Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are blooming in Tokyo right now.

It's a symbol of Japanese aesthetics.

And, now, I would like to talk about the relationship between Japan and the United States.

I have just seen the postal stamps sold in the post office in Japan in memorial of 100th anniversary of cherry blossoms gifted to the United States from Japan. Those are located near by Potomac River in Washington DC.

There has been lots of emotions going on between Japan and the United States recently because of US military bases in Okinawa.

Okinawa was once under the control of the United States until year 1972 after the WWII.

Still, 70% of the land is occupied by the US marines.

There has been some crimes such as the one where US soldiers raped the 12 year old girl in 1995.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Okinawa_rape_incident

People in Okinawa always need to endure the noise of all US jets flying just above their heads.

But, people in Okinawa also depend on the US military bases. Their economy will not be maintained if there are none of the military bases.

The relationships between Japan and the US after WWII is based on give and take.

Thus, if the US wants Japan to join the TPP, Japan needs to think about how the Japanese government can take responsibility of funding the farmers. Since Japanese farmers have less lands and less support from the government compared to the US.

It will not be easy to expand the land in Japan for farmers, but it will be better for the Japanese government to think about specialization of agricultural products etc.

Also, Japanese government needs to show what it is thinking to the outside world. So, the other countries will be ready for the Japanese government move. Without explanations, Japan will be the country of indecisiveness and lose its good reputation in the world.

Since I love both the countries of the US (where I was born) and Japan (where my family is from), I really want both countries to maintain good relationships.