[GoNative]

I'm not suggesting that the US presence in Japan has anything to do with stopping Japan from becoming a threat again. My implication is that Japan owes a significant debt to this region for the pain and suffering that it caused. As part of that debt I do not think it unreasonable that it assist the US with strategically placed military bases. Whether or not the current location of the bases is the best place for them is certainly debatable though.
And I think it's difficult for younger generations to appreciate the need to owe any sort of debt when they have little, if any, knowledge of the incredible amount of destruction, death and suffering this country caused through the war. Most of them though are well aware of the suffering caused to the Japanese people towards the end of the war which totally skewes their historical viewpoint about the conflict.