Who Pays for U.S. Bases in Japan?

[@PolyMatter]

Don't forget to watch the bonus video on Nebula, which comes with CuriosityStream for just $15/year: curiositystream.com/polymatter

[@sadatshahriar5156]

man no more political videos miss the infrastructure review(healthcare, education, housing) and business videos

[@hoangvu9360]

@@sadatshahriar5156 this is not political videos. These videos about Japan and China look like 'how to measure the values of conflicts of a nation' to me.

[@sadatshahriar5156]

@@hoangvu9360 okay but really miss the old videos, this is good but i think he should have a seperate channel for these videos

[@abdiabdi3225]

@@AQLV are you talking about people praising china or north korea?

[@AlphariusXXth]

Where's "A hill to die on" ?

[@Kuolonen]

US 1945: "Let's disarm Japan and give them pacifist constitution" US 1991: "What the hell Japan, why are you such a pacifist!"

[@silverhost9782]

America rebuilt the world how it wanted post war and now it's realising that it may have overdone it. Not just with Japan but with UK, France and others

[@lovfro]

@@Robert-qg6ue You are fake

[@lik7953]

@@silverhost9782 ehhh I think it’s just times are changing. In 1945 a pacifist Japan made sense. Today, Japan is needed to counter the rise of china. It’s not that the US overdid something, it’s just that circumstances have changed in the last 70 years

[@silverhost9782]

@@lik7953 It's a case of not going on a short sighted power trip in a post war environment where no one can stop you anymore. They should have been more careful with their allies if they wanted them to help them in future wars.

[@argonauts56au1kera6]

@@lik7953 Or you can do to China what the US did to Japan in 1945.

[@Sugoi_Senti]

Japan is a dream duty station for alot of servicemembers I've been stationed in Oki for nearly 3 years now its been nice ive gotten to talk to some jsdf they are really cool dudes and nice to hang with

[@DP-qw1ly]

I was blessed to be stationed at Yokota for 5 years. JSDF is some party animals. Lol

[@JoeYDiMeSRaeN]

Yeah, not if you’re on the carrier. I did 27+ months of deployment in a three year stint.

[@quickcurechef5373]

True. No one ever regrets it..Work Drink Repeat. And a chance to bring back a made in Japan rocket.. Skyline if Lucky. Get hitched if managed to avoid court Marshall 🤞🤪

[@Mixhellangelo]

I was stationed in Yokosuka for 3 years. The best 3 years of my life

[@poglifeactual7936]

I went to Yokosuka in 2018 right before I left the Marines, I went for a week to so some work, I barely slept because I spent almost all my time after work enjoying the scene.

[@thebravegallade731]

America: pissed that germany and japan doesn't help them in offensive wars Japan and Germany: hold up, this entire operation was your idea

[@Roadkill3120]

Asking Japan to participate in the Gulfwar wasn't about fairness, my guess is, the US needed as many nations on its side to make its war more legit

[@justinspringer3992]

this aged pretty well lol

[@sillytorque]

@@Roadkill3120 Which is the only difference between the gulf war and Russia's invasion of the Ukraine.....

[@ngolong4070]

@@sillytorque Ukraine is a flawed democracy but a democracy regardless, while Saddam Hussein's Iraq was a dictatorship that was causing regional instability. What the fuck are you talking about? I don't support the second Gulf War either but to say that war in Ukraine is the same as US intervention in Iraq is insane, even for reductionist standards

[@luckydrag7273]

@@ngolong4070 Saddam and many of the middle east countries was sponsored by Usa to keep its region fragmented and constantly at war, one of the thing related to both Ukraine and Gulf is that both are influenced by Us/Eu imperialism, these action are no longer intervention but invasion.

[@SoKette]

USA : Writes a special clause in the Japanese constitution "never go on an offensive war" Also the USA : "Please, come help us invade a country or we'll be very mad"

[@Kuolonen]

Shortsighted political decisions and the USA, name a more iconic duo. For a modern example, look at CIA training the mujahideen in Afghanistan to own the Soviets.

[@chanr9531]

Well well well, if it isn’t the consequences of my own action

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

@@Kuolonen for the better

[@itseveryday8600]

you know in the original version of the constitution that America created for Japan, they even out lawed Japan defending it self.

[@f-86zoomer37]

@Ailen Gilean it's amazing how the media psyopped you into believing China to be a threat today, but they were nothing just 5 years ago.

[@VineFynn]

Given that the US wrote that Japanese constitution, I'm sure Japan gets a pass.

[@slslbbn4096]

Amongst local japanese, they know the US are occupying forces that milk Japan dry by purchasing overpriced military equipment, forcibly revaluing the Yen in the Plaza Accords and destroying Japan's economy. They know the US bases are what subjugates Japan into its current puppet state status

[@blugaledoh2669]

@@slslbbn4096 the plaza accord is not what causes the current Japanese stagnation.

[@handson4580]

@Luxferre Aurora exactly if anything the united states BOOSTED the japanese economy and brought it up to standards, Especially just after the 2 nukes

[@roccoanthony8930]

@Luxferre Aurora which is false lol. Plaza accord and USA shifting to neoliberalism is the cause of it. USA was definitely a part of Japan’s economic stagnation (which is overrated btw).

[@roccoanthony8930]

@@handson4580 false. USA needed Japan to collaborate in order to retaliate against USSR. South Korea and Philippine had more money but it took them DECADES before being stabilized. It was Japan which boosted their economy by themselves. Not US.

[@Essentially_Nobody]

Does anyone know what would happen to Japanese public opinion if the United States just stopped being it's defender? Like would the Japanese people be more inclined to having a bigger army, or would they be happy with being completely offenceless and basically defenceless?

[@luzherrera4463]

I think the japanese just want to enjoy the progress of today while standing on a zero-intervention foreign policy of the era previous to its modernization in the late 19th century. It wants to progress, and not interevene in anything involving foreign conflicts even if they happen next their yard.

[@twinsen1949]

Pretty sure it works just like any other kind of virtue signaling: the US leaves, suddenly Japan gets invaded, and the citizens would scream "Help!". And then either arm themselves and fail because no training nor experience, or be resqued by allies and continue to claim they were pacifists.

[@taoliu3949]

Bigger Army, not so much since Japan has demographic issues that's restricting their ability recruit. More funding for defense to increase capabilities is probably more likely. Transition from SDF to an actual military is also highly likely.

[@hrishabkumarsharma1355]

@@SomeRandomDude32 China's end goal is to restore it's ancient power, where every one of its neighbours follows their political system pays them tribute and buy and trade only from them. Something tells me the CCP isn't too happy with a democratic multi party state with freedom. Case in point taiwan

[@Fauzanarief-n7i]

Depend on which part of Japan, most people in Okinawa probably happy if US leave Japan because US military base itself taking almost 25 percent of land in okinawa

[@miroslavhoudek7085]

You just have to admire seemingly compliant japanese population for not being lazy and show up when they disagree with something.

