Concentration on Teamwork at U.S.-Japan Summit Meeting

For starters, it was a steady first meeting between the countries. Nevertheless, in order to rebuild the damaged relationship of mutual trust between the U.S. and Japan, it is essential that from now on, the respective governments steadily build on working together — on each end of the economy.

Prime Minister Kan had a conference with U.S. President Obama in Toronto, Canada. After Obama confirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance “has been a cornerstone not only of our two nations’ security but also peace and prosperity throughout Asia,” the two countries came to a mutual agreement that would increase the frequency of their conferences to enrich an alliance that began 50 years ago with the signing of the security treaty.

When one takes into account the havoc that former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama — captured by the Democratic Party’s slogan of ‘U.S.-Japan alliance of equality’ — caused for the relationship between America and Japan, it is great that Kan was able to reaffirm the significance of the alliance.

In a manner different from his predecessor — who was, over and over again, rash in his actions and speech, saying things like ‘Trust me (believe in me)’ — Prime Minister Kan is consistently careful about what he says. But have his intentions to repair the relationship between America and Japan been conveyed to American representatives?

Regarding the problem of relocating the U.S. Armed Forces Futenma Air Base, Prime Minister Kan and President Obama have agreed to make efforts to mitigate the burden of responsibility on Okinawa as they determinedly carry out the agreement made in May to relocate the base to the outskirts of the Henoko district in Nago City, which is in the Okinawa Prefecture

Until now, the worsening condition of the Futenma problem has been a ‘failed legacy’ for Hatoyama, but given the fact that the American and Japanese governments have devoted 14 years to it, they cannot afford to put it off any longer.

In addition to consultation between America and Japan to work out the details concerning the way in which the changed base will be situated and constructed, it is essential that the two countries continue to make significant efforts to remove the biggest barrier, which is getting the sympathy of the locals.

It is important that America and Japan continue trying to persuade the local residents that the most pragmatic and effective means of drastically reducing the burden of the base for the whole of Okinawa is implementing the relocation of Futenma Air Base in Henoko.

Both leaders confirmed their standpoint on the sinking incident of the South Korean military patrol boat, saying that they should send out a clear message criticizing North Korea at the U.N. Security Council.

In an announcement made by the G8 leaders, they overcame resistance put forward by Russia and made it clear that North Korea was to blame. This announcement was the result of America and Japan working together and appealing to the heads of other countries such as Canada.

China was discreet, and didn’t yield any predictions as to the course of the Security Council conference, but they were able to comment on both the cooperation between America and Japan at the international conference and how it was an example of how instrumental it can be.

In making the link between America and Japan stronger, President Obama’s visit to Japan in November should steadily advance the deepening of their alliance. Their cooperation concerning the features of the security guarantee — such as U.S. armed forces deterrence, missile defense and cyber attack counter-measures — must be realized.

At the same time, it is important that America and Japan closely discuss extending their work together into the state of affairs in North Korea, India and Afghanistan, the world’s economy and the environment.