Japan Opens an Eye--The consequences of waking a second sleeping giant.

TCS ^ | 03/14/2003 | Kenneth Silber

[never4get]

With a purposeful grimace and a terrible sound
He pulls the spitting high tension wires down

Helpless people on a subway train
Scream bug-eyed as he looks in on them

He picks up a bus and he throws it back down
As he wades through the buildings toward the center of town

Oh no, they say he's got to go go go Godzilla
Oh no, there goes NORTH KOREA go go Godzilla

History shows again and again
How nature points up the folly of a North Korean mad man

History shows again and again
How nature points up the folly of a North Korean mad man

-Blue Oyster Cult

[per loin]

If you were Japan would you feel safe under Bush's protection from North Korea?

[DB]

Only "slightly" modified...

[firewalk]

bttt

[MortMan]

Ummm... Shouldn't that read "Wiath apologies to BOC" :-)

[Citizen Tom Paine]

Perhaps, one of the most significant and long lasting acts of the First Pervert was how he treated North Korea and ignored Japan. A fully rearmed Japan brings consequences which are difficult to predict in the long term.IMHO

[bert]

Japan and Bush are working from playing from the same sheet music.

Americans act quickly, others do not.

[never4get]

I took some liberties, forgive me. Soft White Underbelly certainly would not mind.

[TheCause]

I love it!
Ah, the memories of one of my hero's....Godzilla!

Hey North Korea, when Godzilla's back starts lighting up, you better duck, 'cause he is pissed and here comes some serious fire!

"Godzilla, Godzilla...........Godzilla!"

[Semper Paratus]

"I fear all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve".

Admiral Yamamoto commenting on his Pearl Harbor attack.

[George W. Bush]

It was recently revealed that Japanese defense officials compiled a report on the pros and cons of developing a nuclear arsenal in 1995, not long after the first crisis over North Korea's nuclear efforts. The one country that has been attacked with nuclear weapons maintained its policy against such weapons—for now.

The article fails to mention that a few weeks ago, Japanese officials announced that some weapons-grade plutonium was "missing".

Japan may be quietly building a bomb or two, regardless of what their population thinks of nukes.

It's about time for Japan to re-arm and to take up its part in Western defense. They have dangerous neighbors.

[Princeliberty]

The nation that really doesn't want Japan to wake
up is China, we need Japan to our ally
in fighting China.
China really the who is behind N. Korea.

[George W. Bush]

Agreed. You obviously recognize that the long-term objective of the Bush Doctrine, of which Iraq is merely the opening skirmish, is the building of a global military and economic coalition to contain China. Japan is crucial to that plan.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

You are correct. Nothing happens in NK without the tacit approval and knowledge of Red China. The PRC wants the US out of the Pacific. Peeling us off the Korean peninsula is just the first step.

[myprecious]

There is a fable in Japanese culture called "The 49 Ronins". This story is read by families each year on a special day. I hope I can retell this tale for you.

There once was a Shogun with 49 Ronins (warriors). He visited another powerful Shogun and was the guest at a great banquet. A conflict arose and the host was insulted. He killed the Shogun and sent the Ronins away.

The Ronins were disbanded by the Emporer and scattered. However, they privately swore to get revenge.

For 7 years, the Ronins became worthless drunks. Their families disavowed them and society shunned them. They just became poor drifters and were ignored.

On the 7th anniversary, the Ronins regrouped at the appointed place. They secretly took up arms and went to the Host Shogun's palace.

During the night, the palace was stormed and the Shogun and his family were slain.

The Emporer was summoned. He was sad that the Shogun was killed, but impressed at the honor of the Ronins for avenging the death of their leader. He imposed the death penalty, but allowed the Ronins to commit hari kari with dignity. The Ronin's family rejoiced at the discovery of the Ronin's true plan. They were celebrated for their revenge and remembered in legend.

[hchutch]

Is the code of Bushido making a comeback?

[section9]

Is the code of Bushido making a comeback?

Not as we remember it, but a cursory reading of the Japanese popular press and manga indicates a marked increase in Japanese nationalism.

The Chinese are fools. They are stoking the North Koreans and understand that Kim, while he acts as a foolish, petulant child, makes a great catspaw in their attempt to drive the Americans from the Western Pacific.

What the old men on the Politburo's Military Committee don't realize is that they are creating the condition for China's nightmare scenario: the ressurection of the Nihon Kaigun, the Imperial Japanese Navy.

When the Japanese put their mind to something, they act as one, and can become a terrible force. IN the last century, this led to a terrible miscalculation based on imperial ambitions. However, Japan was isolated and far from her Axis allies, Germany and Italy. Japanese diplomacy would be far more deft, based on an alliance with the United States.

Now imagine the United States Pacific Fleet and the IJN Combined Fleet acting as one force to maintain the freedom of the sea lanes. There is nothing the Chinese could do to counter this force. Their entire strategy to drive the Americans from the Pacific and neuter Japan would come a cropper.

A terrible prospect indeed, for the Chinese. The North Koreans are merely bit players in this larger drama.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[hchutch]

Three nations have been able to put huge and potent sea forces:

1. The United States of America
2. The United Kingdon
3. Japan

If Russia signed on as a partner, then we've got the makings of a stable world order.

[cynicom]

Japan has the same problem that it had during the 1930s and 40s. Small island nation, large population, zero oil and few natural resources. With no friends on the Asian mainland, Japan has no alternative but to re-arm, the sooner the better.