[@hyy3657]

Need in encourage Japanese this pacifist ideology, no arm at all! EVER! The tragedy they have done in ww2 is not gonna happen again, and people need to obey this at all cost! Kudos for the Japanese to introspect their own war crimes......PEACE can not be compromised!

[@lucasharvey8990]

@@hyy3657 You misunderstand. Japan's pacifism is not rooted in atoning for warcrimes. Japan is pacifistic as a result of what happened to them in WW2; not as a result of what they did to other countries. I know this because they refuse to acknowledge their atrocities.

[@BigBoss-sm9xj]

@@lucasharvey8990 that’s true

[@alexstromberg7696]

They got bombed so hard they made up anime and furries

[@johnl.7754]

Japans 50-70% contribution to US presence may seem high but 3 Billion seems like a bargain.

[@Mushroomlau]

If they do go to war with china. That 65 billion in total they spent will be bloody worth it.

[@somethingsomething8773]

@@Mushroomlau let’s not pretend like the US wouldn’t deploy troops to defend Japan even if Japan hadn’t payed a cent. The US are stationed in Japan because they want a base in Asia to combat communism, not because Japan wanted them there…

[@Mushroomlau]

@@somethingsomething8773 you clear didn't watch the video... Japan has NO other choice but to rely on usa for help in war times. Even if they didn't want them they have no choice. Though I wouldn't argue that the bases is there to combat cough cough china

[@metalvideos1961]

america shouldnt be there in the first place. the first week they where there amercan soldiers already killed a couple of japanese people. i still cant believe japan wants to be allies with america after what america has done to their country.

[@metalvideos1961]

@@Mushroomlau america will not go to war with china. they know they will loose it and they know they will gain nothing from it. america is the usual warmongering again. america itself is literally going to crap. yet the tax payers money is used for useless wars america created. its actually sad.

[@thorkell2985]

英語圏のメディアで思いやり予算について言及しているのは初めてでビックリした。PolyMatterさんのリサーチ力すごい。

[@pasdpasse439]

I am more surprised to see a Japanese viewer here

[@yemannwaiphyo8817]

Firstly, I am not American. I am sure you know the current situation of the World is very bad. Covid-19 and Commie China military buildup. I'd rather want Allies who will fight side by side together with me like brothers-in-arms, than politicians paying our politicians for cost of travel and living expenses for the soldiers.

[@tykep1009]

第三者の立場から客観的に日本の政治状況を英語で解説してくれるのは有り難いですね

[@tomaszzalewski4541]

@@yemannwaiphyo8817 yeah, good luck with that. Nato is heavily devided so any support is 50/50 chance

[@nzx.]

@@tykep1009 合意済み

[@sampatton146]

Japan has a naval base in Djibouti, Horn of Africa for anti piracy operations.

[@kjul.]

Everyone has a base in Djibouti, this is how the country makes money 💰😅

[@luxeternity]

I mean..you already answer it yourself lol

[@Kudejo]

Now do "Who pays for U.S. weapons in Afghanistan"

[@lkcdarzadix6216]

The Tax payers

[@AmanKumarPadhy]

American people *mostly middle class and poor*

[@MrAsianPie]

The people payed for it, the government lost it. This wouldn’t happen if there wasn’t federal overreach. #StatesRights

[@glitchboi3537]

Us taxpayers

[@victorcode2075]

We already know 😄

[@lumpydark6173]

TBH the deal with the US is a good one for Japan, so long as you assume the americans will show up if Japan is directly attacked.

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

Theoretically they must protect japan

[@shiroyashaginsan405]

Pretty sure not just in theory, it's by the law

[@MrYoshio14]

@@shiroyashaginsan405 its a obligation

[@lolHERALDlol]

@@Cecilia-ky3uw lol "theoretically" A defense treaty is binding to both parties by law.

[@voxbury]

Outside of it being a legal and contractual agreement to do so, American boots pound dirt wherever they can justify so the budget next year gets an even greater increase than was already guaranteed. Gotta feed the war machine - it’s half of America’s economy.

[@omegaasura21]

I think you're being unfair at 8:30. Japan's MSDF uses wooden hulls for minesweeping because they don't react to magnetic mines. After being starved by the US in WW2, they know what they're doing.

[@LegendNinja41]

also no mention of the Plaza Accord which ruined Japan in 1985 but he talks about both countries being ''friends''. Wtf lol.

[@cuddlemuffin.9545]

@@LegendNinja41 the us was protecting it's own economy

[@LegendNinja41]

@mVP you're the one crying about a comment from half a year ago, bozo.

[@mikeymike9926]

So are you offering up sympathy for Japan after they blazed through the entire pacific region leaving behind events and horrors behind that the entire country basically goes silent when you bring it up?

[@leion800]

@@mikeymike9926 every country has blood on its hands. Get off your high horse.

[@ahome3406]

We need to review this topic with direct comparisons with South Korea, which also relies heavily on the US military.

[@f-86zoomer37]

We shouldn't be in South Korea anymore

[@KingAgniKai]

@@f-86zoomer37why not?

[@joshbentley2307]

@@f-86zoomer37 you definitely should. China invading Japan is pretty unrealistic considering the West is extremely dominant at sea. But the threat of them invading South Korea is very real. And they’ll most likely win.

[@dulio12385]

South Korea actually has a pretty solid military for its size. Point for point its equipment is superior to the North.The problem is that Seoul is in pissing distance of thousands of pieces of artillery. It so close to the border that you can reach it with cannons made during the 1940s. Any invasion would probably result in Busan being capital of South Korea all over again like in the 1950s.

[@muricafy6798]

Wouldnt really call it a reliance...Korea has a big military now. South Korea will win if there is a open battle in the traditional sense with the North. its just the war is not over yet in Korea and the North has WMDs. Also Korea is the Normandy of Asia. Germany is much more similar in terms of reliance on the US for national security.

[@egggge4752]

The US after ww2: "You are forbidden from ever having an army and can only act in self defense." Japan: "Ok." The US: "No, not like that!"

[@JamesTurfKing]

The US and General McArthur wanted the Japanese to arm themselves for the Cold War coming. The people of Japan themselves chose peace due to their high belief in honor and the request of their god/emperor. Had little to do with the US but popular beliefs always makes a mockery of their own devotion I suppose.

[@tragic_solitude7992]

It was the Japanese that decide that not the US. The US wanted an armed ally in the Pacific like they did with Germany in Europe.

[@egggge4752]

​@@tragic_solitude7992 No. McArthur wanted to not even allow them a self defense force when the war ended.

