politics

Japan's long wait to address U.S. Congress

47 Comments
By MATTHEW PENNINGTON

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

47 Comments
Login to comment

As someone born after World War II whose father served in the European Theater, and who lives on the island of Oahu, and who is of Caucasian (Irish) and Japanese ethnic hertiage, I have mixed feelings about the arrival of Prime Minister Abe to address a Joint Session of the United States Congress. I am pleased that the relationship between the United States of America and Japan has improved over the seventy years since the conclusion of World War II that the Prime Minister of Japan will be able to address a Joint Session of the American Congress. Once bitter enemies, Japan and the United States have become strong allies. I am also hopeful that the Prime Minister's visit will enhance the overall relationship with the United States in the critical area of international trade, where Japan and the United States have experienced strong differences. I am also hopeful that the Prime Minister's visit will enahnce a mutal understanding of the "new role" that Prime Minister Abe has strongly advocated for Japan in the area of Self-Defense. I am also hopeful that mutual understanding be achieved with respect to honoring the past sacrifices made by the "Greatest Generation of Americans" who fought bravely in both the European and Pacific Theater Operations during World War II for demoncracy and true freedom so that people of future generations like myself, can grow up, attain a college education, and live the dream of my father's generation.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully Submitted: Mark Kazuo Bradley

4 ( +5 / -2 )

It's the United States of America (Bekoku) that honors its closest friends ... America (Amerika) is the name of the entire continent: North America (Canada, Mexico, USS), Central America (Guatemala, etc.), South America (Colombia, etc.) and the Caribbean (Bahamas, etc.).

-11 ( +7 / -18 )

Abe's denials of Japanese war crimes is a disgrace to Japan. His appearance before Congress will be a disgrace to the United States.

9 ( +17 / -8 )

Gearing up for Abe's visit to Washington, some in Congress are shining the spotlight on the issue of child abductions to Japan, and will probably profile that during the week. This marks another group in addition to the Korean Americans and U.S. veterans who are speaking out before Abe steps up to the podium.

As an example of this, one parent of an abducted child was asked to address Congress on the issue on March 25th. He gave a very persuasive and moving testimony on the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eHITnrRMFA&feature=youtu.be

9 ( +13 / -4 )

Japan has changed. Those that never get over We2 will always hate, I respect Japan for the way it has developed. They should shine on the global spotlight, not be forced to take a backseat

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

Invited to Graceland.....not Congress! Do you hear me laughing in Japan? (I'm in New Jersey, USA)

Actually Elvis was "the King" - thus a "Royal" invitation to the Japanese PM

US Congress - with its Netanyahu-game - is the real joke...but thanks - really hearty laughter alone at a computer is a rare treat!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sensato

Thx for posting that youtube link, very moving, it appears as most suspected Japan will do SQUAT wrt child abduction, thankfully I have no little ones to abduct, my hear goes to parents whose kids have been stolen from them, EVEN the Japanese parents who have been wronged. Japan needs to get their act in gear on this.

abe is going to address congress............... I cant see him pulling anything meaningful off, it will either be a totally empty speech or a bunch of lies..............abe will now set the tone for this anniversary year, wouldn't it be nice if he did right for just once.

Oh and Korea having already given speeches to congress................SIX TIMES...............yeow!

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Mar044 09:05AM JST

Japan has changed

Japan has certainly changed. The Japan of today is forgetful, unsure and feeling the sting of lost pride at having been eclipsed economically by it's gigantic neighbor, the very same country that Japan has long denigrated as being unable to catch up.

Another way that Japan has changed: It is slowly, quietly backsliding into government secrecy, militarism and a less-free press.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

markandmiho2 -- I too had a father that served in WWII, but in the Pacific (in fact he was preparing to drive a landing craft for the invasion of Japan when the war ended), and also had two uncles on my mom's side who served in the Pacific, one who died, and one who was a POW. So like yourself, and like Abe, I have a personal connection to his appearance. And I am equally hopeful that he will accomplish some of the goals you mentioned. But, personally, I am just most hopeful that he does not shoot himself in the foot by appearing to back-track, rationalize, white-wash, put in persepctive, or anything similar regarding past history. If he succeeds at just that, I will consider his visit a huge success. And, I would caution folks that his speech to Congress is a controlled environment, so he may well be able to say the right things there. But it is very likley he will do at least one or two press conferences -- most certainly one with Obama at the White House. And he is very likely to get questions there from the U.S./world press about comfort women, abductions, etc. That is when he needs to be at his best.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

There are many things Americans don't know what thier country is doing to other countries. Do they know US squashed Japan's effort to become a parmanent member of UNSC? Or a new world bank Japan tried to create like the one China is doing right now? Or a fighter Japan tried to develop? US just doesn't want Japan to grow as a nation.

