Marc Bunch
Tax consultant, 31
No, I don't think that it has been because I don't think Japan's involvement has been so significant. Domestically it's big news, but internationally, Japan is not too associated with the U.S. compared with the U.K. or Australia.

Arne Walbers
Body therapist, 30
Oh? There are close ties with the U.S.? I don't see Japan associated with the U.S. I only see that Japanese culture is interested in the U.S. I think internationally there are no problems -- everybody looks to the U.S.

Shintaro Otake
Chiropractor, 33
I wouldn't think so. At this point in time America went in and did the damage, so now we have to clean up, so if Japan is helping out that's a good thing. But nowadays being associated with the U.S. is not such a good thing.

Xavier Le Moal
Computer technician, 23
I think it's more like they need the U.S. economy, so in a way, they have to follow the U.S. But I don't think their reputation has suffered. In France we didn't hear a lot about Japan siding with America, more countries like England, Spain, Italy etc.

Junko Iketani
Lecturer, 29
Yes, I think so. I think it's very typical for Japan that we just see our relationship with China and America as being very strong. But other Asian countries and Europe probably see us as influenced by America. America influences us, but we don't influence them.

Hiroko Nada
Nurse, 24
Yes. I don't think the Japanese government should follow the U.S. anymore. It's been 60 years since Japan lost the war, the Japanese government should be more independent.