[@egggge4752]

@@JamesTurfKing No. McArthur wanted to not even allow them a self defense force when the war ended.

[@NeostormXLMAX]

@@egggge4752 bullshit mcarthur wanted to invade china with japans support lol

[@giantWario]

While I perfectly understand that it sucks that Japan only has one reliable ally in the case of an attack, which was the main point of the video, I must say I really don't understand where you're going with the rest of what you're saying. So Japan does more to pay for US troops and the UN peacekeeping troops than any other country but you think the US and the international community are pissed at them because they never send soldiers? I really don't think that's accurate, hell you point out yourself that it's not true. The US rate Japan as the third country they like the most after Canada and the UK and they have a great diplomatic relationship with them, even Trump got along with Shinzo Abe. I'm not sure why you showed that graph at 11:07 that implies Japanese politicians are barely satisfying the US or their own citizens, I see absolutely no evidence that the US is not happy with their alliance with them.

[@olsenfernandes3634]

That's because Japan's Economy and Geographical position is very very very good to have. So much so that you're willing to ignore the fact that they don't send troops in other conflicts. As long as they keep China's Exansion in check reliably, they're are a good ally to have. Canada and UK are Top 2 because they are the most supportive and powerful, Japan is No. 3 because money and their strategic location.

[@sw-reload9232]

That graph is talking about military related subjects and not things like culture and economy

[@giantWario]

@@sw-reload9232 Yeah I know but even for military purposes, the US is happy to have bases and troops around that area, they'd want those troops around China and Russia's eastern front even if Japan was not their allies. The defense of Japan is not actually the US troop's main purpose in Japan, it's more like a great side-effect of it. So they get a country that will accept their troops and mostly pay for them, it's a win-win. Even from a purely military standpoint, yeah, I actually do believe the US is happy with Japan.

[@singularityraptor4022]

@@olsenfernandes3634 Canada is dependible but their military isn't 'powerful'. US made it so that Japan can't have any offensive or any self sufficient military and now they are mad?

[@sw-reload9232]

@@giantWario ofc they are happy but the point he was making is that the Japanese politicians have to make a choice between Japanese civilians and us goverment. On one side the civilians want less military related stuf and on the other side the US wants Japan to have more military related stuf. The us is happy with just bases but they would want Japan to do more and the civilians don't want that right now

[@thedamnedatheist]

You forgot to mention the US part in writing the Pacifist Constitution. The US created the situation and now has to deal with it, because they don't want Japan rising to become a Pacific power again.

[@ikengaspirit3063]

he mentioned it in a earlier video on this topic

[@Middlew]

While it is true that the US has started to pressure its allies more it is also true that war is very unpopular right now. I would be surprised if these very specific laws about sending troups in Japan pose any risk to the US - Japan alliance in the coming 10 years unless some type of emergency occurs.

[@stafer3]

The part of US that pressures allies to do more is part that is pro peace. Just like Japanese population sees conflict as “not my problem, let America deal with it alone” same sentiment can be seen rising in US, when there will be conflict that threatens US allies “not my problem, let them deal with that alone”. That’s why US pressures allies to do more, because US wants them to deal with their own security. And that’s why countries that are really in greater risk (Russian neighbors, Chinese neighbors, etc.) are trying to buy US support. US hawks destroyed their credibility with second Iraq war and there is now whole generation of voters who don’t want any military involvement in the world. They look at Iraq and Afghanistan and are like “this was pointless”. So when Japan or Taiwan gets attacked, they will be making same opposition as Japanese public is doing right now.

[@benrodir2]

War breeds innovation. It is only unpopular with the unwashed, uneducated masses. People that actually matter realize global hegemony requires military intervention.

[@wanderingthewastes6159]

Brian Williams attack china then.

[@ten_tego_teges]

@@benrodir2 Or maybe its unpopular with the masses cause it ain't senator kids that get blown up on mines in third world countries. Or perhaps "people that actually matter" wage for for their own profit while the common man covers the bill.

[@AnthonySenpaikun]

@@ten_tego_teges tell that to the authoritarian despots around the world. should any democratic country just secede claimed lands as they please to them then? you are clearly uneducated of geo-politics.

[@TheManFromWaco]

9:07 Off-topic, but I'd actually be interested in finding out how Senegal suffered the second most casualties of any Coalition nation in the Gulf War. I've studied that conflict to some extent, but never heard of a Senegalese involvement.

[@captainbroady]

I came across that some day on Wikipedia. Apparently a Royal Saudi Air Force C-130 transport aircraft carrying 92 Senegal soldiers and a few Saudi soldiers and aircrew crashed while trying to land on an airbase due to low visibility, killing many personnel aboard. Extracted from a Wikipedia article titled "Gulf War": "The largest accident among coalition forces happened on 21 March 1991, when a Royal Saudi Air Force C-130H crashed in heavy smoke on approach to Ras Al-Mishab Airport, Saudi Arabia. 92 Senegalese soldiers and six Saudi crew members were killed." I hope this helps answer your questions :D

[@Nippleless_Cage]

@@captainbroady Wow that's pretty tragic.

[@Aaron-fb6mb]

@@captainbroady thanks I was wondering as well

[@purplebrick131]

Can we highlight the complete disregard the US foreign policy seems to have for, let's say, their allies constitutions? Germany renounced offensive war, Japan renounced war altogether, both wrote it into their constitutions. Yet both were and are pressured into disregarding their own constitutions by providing soldiers for US offensive campaigns like the Gulf War. The reason West Germany created its military after the war, despite public outcry I might add, was US pressure. Not to mention what is happening at Ramstein airbase: Commanding legally dubious drone strikes, via the sovereign territory of a nation that renounced offensive war, behind the backs of that nations government. If the USA hails their constitution far and beyond, then they may take a step back and consider that other countries also have them. And that they should respect them like they do their own. Especially with allies.

[@wiruwaruwolz]

This. So much this. Thanks for your comment. Sincerely, a (fellow?) German

[@stevecarswell6329]

Why should the United States care for an "ally" that refuses to defend itself or other members of their alliance? Germany, or japan, or It's not the responsibility of the United States to ensure the continuation of Germany. That responsibility belongs only to the German people. And if they don't care about the security of their nation, neither should the United States.

[@silverhost9782]

The Americans did that out of idealism and arrogance. Then they realised that they couldn't babysit all of those countries alone. Go figure

[@pleasedisregardthefollowin5568]

Calling the gulf war an offensive war is a bit presumptuous considering the US gained no land and liberated independent Kuwait. Unless you feel that Iraq deserved that land by right of conquest.

[@zee9709]

@@pleasedisregardthefollowin5568 that liberation come with a price dude.

