"Yes, we Kan!"

Another English teacher at school told such a funny joke the other day that I feel obligated to share: What's the new Japanese Prime Minister's slogan? ......... "Yes, we Kan!"

While I've been blabbering on about differences and sports festivals, I've neglected to update you all on a very important happening in Japan! Though, if you follow current events you'll have already heard about it: Japan got a new Prime Minister and his name is Naoto KAN! (hahaha!) On my second day in Japan, Mr. Yukio Hatoyama was elected prime minister of Japan by a landslide. A very popular person; he seems very refined, sophisticated, and serious. Apparently, that was eventually his downfall...Now the new Prime Minister, Mr. KAN has taken office.

But I digress. First I shall tell you all about the climb that led to the fall. When Mr. Hatoyama was campaigning, he promised to remove the military base on the southern most island of Japan, Okinawa. This is obviously a strategically important position for the U.S. with China and North Korea close enough to launch tomatoes and missiles and whatever else. But the people in Okinawa feel that it's equally important for them to have their island and their independence back. Understandable, yes?

I'm grateful to be in Japan at this important time in foreign relations. I feel like it's a great opportunity to see this issue from both sides! Of course, I naturally feel an understanding about the U.S.'s need for ultimate power. That's what Americans do...not my cup of tea to be honest. I think (and perhaps the rest of the globe is with me) that America should stick it's big nose in it's own problems. And yet, I think the rest of the globe is a bit frightened for the peace. I know I am. Peace is so fragile and even though I don't support war or violence, especially when it's unecessary, it seems like a shakey time to remove military forces that for better or worse, help keep the peace.

And I can understand the feelings of Japanese. Can you? American military bases are not the most pleasant of neighbors, I'm sure. And the Japanese, in my estimation, are very polite, reposed, and thoughtful about the matter, but sick and tired of American influence in Japan. That is a huge generalization, by the way. There are many Japanese who strongly believe the base should stay where it is and want America's influence in politics, culture, and other areas. With each person you ask, you'll likely get a different answer.

So, poor Mr. Hatoyama was booted out of office and a new Mr. Kan took up his mantle. Since that time, Mr. Kan instigated a plan to move the base to a less-populated area of Okinawa. Mr. Kan's approval rating is also starting to fall like his predecessor's did. I think the public is jaded, and tired of leaders that disappoint them. They've had five prime ministers in the last four years and I imagine it's frustrating and detrimental to the interests of the public to have revolving door Prime Ministers.

No one knows what will happen in the next year, but it seems like an important issue internationally. It seems to me that one political leader's decision and tenacity will change the world, one way or another. Now Japan just has to choose which leader.