U.S. urges Japan to decide on base issue before Obama's visit

Saturday 24th October, 07:40 AM JST

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kwatt at 04:52 PM JST - 24th October

sillygirl - I think that Japan will make decision about it sooner or later. Japan wants to do it very carefully during peace time, but today is not war time for Japan. Why such hurry? There is no worry about workers, employees, other stuffs because new base has not been built yet and it takes 1-2 years for completion of the new base.
kwatt at 05:03 PM JST - 24th October

GW - New government of Japan just started last month about 30 days ago and will decide it within one year but not yet before Obama comes. He will come to Japan whatever happens to Futenma issue. He will not cancel his visit because he will receive the Nobel peace prize except if he gives it up.
smithinjapan at 10:38 PM JST - 24th October

There are at least three articles that came out in the last 24 hours with the US 'urging' Japan to do this and that. They DO have a lot of urges. I suggest just flat out TELLING them as Gates did with the relocation.
YuriOtani at 11:55 PM JST - 24th October

smithinjapan, what has started off as an issue with one base is going to get bigger. Mr Gates visit to Japan was not a good thing at all. Here comes the American Secretary of defense coming to Japan and demanding that the PM of Japan follow an agreement with America. Scolding him like teacher or parent. If the PM gives in on this issue he is going to lose face. What will happen is he will stand tough before the inexperienced American President Obama's trip to Japan. He insulted the government of Japan by sending an underling as though it was beneath him.
cheanjasdotcom at 12:21 AM JST - 25th October

> rogerbentham at 02:34 PM JST - 24th October

what is japan without america? nothing man. nothing.

so does the america without japan..
TheMarion at 12:35 AM JST - 25th October

*It is all so simple, turn all the bases over to the Japanese Self Defense Forces and return all the United States Military to their Bases here in the States. The biggest change will be, for 65 years those babies that were born to our Forces will not bear the label "Made in Japan"-- Yankee Come Home!
yosun at 12:40 AM JST - 25th October

The bases in JP is very important issue for the US so top officers concerned it. These bases symbolize the US global power and protect special status of US Dollar, especially during deep recession times lately. Suppose 1. JP didn’t hold 1.5 trillion green back and US bond; 2. JP weren’t major player of world economy; 3. Some countries didn’t discuss US dollar status, the bases issue wouldn’t be so hot. Actually it’s most important today than anytime before! I bet you if JP tries to get closer with Russia or China or even Europeans, you’ll see more funny reactions from the US~
TheMarion at 12:44 AM JST - 25th October

YANKEE COME HOME
kwatt at 12:53 AM JST - 25th October

The US would never let Japan go out of the US-Japan alliance as long as the US thinks Okinawa is s very important world strategical base for offense/defense of the US. A big question is next year as the US-Japan security treaty is expired in 2010. If the US asks Japan too much about relocation issue, Japan might kick the continuation of the treaty for next some years. I guess the US still would need Okinawa bases for years for the advantage of the US rather than the US protects Japan. Hence the US would rather accept Japan's decision to keep the US bases staying ever there.
ashika1009 at 10:00 AM JST - 25th October

"Kapuna at 02:00 PM JST - 24th October

Japan is a sovereign nation and can make, or break, commitments, deals, agreements, treaties or anything else it wants. Okinawa is called the “Keystone of the Pacific” and for a good reason, it’s location. If Japan asked or, demanded that the U.S. military and, all it’s interests leave, the U.S. would have to do so."

Exactly!
ashika1009 at 10:12 AM JST - 25th October

"YuriOtani at 11:55 PM JST - 24th October

smithinjapan, what has started off as an issue with one base is going to get bigger. Mr Gates visit to Japan was not a good thing at all. . . .What will happen is he will stand tough before the inexperienced American President Obama's trip to Japan. He insulted the government of Japan by sending an underling as though it was beneath him."

I agree completely. But you must remember that Obama is making massive mistakes daily on both the domestic and foreign fronts.

Obama is an equal-opportunity pitiful president.

Two elections to watch in this regard are the gubernatorial (for Governor) elections in Virginia in which a conservative has the lead; and the New York 23rd District Special Congressional Election in which a democrat, a republican, and a conservative are competing in a hard fought race.

The results of these elections may show an American backlash against the President Obama that you criticize, YuriOtani.
alphawolf at 06:35 PM JST - 25th October

I think the military likes it's "country clubs" on Okinawa. Many places to be in command and provide oppertunity for advancement in the ranks. A new golf course opens in February 2010.. many nice clubs, theaters, housing allowances of up to $3000 a month, Cost of living adjustments of up to $1000 a month and a real sense of entitlement and colonial living. In fact the military are the few that have the luxury of a home with a yard (on base). I think they'd like President Obama to keep his hands off the Island, so they want the dicision to be made before he visits in Nov 09... Remember what happened when President Bush made the dicision on Vieques, Pueto Rico? He ordered the US Navy to shut it down and turn it back over... Obama may order the US marines off the Island... cutting some driving ranges and a nice new 18 hole golf course..

Of course the military is important and not everyone plays golf, but the Island is rediculously heavy and burdened with bases and the cold war is over. China is defensive.. they haven't taken over the PI yet and the military left there two decades ago. South Korea can take out North Korea without our help.. the threat is overblown in my opinion..but who am I. Just my opinion. aw

aw
sfjp330 at 07:52 AM JST - 26th October

With technology changes, Okinawa is no longer stategically important as in the past 50 years. There are so many anti-U.S. resistance group in Japan that maybe it's time for japan to take leadership in taking care of themselves to be independent. Financially, U.S. is strapped with middle east and the economy. Let them handle China and North Korea politics and military directly and see how they do. This would save billions of dollars to U.S. in a long run. Japan really don't appreciate all the help the U.S. has given them and Japan is no longer the main importance to to future relations with U.S. The U.S. needs to focus on China for better relations and forget Japan.
amerijap at 08:40 AM JST - 26th October

What will happen is he will stand tough before the inexperienced American President Obama's trip to Japan. He insulted the government of Japan by sending an underling as though it was beneath him.

I have no idea what you are talking about. What do you mean he(Obama) "insulted" Japan? I have never heard any moment of criticism on his foreign policy in the Asia/Pacific(except for War in Afghanistan) so far.
inakaRob at 09:35 AM JST - 27th October

I hope Obama-san decides a surprise visit to Obama-shi. I live only 30 minutes away, and maybe I can give him my own pair of hashii too.