[@Hand-in-Shot_Productions]

As an American, I find this to be quite interesting! This video gives quite an idea of how Japan's government has to try to appeal to both a peaceful population and a militarized defender!

[@Flankymanga]

militarized attacker you mean...

[@noticedruid4985]

@@Flankymanga You meant Defender.

[@Flankymanga]

@@noticedruid4985 In America they call if defense... rest of the world call it attack...

[@noticedruid4985]

@@Flankymanga nah half would say defense. And quarter would have no interest and the remaining who for some reason or another who hate America would say attack.

[@Flankymanga]

@@noticedruid4985 you have a very distorted image of world. You would be surprised how many countries, nations and cultures would say attack. Even NATO countries...

[@dominicray6640]

I'm glad that Abe's name was properly pronounced this time around. Saying it like its Shinzo Abraham "Abe" last time around was so jarring.

[@jtgd]

I’m imagining a Japanese Abraham Lincoln

[@Shaurya_Pant]

Exactly

[@hoangvu9360]

That is fun, indeed

[@sinoroman]

you didn't like Abraham? lol

[@eisernfront8549]

Japan is smart from dodging unnecessary wars with the US like the Middle East Wars, Vietnam, and proxy wars.

[@alexfriedman2047]

OR one could call it cowardly... Korea sent thousands of troops to help in Vietnam with an overwhelming desire to stop communism. They were truly heros. I love Japan too, but I would say Korea is a stronger ally.

[@abenalif2147]

@@alexfriedman2047 True, but its just Japan play smart or it was South Korea that wanted to sent troops because during the 60s SK economy is kinda dying and they need many aid and capital for development. So in return for the aid etc etc they will sent troops to Vietnam and it is said that America pays SK for sending troops... so yea maybe thats why SK was involved in the Vietnam war.

[@alexfriedman2047]

@@abenalif2147 That true, we did pay them a shat ton for their involvement. The Koreans were actually far more feared than Americans by Vietcong. The Americans had trouble finding the guerilla fighters but the Koreans could sniff them out easily so the Vietnamese would entirely try to avoide Koreans altogether during that time lol

[@shahriarhakim6673]

I'd rather be a tiger for a day than a sheep for a century

[@giavanzhang6624]

You were saying that Japan did not involve in the Vietnam war? Well sadly they did, and that resulted in one of the most deadly famine in Vietnam in 1945, mind you look that up.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

Like in the Meiji Restoration, I think Japan can change instantly and swiftly. Now, the overwhelming majority supports the pacifist constitution. However, if a crisis arises (e.g. invasion from another country), I think the Japanese public will switch to militarization in a snap of a finger.

[@akashdobhal9893]

But unfortunately, you cannot train military in a snap of a finger, it requires years of first-hand tactical and strategical war experience.

[@steviejohnson378]

@@akashdobhal9893 Japan has one of the best modern navies in the world. And they can rely on US for assistance on tactics/strategies.

[@jonl7855]

This is a very important observation about Japanese culture. In japan, it seems like “everything has always been this way”, but there have been many swift and radical changes throughout its history. And this can happen again in the current era. コメントをありがとうございます！

[@AlamoOriginal]

agree to some extent but the fact is, its not that simple, Japan though still has sizable defense is still too small to mobilize, public opinions too i think still has different solutions if ever that event comes

[@mikan3156]

As a Japanese, I can say that Japanese public opinion is increasingly of the opinion that the Self-Defense Forces are legitimate under the revised Constitution. However, many Japanese believe that only defensive wars should be allowed.

[@bobdole27]

Unironically I think its good that the Japanese doesn't waste their citizens lives in pointless fights that they have no skin in, also the U.N. is probably one of the worst organizations ever created, the less you have to with it the better

[@handson4580]

The least they could do is make it so they can defend themselves and be useful....

[@boygenius538_8]

@@handson4580 defense themselves yes, but participating in pointless wars in the Middle East make no sense

[@chrisbana5874]

@@handson4580 Who has attacked them the Taliban or ISIS Atleast Japan ain't bombing innocent countries for nothing

[@handson4580]

@@chrisbana5874 it aint for nothing its for oil and influence

[@abnerdoon4902]

@@handson4580 It's like breaking the legs of a goat and being mad it can't walk with you.

[@korben600]

Am I the only american whose primary comment after this video is "This honestly seems like a good deal for both sides"? Like, we get a powerful extremely pro-america ally in the Pacific to check China, *and* they're willing to foot most of the bill for us being there? Even without a standing military to defend us, that's a pretty good deal.

[@JamesTurfKing]

People just wanna complain man and to be honest American and Japanese forces haven’t seen large scale war in a long time. So to them it all seems unneeded and wasteful. Til it isn’t.

[@Elendrian]

Realistically, the US doesn't need it to be a bilateral defense agreement. Ironically that makes it a win win.

[@Fireclaws10]

The only problem is the US troops in Japan have a very bad rep. One of them raped and killed a child. Even if they are allies and it’s one incident, that’s the kind of thing that makes you want them out.

[@john_smith_john]

@@Fireclaws10 I imagine chinese troops in Japan would be even more controversial, which is what would happen if the US was kicked out.

[@thebananas6483]

@@john_smith_john You don't know that. In fact, it's highly unlikely. China, much like N.Korea, wants to act all big and scary, but won't do anything so severe it makes the world act against them. Like literally invading another country, a peaceful one at that. China's been making increasingly aggressive statements and acting worse and worse, losing favor more and more with the rest of the world. While this sparks a passionate nationalism with their own citizens, who love it, recent polling has shown that literally every other first world country's people have a majority negative opinion of them. Nobody likes China anymore, and any country not currently under their control wants very little to do with them. If they actually had the gall to invade Japan, they immediately go to war with most of the developed world. Even they aren't that stupid. This very channel had a video talking about this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2mag2aCpZWdmpI

[@Robespierre-lI]

It's fairly remarkable that Japan managed to emerge from WWII with a long term deal with it's former enemy which consists, in essence, of hiring the US military to work for them and do the defense work. Well played, Japan. Well played.

[@ymi_yugy3133]

You are leaving out a very important point. Japan's pacifism didn't come out of nowhere, but was a key objective the US lead occupation force. It's anchored in article 9 of the Japanese constitution which was written directly by American army officers at the direction of MacArthur. Moreover, Japan's has been more active with trying to curb China's military ambitions in the region. Given its own concerns about Chinese expansionism the US needs Japan as a staging area in case of an invasion of Taiwan, need Japan to give its own massive military presence in the region legitimacy and as a political counter force to China. This is all vastly more valuable than a few thousand troops in the Middle East.