-19 ( +2 / -20 )

One has to wonder, "Why not before?" and "Why now?", especially with Abe and crew still visiting Yasakuni and talking about "modifying" the government's past war statements. Perhaps this might be a "tit for tat" deal between the countries, where Abe gets to address the joint congress and (at US insistence) provides an unequivocal apology to it's neighbours?

One can hope.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Invite anyone but Abe

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

tinawatanabe has some valid points, since the war Japan has remained a scapegoat to the US for many trade reasons- i remember the infamous Steel embargo to try to keep out "Cheap:" Japanese steel. it was actually made much better than ours and came wrapped.

now the push is to have japan remove safety]'s for rice - so that the US can trash the Japanese rice farmers with cheap US rice

the F2 fighter is another sore point- the US wanted to ensure the Japanese would help with funding and buying the first ones (the most expensive ones that pay off research costs) so the F2 (Japan's ) could not go forward- enough pressure was put on Japan that they stopped development in the 1980's.

the demonization of Japan by the US during the pacific war was so vast that it is easy to use it for political means - so i expect when Abe goes there will be a list of politicians bowing to veterans groups and not showing - the same veteran's groups who would meet their enemy now in peace if they had the chance.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

now the push is to have japan remove safety]'s for rice - so that the US can trash the Japanese rice farmers with cheap US rice

Gotta laugh at that double-think on your part, praack. US trying to keep out cheap Japanese steel? Bad. Japan trying to keep out cheap US rice? Good. Mind explaining?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Japan has squashed their own chances at a UNSC to date by not admitting their past (and for other reasons). Many countries do know the truth of the horrors of WWII and will continue to teach them. Japan may gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council some day, but India, Brazil, Germany, Canada and Italy are more deserving of it as of now.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

tinawatanabe: All of the things you mentioned are not the fault of the US, but Japan itself. It has quashed its own opportunities through poor leadership, such as Abe's. His failure to admit the past, and even deny and rewrite it in particular, are what lead to Japan not getting a seat on the UNSC. Sorry, but that's the truth -- and your denial and rants are a reflection of the reasons why Japan has not and CANnot change until prevailing attitudes do first.

When Abe addresses Congress, I hope he's given a very hard time about the aforementioned child abduction issue, and of course how he fails to address history properly and accurately -- in particular sex slaves. Maybe some victims can wait outside or inside to greet him and ask him why he denies history, or the US can ask why he demands US textbooks be changed.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

When Abe addresses Congress, I hope he's given a very hard time about the aforementioned child abduction issue, and of course how he fails to address history properly and accurately -- in particular sex slaves. Maybe some victims can wait outside or inside to greet him and ask him why he denies history, or the US can ask why he demands US textbooks be changed.

That's the whole reason why I am somewhat amazed he of all people has received this invitation. However the idea of people waiting to ambush him with questions and "put him on the spot" as it were - does appeal to me

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Japan wants to support USA as an ally or a servant, but US extracted Japan's power so much that Japan is not that powerful country any more to be helpful. Why has USA been so kind to China and why there are so many China fans in USA such as Kissinger have been mystery to me.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

tinawatanabe: "Japan wants to support USA as an ally or a servant, but US extracted Japan's power so much that Japan is not that powerful country any more to be helpful."

Again, Japan did this TO ITSELF! What do you want? a return to the days of Imperial Japan which is the exact reason Japan LOST the war and all its power?

"Why has USA been so kind to China and why there are so many China fans in USA such as Kissinger have been mystery to me."

