[zainab]

Originally Posted by samurai007

Let me answer those individually:

1) The Japanese already have the self-defense forces, and it's one of the more powerful militaries in the world. I think Japan and the US should have more of a partnership, with Japan assuming more responsibility and the US slowly phasing back, but still keeping a military presence there as a deterrent to attacks from NK and China.

2) They can and should work on repairing relations with China and SEA, but not replace the US with those ties. If China and SEA demand that Japan be hostile to or overly critical of the US in order to be friends, then they aren't friends at all.

3) Yes, of course they should look for markets everywhere. I think products made in Japan can be found all over the world... surely Europe and other places have Sony and other Japanese items.

4) I don't think you balance the economy by allowing or disallowing things to be imported. If a company sends its goods to Japan and they don't sell, then they won't send them as much or at all. If they do sell, they'll send them. Some Japanese are very fashion-conscious and only want expensive brand-name goods. I think the culture needs to become more accepting of non-label goods in order for those items to stop selling as much. Banning their imports will just create a craze to get them, like it used to be with Levi jeans.

As for your final comment, it's ridiculously naive to think that "not being friends with the US" will appease neighbors like North Korea. In fact, that will be like waving a red cape in front of a bull...

i think that also ..