[@Poctyk]

>You are leaving out a very important point. Japan's pacifism didn't come out of nowhere If only there was some sort of a prequel video to this one, where author goes precisely over such subject, and assumes that viewers watched said video to not go over same thing twice. But alas, no such thing exist. /s

[@ymi_yugy3133]

@@Poctyk Just saw that those video exist. As far as I can tell he made no reference to those.

[@justinbell5155]

The US wrote the constitution however they did not force the Japanese to keep those ideals. Like the previous videos talked about votes came up to change it but the public doesn't want to..

[@ymi_yugy3133]

@@justinbell5155 There is certainly some truth to that. But it isn't enough. A constitution is so fundamental to the identity of a democracy that often times a form of constitutional patriotism forms around it. In that context a constitution functions more like a religious text than a law. People don't view the constitution as a law that should reflect their beliefs but as a moral authority itself. In this situation specifically, it means that people in Japan are to a not insignificant part against militarisation because it's unconstitutional. The unconstitutionality alone is a compelling factor.

[@vincenttjia]

@@justinbell5155 hey let's change the US constitution and see how that go. Best case scenario a civil war. Worst case scenario the US cease to exist. Even until now the US is still fighting about the second amandement.

[@Yuu-it1zk]

Actually, if anything, the latest election results for the Japanese House of Representatives shows that defense is a very important issue in Japan unlike before. It is the main reason the left-winged/liberal Constitutional Democrats who teamed up with the anti-american and anti-military Japanese communists lost very badly to the right-winged/conservative LDP and the center-right Ishin party. I think your information on how the Japanese public views remilitarization is very, very outdated. Recent rises of China and North Korea has drastically changed the political landscape in favor of remilitarization Sources: Nikkei

[@Yuu-it1zk]

@Ivan Vozjakov Most japanese have nothing against American soldiers. It is only the Far-leftist people and some leftists who hate any sort of military period, regardless of whether it is japanese or American. Most Japanese have absolutely no problem whatsoever with Americans or American soldiers. Most people don’t really give a sh*t to be honest. We have bigger concerns to worry about like the economy. Maybe people on the far-right feel “humiliated” to some extent, but most japanese whether liberal or conservative don’t really give a crap

[@Yuu-it1zk]

​@Ivan Vozjakov You obviously have never met real Chinese people. Most don’t give a sh*t about nationalism

[@ming3920]

@Ivan Vozjakov Just a random Chinese peeking at the thread. Btw, murder and slaughter are not profitable, and most countries have learned. Wars don't happen in a vacuum.

[@ringsofbravo]

@Ivan Vozjakov calm down psycho

[@Hideyoshi1991]

@@Yuu-it1zk Okinawans care somewhat, mainly because the bases take up so much of the island.

[@matthewct8167]

Judging from the comment section, people really think Japan should be more militaristic.

[@silverhost9782]

Most of the viewers are probably Americans who want Japan to help them fight against China

[@paulkadzielawa4514]

japan has already committed to defending Taiwan as if its its own territory because they know that if Taiwan is Taken, Japan will be next. So yes, for its own continued existence, it does need to be more militaristic

[@jordanlaramore5430]

@@paulkadzielawa4514 It's not a true commitment. It's in Japan's interest to have Taiwan remain free but not a true alliance of any sorts.

[@sinoroman]

japan should not be militaristic, they'll go crazy again

[@luxeternity]

Why not? If it to prevent china doing shit ..sure. I had enough those shit head encroaching on my nation's territorial water and airspace

[@mastermohit]

6:58 wait that's yotsuba from quintessential quintuplets right

[@16kashman]

YES YES YES

[@stellargravitywell1828]

It is! Glad someone else noticed! Edit: And a Konosuba poster!

[@darylteo9983]

Ah he pronounced Shinzo Abe correctly this time

[@Kriae]

You mean Abraham

[@AkashS97]

Japan-US relationship is the most unique one in the world history. US did the worst atrocities against Japan, but still the Japanese people forgot everything and became best friends!!!

[@melvinmathew4171]

Japanese ppl didn't forget anything, they did not have a choice, the US literally dropped 2 Nukes in their country destroyed their existing defense industry and rewrote their entire constitution, after WW2 Japan was literally a US puppet state Today's Japan does have a level of autonomy but the US still has MASSIVE influence in their politics

[@entropicpedro]

Forgot?

[@mikeymike9926]

go ask any country invaded by Japan on if they supported the bombing, youll get a resounding "Yes!" and "Drop a third one!"

[@Rogue9927]

At 9:58 what happened to all the UN peacekeeping operations? Why did they all of sudden hit zero for one year and then jump back up?

[@mikeymike9926]

"The setbacks of the early and mid-1990s led the Security Council to limit the number of new peacekeeping missions and begin a process of self-reflection to prevent such failures from happening again." Basically in my own words, After the 1994 Rwandian Genocide and Yugoslavia (Which there were sooooo many things telling the UN that this was going down yet they still failed) the UN realized they made a massive oopsies. took some time away to reassess themselves through what I assume were councils and hearings based on their performance. While long term operations such as activity in the Middle East carried out, as the quote above (From the UN website) They took some time from beginning short term operations.

[@itseveryday8600]

you didnt mention that it was America who created Japan's post ww2 constitution, and article 9, which is the part of constitution that out lawed Japan going to war. In the original constitution that America created for Japan, it even forbid Japan from defending itself. America created this constitution, and it was America that decided that this arrangement (of a pacifist Japan being military protect by US) was a good idea. To be honest, America has an easy job protecting Japan (I don't think a single bullet has been fired by US troops) while offering employment to US military personnel. And why would Japan be involved with America's proxy war for Isreal, in the middle east? Tony Blaire, who got Britain involved with the middle east wars, is now considered a war criminal in his country. George Bush jr is not far off either.

[@bradowen8862]

Why not amend their constitution? it's been created more than 50 years ago and it's now obsolete. And why would the US protect Japan if in case of military attack?

[@itseveryday8600]

@@bradowen8862 America is supposed to protect Japan in case of a military attack, because that is the agreement that America imposed on Japan, in exchange for giving Japan a pacifist constitution & outlawing Japan participating in a war. America created this arrangement, it was what America wanted.

[@itseveryday8600]

@@bradowen8862 Amending this constitution is not easy at all, because it is the principle on which modern Post-war Japan is based upon. It's like saying just get rid of the America's 2nd amendment. Anyone from the US will know that's near impossible. And America's 2nd amendment was created in 1789 which is 232 years ago.

[@bradowen8862]

@@itseveryday8600 it's not easy but it's possible. Then, the Japanese people must not expect the US to defend them fully. Fortunately, the US has its own interest to maintain the balance of power in the region to prevent another world war. But some superpower is emerging that could soon match the US military and the US will definitely need allies such as Japan with common adversaries.