Stop crying about China. Japan has had plenty of chances to increase its wealth and power, but as has been said, they squandered it through poor leadership. They can NEVER decide on things that would profit the nation, like the TPP or to join the new bank, until it's too late and they are left behind and weak. The reason you feel so sad and bitter about people turning towards China, which is doing a better job of increasing its wealth, is because of feelings of hatred and inferiority. A start on the right path, tina, would be to drop such feelings, as well as feelings that everything should be given to Japan, and it should always be pitied and considered a victim, and to also drop this feeling of self-entitlement. No one is 'being kind' to China -- China is just doing a far better job of selling itself to the public and getting investment than Japan, and as long as it's a "mystery" to you why, you'll continue to feel sorry for this nation and it will never get ahead. Put some of that power towards furthering yourself, not demanding respect and kindness when it is not deserved.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Japan wants to support USA as an ally or a servant, but US extracted Japan's power so much that Japan is not that powerful country any more to be helpful. Why has USA been so kind to China and why there are so many China fans in USA such as Kissinger have been mystery to me.

This is rich, just when I thought I had heard it all. Japan is losing its power because of the US? Please, if it weren‘t for the US after WW2, most Japanese would be living in wood shacks.

Although Japan is one of the world‘s most powerful countries, its importance is declining both relatively and absolutely, and it has nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the ineffective policies of the LDP.

As for America being full of ‘China lovers,‘ many Americans are deeply suspicious of Authoritarian China, but can also see the importance of a 1.5 billion strong economy. Its a shame many Japanese cannot do the same.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

But US realized it made China too powerful, and it needs Japan, so decided this Cogress speech by Abe.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Yes, because letting Abe speak to a joint session of Congress makes China weaker

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

tinawatanabe: The US, as you yourself have stated, is not some all powerful entity who gives or takes power. China has given itself power, and because of that people SEE that power, as cardsfan5 mentioned, and are interested in it because it can profit them as well. If Japan is weaker, it is because it has taken no initiative to improve itself -- and simply making their military stronger is not what being 'strong' means, either. Without the workforce, and without the economy -- and without the former the latter, no matter how hard the government tries, cannot improve -- this nation will continue to slide into weakness and irrelevancy.

Yes, the US needs Japan, and vice-versa. That's not why they let Abe speak to Congress, though, or else they would have invited PMs long ago to do so (and they have invited SK leaders SIX TIMES!). I suspect they are letting Abe speak because of his desire to increase the military here, and open up arms sales and joint military R&D -- both of which the Republicans are huge fans of.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Its a shame many Japanese cannot do the same.

What did China do? Nothing. It is Japan that saved USA from Lehman shock. It is Japan that saved SK from currency crisis, It is Japan that saved EU, it is Japan that paying the most to UN.

-12 ( +3 / -15 )

What did China do? Nothing. It is Japan that saved USA from Lehman shock. It is Japan that saved SK from currency crisis, It is Japan that saved EU, it is Japan that paying the most to UN

Nothing Tina, China is simply a much larger market and they are becoming increasingly wealthy, unlike Japan.

Japan did not save the US from Lehman shock, did not save the EU, if you haven‘t noticed the EU is not doing so well right now. Lastly,the US, not Japan is the largest support of the UN. If Japan really did everything you claim it did, would they really need the US.

Quit making things up and take Smith‘s advice. Will do yourself and other Japanese people who think like you some good. :)

6 ( +8 / -2 )

The people of Japan are overwhelming a peace loving nation. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is a consummate career Politian. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is not going to recant a single word or digress from either Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono 93 or Tomiichi Murayama 95 statements as much as launching into a Elvis Presley impersonation of 'Love me tender', 'Blues Suede Shoes', or an acapella accompaniment of 'Hound Dog' with consular staff. ....

Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani ...'We should not forget that the peace and prosperity that we in Japan and the U.S. currently enjoy is based on the sacrifice of those who perished'..... commenting on the battle of Iwo Jima marking 70th anniversary on of one the most destructive and decisive campaigns of World War II.....

If the media needs to forensically examine the complex relationships between grandfather or father and son, then look no further than Ivan Turgenev novel of the same name, from the principals of nihilism and the paradox (my opinion) of the character Bazarov, a Russian radicalization, convinced that he was a product of a younger generation without recourse to any political ideology.

