Japan’s security, and hence its future, is directly related to Taiwan’s security and future existence. A vote for Taiwan is a vote for Japan.
Today, it is almost a given that the SDF will be called upon to assist local communities and prefectures after a disaster. But, 70 years ago, it was basically forbidden.
Clearly, circumstances are different today compared to 1971. So the outdated Yara memo preventing Okinawa's Shimoji Airport from being used for military purposes needs to be reconsidered.
Greater foresight by the two governments was thus necessary then, as is a more proactive approach by them today regarding the bases.
For political reasons, the economic contribution of the Okinawa bases is heavily downplayed, sometimes by five or 10 times as much, in local government publications and the media.
Earlier this week Kyodo News dropped a bombshell (pun intended) by introducing the contents of declassified U.S. documents that the U.S. government turned down a request in June 1978 for its military based in Japan to use its firing and bombing ranges in the ...
It is often said that “generals fight the last battle.” The same could probably be said for disaster responders. However, each disaster presents new challenges.
Japan has made the shift to what was initially seen as “emergency remote teaching” but has been slower to adapt to the new education environment compared to other countries.
Japan and the United States share more sister city relationships with each other than with any other country.
Marshall called his January 1951 trip to Japan “the most important mission thus far of my career.”