[@bradowen8862]

@@itseveryday8600 overtime situation changes. Someday the US will meet its match and can no longer protect Japan alone

[@randyreese6413]

Great video. I worked for US Forces, Japan, the US military headquarters over there for 10 years and handled base realignment issues. One point missed is that even with the millions paid by Japan in Host Nation Support, it is still far cheaper than acquiring that defense power on their own, and it is the stationing of the US military there that allows Japan to limit its defense spending to just 1% of its budget. For comparison, the US defense budget accounts for anywhere from 7 to 10% of the national budget.

[@bengoodwin738]

There's a lot of truth in this, only thing I'd quibble is the idea that without American support, Japan would increase their defence spending. I suspect that even if the USA fully withdrew all direct military support from Japan, the Japanese people would continue to vote for pacifist governments. I find it very unlikely that Japan would face invasion due to a lack of military might.

[@randyreese6413]

​ @Ben Goodwin That's an archaic view of the Japanese. Many of the Japanese have awoken to the foolishness of thinking that abandoning one’s military will keep others from attacking it, and Japan has already begun moving towards amending their Constitution to allow for Japan to have a military and conduct operations outside of Japan. The post-war “peace at all cost” generation is being replaced by a generation that has witnessed the rise of China, and they are not emotionally tied to Article 9 as their parents were. The Japanese realize that a Cold War Soviet-style all out invasion is very unlikely and instead, it is more likely China will seize outlying islands or otherwise isolate Japan militarily to impose its will. The Japanese have therefore come to realize that the traditional view of “they’ll leave us alone if we leave them alone” is just a pie in the sky, Japan needs to be able to assert herself in order to protect her territorial integrity, and to do this, they need to have a military capable of offensive operations. To this end, the Japanese have formed the marines of the Western Army, along with the landing group that would project these marines in the Maritime SDF (navy), the MSDF is building it’s second destroyer/aircraft carrier capable of operating the F-35, and the Ground SDF (army) has created and deployed a Special Operations Group; all are military capabilities aimed at external projection, not internal protection as the Self Defense Force has traditionally been formed. A majority of Japanese realize the importance of having the US military stationed there and the protection it affords. Should the US pull out, Japan will simply increase its military spending and development the way it has been over the last 20 years.

[@bengoodwin738]

@@randyreese6413 It seems you know more about the subject than I. I can't say I'm happy about all that, being somewhat anti-militarist myself, but if that's what's happening no point ignoring it.

[@joeyjojojrshabadoo7462]

If you have to ask outsource to another country you can't find a better alliance then the United States but it does come with a geopolitical cost of control

[@jenlet3956]

This is almost comical when considered in the light of hawkish Americans who what war with China that imagine an empire of Japan to rise and fight with them.

[@eliaskuah7704]

this is a really interesting video, thanks for making it!

[@carltomacruz9138]

And I was beginning to like his pronunciation of Abe as in Abraham.

[@deepatlantic2222]

The local Japanese who have to deal with American crime are the real ones paying the bill.

[@metalvideos1961]

yeah but they forget to tell that ofc. because that would mean they need to tell facts. people dont like facts they only like propaganda. the first week when the military base was open in japan american soldiers already killed a couple of japanese people. but nobody talks about that ofc.

[@blugaledoh2669]

@@metalvideos1961 where you get that source?

[@blugaledoh2669]

@@metalvideos1961 are you talking about WW2?

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

@@blugaledoh2669 There's several incidents of allied occupiers and their atrocities on civilians, namely Japanese and Germans. A notable one in Okinawa, where a base is now, is the Katsuyama Killing incident. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1945_Katsuyama_killing_incident Three African American marines were repeatedly (doing that disgusting thing) to local women, and constantly getting away with it because they would do it armed with rifles. Subsequently and rightfully so, a villager and two armed Imperial Japanese soldiers ambushed them, killed, and dumped in a cave. There's also several cases to this day of atrocities, there's plenty of protests outside US bases in Japan but the local populace that is tired of it all.

[@hiyukelavie2396]

@@blugaledoh2669 Lol, are you seriously ignorant of all the rape cases?

[@エレクトラム]

I'm Japanese, but this content is a little different. With the rise of China, many Japanese want the US military to protect Japan, even if they pay more. Many Japanese and the Japanese government are afraid that the United States will move its front-line bases to Guam and Hawaii in preparation for China's preemptive strike, reducing Japan's US military bases and reducing deterrence against China. (I'm using a translation app. I'm sorry I'm not good at it.)

[@BlazikienFlares]

but wouldnt it be better if you could protect yourself what if the us decides it isnt in their best interest to stay one day? like afghanistan?

[@jedensnow1084]

@@BlazikienFlares They are Pacifist. I think it's fine as long as they are paying us money.

[@may-ky6jl]

Majority of Japanese are against any militarisation . 98%of Japanese will not join the army even if the war starts. That was recent survey. Japanese education affected students which implemented by US and trained to be by far left teachers who were implemented by US policy.

[@may-ky6jl]

​@@jedensnow1084 Just get out from Japan.

[@beegchunguz7425]

The relationship between Japan and America is the reason why our technology today is so amazing. If it weren't for their bond this world would be so different.

[@Deno2100]

Did PolyMatter just try to argue that the Japanese government should be concerned with the interests of the US over the overwhelming will of their own people? The only thing that should matter to the Japanese government is what the Japanese want, specifically what they have asked for.

[@BasicLib]

it's more an analysis of thee fact that the Japanese people have grown up under a system that doesn't exist anymore and public opinion just hasn't caught up to geopolitical reality, that's why the Japanese government is doing all these things DESPITE the people, cause for the most art, the people are operating under a false assumption. So while public opinion should be the north star of any just society, the leaders of said just society have a duty to take actions that might be against public opinion if necessary to defend that society, which is pretty much what Japan's leadership class is doing right now/ has been for the past decade or so Good leadership is not only listening to concerns and giving people what they want but rather sometimes involves telling them what they might not ant to hear and giving the people what they need.

[@BigBoss-sm9xj]

@@BasicLib very very well said

[@black.sasuke.uchiha]

6:15 finally! My man learned how to say it while editing this video. My inner Weeb was screaming the first two times he said it incorrectly.

[@petersmythe6462]

Here's the thing: This mostly benefits America. Japan isn't gonna be invaded by Russia or China but America gets to use it as a giant Pacific military base that's out of reach of Asian land powers. Notably something that's not true of South Korea. Japan gets some defense aid. America gets power projection for a global empire.