Adolf Hitler once mulled, 'What we say will soon be forgotten, but what we do, will live on through a thousand years'....

Abe san will focus on anything and everything that will enhance a relationship built up over 70 years. Any miscreant interloping, I'm afraid is allot closer to home.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Lastly,the US, not Japan is the largest support of the UN

Yes, but US is in arrears. So, you deny Japan helped USA in Lehman shock and other countries?

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

I am not a fan of Abe Shinzo, but I think it right for the PM of a major American ally to speak before Congress, especially this year, the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. This is also seventy years of a stellar record of Japan in advancing peace, prosperity, and human rights. I believe Abe to be a tremendously flawed leader, but he should be given this opportunity that he is better than what he has shown so far. Some 54% of the Japanese people, according to a Kyodo poll, believe that Japan should use the occasion this year to reiterate apologies to those wronged by imperial Japan up to August 1945. That shows that the Japanese people are wise and mature. Let us hope their PM is also when he commands a stage in Washington.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

but I think it right for the PM of a major American ally to speak before Congress, especially this year

In normal circumstances, yes. But Mr Abe has been a polarising influence on the region, and is one of the reasons for increasing tensions. I reiterate that he does not deserve to address congress

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Japan has been bestowed the honor of hosting more than 40,000 American troops in Japan for the sake of regional security since before most of us on this board were board, yet it never received the privilege to send a PM to address a joint session of Congress. This realization will only serve to betray the Japanese public's (naively vested) trust in the US and serve as a rallying call for left-wingers who want Japan to forge closer ties with China and be rid of US military presence.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Yes, but US is in arrears. So, you deny Japan helped USA in Lehman shock and other countries?

More than half the money ‘owed‘ has been paid back, as the US is responsible for more than 20% of the UN budget and Japan 10.5% or so, the US still is a larger supporter of the UN than Japan. Let‘s also not forget the fact that the US also hosts the UN and provides peace keeping forces etc.

As for the Lehman Shock and Japan helping, Japan absolutely did nothing to help the US, nor should they.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

What did China do? Nothing. It is Japan that saved USA from Lehman shock.

Lol!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The importance that a deal on Trans Pacific Partnership agreement cannot be understated and in this area Abe address must broach a process known as “investor-state dispute settlement”. ISDS was originally a process that was to encourage foreign investment by protecting investors from expropriation. The arbitration clause needs to be urgently renegotiated or there will be little chance of any TPP agreement. If Japan and US can reach a compromise a template for future trade agreements is within reach. Abe san is representing a nation not the LDP. It is worth remembering this.

Japan contribution totals around 20.6 percent of the United Nations budget is second only to the United States, Japan's total contribution exceeds the total combined sum of the four remaining permanent members.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

That is his chance to make up for Japan's past aggression and current stubbornness. Hopefully Abe will not put his foot in his mouth. But let's see.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This is rich, just when I thought I had heard it all. Japan is losing its power because of the US? Please, if it weren‘t for the US after WW2, most Japanese would be living in wood shacks.

Speaking of revisionist history...

For the first three years after the war, the population for the most part WAS living in wood shacks and starving to death while the American occupation forces, even the enlisted men, lived in opulence. Even though MacArthur was aware of the economic collapse and the rampant black market activity, he did NOTHING about it for three years - with Washington's approval. The underlying thinking was that even though Japan had surrendered, they had to live in squalor for a bit longer as "payback" for the war. It wasn't until news reports started trickling back to the States about the plight of the Japanese people that Washington started addressing the problem. Two years later with the start of the Korean War, the U.S. was regretting keeping the Japanese in shacks because they needed industry to be up and running to support UN troops. The U.S. was ALSO regretting setting up the Japanese Constitution so that it could not help anyone with war materials.

So I won't criticize anyone who lived back then who's not grateful to the U.S. Many people died during the "payback" period due to starvation and crime that could have been addressed by the Occupation Forces. That period is NOT one I'm proud to say happened.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Japan absolutely did nothing to help the US, nor should they.

I think Mitsubishi UFJ and Nomura helped Morgan stanley and Lehman. Japan extended IMF 100 Billion dollers, 10 Trillion Yen.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I think Mitsubishi UFJ and Nomura helped Morgan stanley and Lehman. Japan extended IMF 100 Billion dollers, 10 Trillion Yen.

