This morning Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addressed a special joint-session of the U.S. Congress, speaking on a number of topics with most of the emphasis on the alliance between the United States of America and Japan. His speech was very well received and hit all the right notes. The Prime Minister started out by stating that, while he had a lot to say, he would not be filibustering, showing that he was aware of how the Congress operates and that he has a sense of humor, which is a good way of starting out. Americans like it when national leaders make jokes, especially at the expense of politicians. He talked about his own experiences living and working in America, in both a humorous and heartfelt way, which also went over well. Everyone enjoys praise and validation. With the U.S. diplomatic corps present, he also did not fail to praise the succession of U.S. ambassadors to Japan. Some ambassadors deserved such praise but for others we can attribute this to polite civility. He also received a standing ovation for his remarks about the peace and reconciliation achieved by Japan and America since the Second World War. That was extremely significant and his words were very well chosen. Many people around the world were probably listening most closely to that part of his speech and I thought it especially praiseworthy.
Mr. Abe expressed his sympathy for the Americans who lost their lives in the battles fought against Japan, his visit to the World War II Memorial and offered his heartfelt condolences to all those who had suffered because of the war. This was probably the most perfect thing he could have said, showing his sorrow at what had happened in the past but not giving in to guilt or assigning blame. He also said he upheld the past remarks by his predecessors, referring to their apologies for Japanese actions in World War II, but did not repeat them. That too was entirely appropriate. His presence in the House chamber alone is proof that America has moved on and this constant obsession by some countries in trying to force Japan to go on apologizing forever is both childish and unproductive and Mr. Abe was correct not to be drawn into that. He also highlighted two special guests; an American veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the grandson of the heroic Japanese commander of the Iwo Jima garrison General Kuribayashi Tadamichi. It was a very moving moment and showed mutual respect and admiration for both sides in a fierce battle. The sacrifices of both sides should be remembered with pride. I would add that, as Prime Minister Abe visited the World War II Memorial, it would be entirely appropriate for a future President to visit the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo but I would not hold my breath waiting for that to happen.
The Prime Minister also made "democracy" a theme of his speech, pointing out, in a subtle way, that democracy came to Japan at the time of the Meiji Restoration (it was not something invented after World War II), that Japan stands with the democratic countries of the world and that Japan and the United States share a commitment to democratic ideals. This was also a subtle reminder that not everyone in the world does, most likely a reference to China and North Korea. In his remarks, the Prime Minister was very adept at including phrases that would appeal to both Republicans and Democrats in the audience. His words about the need for vigilance, security and trade appealed to the right side of the chamber while his words about climate change and increased participation for women in the workforce appealed to the left side. This showed that he was well prepared. However, he was also not afraid to speak out on a subject, controversial in the United States, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This is something which the President supports but which many in his own party oppose. Abe gave it his strong endorsement and made a good case for its passage.
Again, though, the U.S.-Japan alliance was the 'backbone' of his remarks. He spoke very well about how important the stability was that the alliance provided, allowing for the economic boom that East Asia has experienced in recent decades and he also laid out his very reasonable principles for dealing with disputes over territories in East and Southeast Asia. No one in the chamber could have taken exception to any of them. He also highlighted his plan for the strengthening of the Self-Defense Forces and the push by his government for Japan to take on greater responsibility in maintaining peace and security around the world. At the end of his remarks, he spoke of the Japan-U.S. alliance as an "alliance of hope", and stood as the hope for a better world.
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