[@Tinil0]

I misread your comment as the opposite and was preparing to launch into what amounts as a tirade haha. You are right though, the US gets the better deal overall, although both benefit and it's been so long-lasting because it really is a symbiotic relationship. In general, political scientists on both sides are in favor as are most of their respective elected governments, with the notable issue of civillians on both sides often being against it for various reasons, usually for emotional. At least those are the ones I can understand and respect, like the Okinawan local objections. The crazy shit we had with the Trump administration and the transition from the Republican party of the Neoconservatives last decade with the isolationist alt-right now and their complaints are usually entirely borne of ignorance. Anyway, this is getting off topic but situations like this are why representative democracies tend to be more effective, where better informed (And hopefully more intelligent and more wise, although that obviously varies GREATLY) people make the important geopolitical decisions. On a global scale, both the United States and Japan benefit quite a bit from the arrangement. And sadly our forces in Korea are nothing compared to our forces in Japan (Fight me people who have been deployed to Osan/Bussan/wherever Humpherys is), it's more vulnerable as a peninsula compared to an island, plus all military pressence in Korea antagonizes both China and North Korea more than the equivalent happening in Japan. In the modern era it would be insane to try and build up forces in South Korea again to make up for abandoning Japan unless we wanted the second Korean war to happen. I guess this all comes down to geopolitics being complicated and frequently everyone loses and it's about losing the least. High level defense policy is always a pain in the ass because it throws money at something no one wants to have happen and yet we all expect to happen at some point. Peace is wonderful and there are LOTS of legitimate reasons to want to curtail military spending and fight the military-industrial complex but it is REALLY FUCKING HARD to do so responsibly. Overall, this arrangement I think promotes peace and not so high a cost that that the costs outweigh the benefits. It fucks over Okinawans the most, and that sucks, but the bases do need to be somewhere. If anything, the US should pay more and be willing to work with Okinawans to provide as much benefits to them as possible while also causing the least pain. The US military has a disappointing history of overseas bases believing "Local concerns aren't our concerns" and we need to not just get the raw military benefit, but try our hardest to ingratiate ourselves and prove what a help we can be.

[@OneOfThoseTypes]

As is our right.

[@thespacemopper5457]

Love the new series man I hope you keep it up

[@XDF745]

One thing I think we all know is the US would never leave if asked.

[@dafeels3085]

The solution is simple, send the superpowered highschoolers to wars.

[@kc4276]

So... Protection money?

[@Joshmo1234]

When you get into the nitty gritty of who pays what or who is getting a better deal, the waters get pretty muddy. While America may appear to be getting a bad deal, we need those bases in Japan if we were to ever go to war with China or Russia. We are at the front door of every nation that we think wants the smoke and the same isn't true for our enemies.

[@abnerdoon4902]

It's part and parcel of trying to exert influence across the globe.

[@BigBoss-sm9xj]

@@abnerdoon4902 exactly

[@hamza-chaudhry]

The Japanese public don't want Japan to contribute too much to America's military because they're pacifist but the American public & the rest of the world think that Japan are dodging obligations

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

Pacifism is idiocy in this world

[@bobdole27]

Why should Japan be obligated to join in the US's petty selfish wars? Just look at the what we did to the middle east, and much worse off it was after our intervention, who would want to let their citizens die for something so pointless, especially when it has no benefits to them whatsoever.

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

@@bobdole27 give the gulf war as an exception

[@blugaledoh2669]

@@bobdole27 No one suggesting they participate in America wars. Rather the problem is that they are no fulfilling obligation.

[@itseveryday8600]

America created Japan's pacifist constitution. The obligation that America put on Japan was to be a pacifist country.

[@aurathedraak7909]

This was a dumb question, Japan's taxpayers, ofc.

[@skysub1]

The little katakana polymatter in the thumbnail is a nice touch.

[@irbk500]

Was Senegal part of the coalition countries? 8:58

[@timothycook8948]

Yes, but a Senegalese transport plane crashed right after the war which cost all 92 lives

[@john_smith_john]

@@timothycook8948 classic

[@timothycook8948]

@@john_smith_john What are you implying?

[@AndriyAndriyAndriy]

12:01 What's the name of the song in background? I'd be thankful for help.

[@sage1476]

1:16 No Japan doesn't need US to maintain existence. Japan could develop nuclear weapons in a couple of years at max even if the U.S withdraws from the Japan. 5:55 and the Japanese Public has been coddled too much by the presence of U.S in the region,if the U.S withdraws then China will show them their place within a couple of years.

[@sinoroman]

japan should not have nuclear weapons. no country can really develop nuclear weapons from scratch, unless they want to be condemned by other states. doesn't make political scene to do so

[@Cecilia-ky3uw]

@@sinoroman romanke i think at that point its perfectly justifiable our friking ally taiwan could be invaded theres a nuclear madman in the korean peninsula qnd that giant above it

[@perry6660]

@muhahaha I don't know why Westerners keep making that idiotic statement of Japan's being an ancient Chinese territory, even extreme Nationalistic Han person wouldn't claim that, they were a Chinese tributary for a while but China has never laid claims on Japan, and it's funny to see Westerners preaching how China is an aggressive invader because from the rest of the world's perspective, it is Europeans and Japanese who invaded and pillaged the rest of the world, the devil is good talking about himself ig

[@legokingtm9462]

@muhahaha Even China constitution doesn't recognize Japan as a province of China only Taiwan.

[@scwirpeo]

@@perry6660 The meme is because they literally built islands in the south china sea with cement and had a politician tell the media that China had owned said island since ancient Chinese era. He wasn't told by the party to say that btw he was just being an idiot individually. However all it takes is one moron to set in place the bias. Think the memes of where an irrelevant US senator goes on camera and says the vaccine has nanobots in it. They politically aren't exactly relevant but they make the whole system look like a joke. In the era of the internet public figures really need to stop and think before they speak. So naturally as politicians they instead talk even faster. One thing thats the same regardless of what system you use is how politicians are always the least qualified person in a room to write policy or law.

[@evilutionltd]

The answer to the question in the title is "the tax payer". Everything is paid for by the tax payer.

[@thomasccail7607]

@muhahaha the state does have money. My money, your money, our money.

[@john_smith_john]

@@thomasccail7607 thomas can i have my part of your bank account? i want a new car.

[@matpk]

@@filipb9375 Compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist China IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late

[@seemslegit6203]

Saying that Japan is defenceless without the US is very inaccurate. The JSDF is more than a capable fighting force, they are simply forced into defence.

[@BlazikienFlares]

idk man im pretty sure jsdf without us support has very little chance of defending the homeland from its to main enemies china/russia for more than a few years at best if they were ever invaded

[@nunya___]

Hi. The background music is too loud. Actually, it's distracting and not necessary at all.

[@christopherg2347]

Actually the US needs Japan almost as badly as Japan needs them. Taiwan is the primary producer of Computerchips that are used in Military Equipment. It is so critical, the US recently had to set up their own manufacturing to have some fallback. The US _needs_ those bases if it wants to have any hope of defending Taiwan and thus it's chip imports.