Tina, Nomura bought Lehman Brothers' foreign investment bank divisions. Nomura is a COMPANY not a COUNTRY, and they (Nomura) are owned by their stockholders. It was a business deal and not a hand out.

As I have already said, 'Japan absolutely did nothing to help they US, nor should they.' Although your native language is clearly not English, you should have known better than to try and use the words 'Japan' and 'Japanese companies' interchangeably. They are not the same.

Lastly, while Japan has certainly been one of the world's greatest contributors to humanitarian missions and global economies, let's not pretend as if Japan is some altruistic angel unlike any other country on earth. Japan has an agenda like the US and every other country on earth and the purse strings are merely means to an end.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

My point was it was not fair that US did not let only Japan's PM speak at the Congress.

If US is inviting Abe all the way over from Japan, and making him apologize for anything at the congress, then I would rather US doesn't invite him at all.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Tomiichi Murayama 95 statements is unequivocal... The convened 16-member advisory panel will report to the PM for the planned statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

It would be totally inappropriate to make reference until this panel completes it's task. The invitation concerns U.S/Japan security relations and completing the final stages of the Trans-Pacific Partnership which requires legislation for a Trade Promotion Authority....

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

What did China do? Nothing. It is Japan that saved USA from Lehman shock. It is Japan that saved SK from currency crisis, It is Japan that saved EU, it is Japan that paying the most to UN.

What's that sound I hear..? Oh, it's the laughter of 50 million South Koreans.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

If US is inviting Abe all the way over from Japan, and making him apologize for anything at the congress, then I would rather US doesn't invite him at all.

Congress is inviting him to speak, they're not dictating WHAT he says in his speech. They aren't going to "make" him say anything.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Tina: Nomura didn't "help" Lehman, they bought them because they wanted to use their assets to build up its weak international business. For the European division they paid the generous sum of US$2. I think they bought AP division for a more but only because it was in much better shape & was actually a going concern. Please don't think that banks make such acquisitions out of kindness ;)

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Fadamor

Read the last sentence of the article

U.S. lawmakers still have been quietly urging that Abe should address the war's legacy when he makes his speech April 29.

And, the press secretary (Psaki?) demanded in early January that apology should be included.

Why do you think US does not dictate? Do you know former PM Koizumi cancelled the address because US dictated what to do?.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

And, the press secretary (Psaki?) demanded in early January that apology should be included.

Why do you think US does not dictate? Do you know former PM Koizumi cancelled the address because US dictated what to do?.

This information ought to be picked up by the Japanese media on both Left and Right, it ought to raise quite a stir in US sentiment throughout the country.

If a Japanese leader in the 21st century should apologize to any country for Japan's role in WWII at a national parliament, it ought to be done in China's National People's Congrress first , the Congress of the country that committed mass homicide through aerial bombardment can wait.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

It is more than time for Japan to have the opportunity to be equal to any of the other nations that have addressed the US congress thru their leaders. More than time And there is no reason on earth for Japan to applogize for a war that is long over, that was then and now is now. It is ridiculous for any modern nation to be constantly blamed for events of the past ..carried out by people who are almost all now long gone. Any nation has the right to honour its ancestors and their acts, especially of they gave their lives for their country. No one is asking the United States to appologize for the horendous war crimes it committed bombing the cities of Germany, Italy and Japan without mercy. That was the past.

let Japan live in the present like everyone else.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@patty

I don't see your point. US is dictating Abe, but you don't like being pointed out the fact that US is dictating? That's the problem with Americans. They're criticizing Japan all the time, but don't want to be pointed out what they're doing.

My point is if you want to make Abe apologize, don't invite him. What's so difficult to understand?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

So I won't criticize anyone who lived back then who's not grateful to the U.S. Many people died during the "payback" period due to starvation and crime that could have been addressed by the Occupation Forces. That period is NOT one I'm proud to say happened.

Supporting links please. The US occupation may have seemed "harsh", but compared to Japan's occupation of China it was overflowing with benevolence. Moreover Japan got to keep the imperial system, and many war criminals escaped justice. Much as I'm opposed to Mr Abe addressing congress, I'm also curious to see what he says

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites