Undeniably the United States is very important to Japan. Nevertheless, I have detected some worrying signs in the present state of Japan-U.S. relations. More frequently than before, we hear people argue that good relations with the U.S. is an objective in itself. In addition, many Japanese unwittingly equate good Japan-U.S. relations with what Americans consider "good."

I am inclined to think that some lopsided aspects of our relationship with the U.S. deserve to be reconsidered from a detached viewpoint if we want sound Japan-U.S. relations to continue into the future.

Let us start by re-examining our alliance. We seem to be moving toward acceptance of the view that it is desirable for Japan to revise its Constitution so that we can exercise the so-called "right of collective self-defense" to accommodate U.S. desires. Some politicians dare to argue that, as long as Japan aspires to be a U.S. ally, it is only natural that Japan's Self-Defense Forces help defend the U.S. from attack. The logic of this argument seems blatantly simplistic now that it has become clear that the U.S. will pursue its national interest at all cost.