07:25 PM JST - 2nd April

  Alphawolf: The offbase units are paid by the US Government, to the American tenant, who pays the Japanese/Okinawan land lord. So, um, how is this an issue? OH, and all of the housing units on the bases are contracts that go to Japanese/Okinawan companies. No American profit. This actually goes right back into the economy.

  While were on the subject, I played golf today at Kadena AB. At the starter's post, there were about 45 names of Japanese / Okinawans signed up to play. There were about 20 Americans. The Americans pay about $15-20, while the Japanese pay Y9800..... Who's funding this?

  Addiu

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  pathat at 07:50 PM JST - 2nd April

  The Japanese government made some legitimate requests for the U.S. to cut back on the utilities` costs several months ago. There might also be some sensible ways to reduce spending on recreational facilities.

  But, as so many who have a clue about this issue have repeatedly pointed out over the years on JT, the Japanese government pays to support jobs for many thousands of Japanese workers on the bases, and, as the sicilian correctly mentions, a lot of the money for construction contracts helps support the Japanese employment rate as well.

  DanTheMan was right in an earlier post:

  "Seriously. It's clear that the DPJ's only goal here is to fight every LDP policy they can. Are they for or against the US bases here? Their stance on Article 9 indicates one thing, but the above suggests the complete opposite. All that's left to infer is that they don't have a 'stance' on the issue per se, other than being anti-LDP."

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  DanTheManInJapan at 07:56 PM JST - 2nd April

  I think it's a safe bet that the dependents on-base would LOVE to take over those positions currently held by Japanese, rather than bagging groceries at the commissary.

  It's also worth mentioning that, at least for the last few years, the bases have been WAY over their allotment of Japanese employees. Guess who foots the bill for that? Here's it hint--it ain't the J-government. Where does that money ultimately end up? Here's another hint--it ain't the US economy. If anything, the Japanese government should be paying MORE, not less.

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  DanTheManInJapan at 07:58 PM JST - 2nd April

  Dyslexia strikes again--"here's A hint", not "it hint". Guess I should start using this Preview button.

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  VOR at 08:32 PM JST - 2nd April

  The reality is that Japan has no strong ally other than the United States. Maybe its time for Japan to atone for its sins. Maybe its time for the US to pullback and return to its pre WWII position of letting weaker nations fend for themselves. If I understand the history of the world correctly, the last 60 years have been the most stable and prosperous period in all of mankind. This was no accident.

  Perhaps nations have advanced to the point where its no longer necessary for the presence of US forces to maintain the peace. Perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps its time for North Korea to take on South Korea. Perhaps its time for China to rule Asia. Perhaps its time for the Arabs to destroy Israel. Perhaps its time for the rebirth of the great Soviet Empire. Perhaps its time to trust a dirty stinkin Japanese politician.

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  the_sicilian at 06:14 AM JST - 3rd April

  I think it's a safe bet that the dependents on-base would LOVE to take over those positions currently held by Japanese, rather than bagging groceries at the commissary.

  Dan: Okinawans bag groceries here. The best dependents can do is a job an American would be uniquely qualified for. Even working at the PX/Burger King is local nationals.

  Addiu

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