[@baileyroddog]

Ah perfect my daily ish dose of interesting facts thank you so much!! I love this channel

[@takak2632]

This video lacks a whole section of asian relationships and how it effects deployment overseas so I would not give it credit.

[@miraphycs7377]

"Japanese troops often require dedicated protection from troops of other nations...sometimes more a liability" During the South Sudan PKO Operations, they had to provide 10,000 bullets to the lazy South Korean troops who forgot to bring theirs and were unarmed. I don't know about you but they seem to be more of a liability.

[@kokofan50]

The South Korean troops at least get the excuse of being conscripts

[@TimeChanger103]

“Often”

[@kilowhiskey7973]

Most of these “bases” aren’t even the bases you would think of. Some of them are listening posts, logistic stations(literally an Amazon warehouse lol), or “weather stations” with a 10 man crew. I’d be surprised if most of their budgets exceeded $1,500,000 a year. Most of it is nothing impressive. These videos lack much needed insight.

[@Jack-he8jv]

there's 57k total troops there, did you even see the video?

[@irosenodka1921]

Fun Fact: South Korea hasn't wartime command and the wartime command of KR is in the hands of US

[@dulio12385]

Actually the castration of the Japanese military was self inflicted. It was the post-war prime minister Kujiro Shidehara that proposed Article 9 to MacArthur, rather than the allies imposing it on Japan. The allies actually wanted a strong Japan during the Cold War, especially given how conservative and organically anti-communist it was. It was the Japanese who insisted on hiding behind the American Aegis (both figuratively and literally). So the American perception of Japanese selfishness, especially in the face of something as huge as China, does have some basis.

[@fb150185]

Hmmm... not a fan of the way this was presented. The US is still getting a TON out of the deal, that's why they do it. And also was a huge player in having turned Japan on what it is today. With it's contitution fobidding military and the cultural shift to pacifism. The US created this international situation wanting to be a superpower. Things have changed, true, but you can't blame the rest for what you yourself have created.

[@paulkadzielawa4514]

theres a prequal to this video that explains more about it.

[@limsrusill]

Imagine being mad because the only country to ever be nuked doesn't want to go to war again 🙄

[@Bandera51]

This dude… 🤦‍♂️

[@keshi5541]

Japan is also the first country to be nuked twice consecutively. Not just once.

[@unclechinsyou8555]

The fact that we get free documentaries on KZbin by PolyMatter is truly a gift 👍 👍 👍

[@gonnaga9302]

What? Japan wasn't even allowed to have an military according to the peace agreement signed after World War II.

[@k.umquat8604]

3:41 Nitpick: Toshiba had already switched to its current logo in the time of the scandal.

[@d.harris1364]

Os EUA também estiveram aqui em Portugal, até se fartar de nós e deixar a base das lajes ao abandono e cheia de lixo radioactivo, uma falta de respeito para com países aliados. Uma lição que aprendemos foi nunca confiar nos militares dos EUA nem nos políticos de Washington DC.

[@magnetospin]

Holy shit, you could just hear the war mongering desire dripping off the voice of the host.

[@BasicLib]

hmm whatever you say i guess

[@miraphycs7377]

"Others, including much of the foreign policy establishment, see Japan as relying too heavily on the U.S., at the expense of its own military" You should look up the development of the F-2 fighter jet. Japan had originally already developed and operated indiginous third-gen fighter F-1 (retired in the mid-2000s). However when it was time to develop the indigenous F-2 as a fourth gen fighter, America got its neck into it and told Japan to buy from America (something something trade). They instead settled on modified F-16 with larger wings, different structure and more stealth though decreased RCS. So I guess it is a love-hate relationship, it is what it is.

[@115islandscompass6]

3:40 It was a violation of the Foreign Exchange Law of "Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.", not "Toshiba". And this incident seems to me to have happened accidentally.

[@davidkq5872]

Thanks for the promo polly

[@Flankymanga]

12:00 and this is american view... Japan has multiple options. One of which is settle the Kuril Islands dispute, make a peace treaty with Russia and go for a security pact, or discard the reliance on USA, start teaching people that military for defence pruposes is needed and support its own military. This is possible to re-educate society on the importance of military, without having being seen as expansionistic. It takes time and money, but it is possible.

[@zulemaalderete5299]

"Settle the Kuril Island dispute" Yeaaaah about that...

[@Flankymanga]

@@zulemaalderete5299 yeah... recent events shown that this is not happening anytime soon.

[@marc7248]

@@Flankymanga how so?

[@Flankymanga]

@@marc7248 starting by telling people that sanctioning Russia they are asking for a world of economic pain... Japan is now part of the western tribe that is in great decline... its only a matter of time when countries will change "colors".

[@DEtchells]

Another excellent video, exceptionally well-researched and -presented. Thanks as always for your deep research and intelligent, unbiased reporting! :-) I think the train station at 6:05 is Yoyogi, on the Yamanote line. It’s been almost 2 years since I was last there, I miss Japan a lot in this COVID era… 😢

[@ooo4482]

アメリカ人と日本人の軍備に対する認識の違いまで触れられててよく調べられてる こういうチャンネルが日本のネットにも欲しい

[@Subroutine7901]

what happened to your second channel? I really like your a hill to die on videos, but there have been none lately.

[@Reiiggn]

Whoever edited this video is awesome

[@jacobcuntington2540]

Well they did get nuked. I think you underestimate collective populace PTSD..

[@Depasture]

Found Yotsuba at 6:58

[@Jane-qn3iv]

かなり正確な情報

[@Funk_Reactions]

CVN-76 was my last duty station when they was stationed in San Diego back in 2006 to 2008.

[@ritemolawbks8012]

With the rapid economic rise and global confrontation with the CCP, the US should remain a close ally with Japan and other democracies in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. If Japan is finally permitted to re-mobilize its military, the US can formalize its security pacts with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the Philippines. Establishing a NATO-like arrangement will work as a deterrent to Mainland China, Russia, and North Korea.

[@LordCoeCoe]

I am from Europe and tbh. There should be way less military US bases. But on the other hand because of those bases, there won't be a need to raise military spending.

[@henrypucci2738]

The thing is that in both cases there is located a regional superpower who wouldn't mind to pinch it's neighbours, Europe case: Russia, Asia case: China.

[@metalvideos1961]

what are you on about. america got 900+ military bases around the world. THEY are the aggressor. they are the biggest terrorists in the world who wants to fight with everybody. they are not there to protect anybody. they are being imperialistic. they should just get out of every single country they are in right now. fix america up and give the money back to the american tax payers who pay for all this BS. its that simple.

[@metalvideos1961]

@@henrypucci2738 we dont have problems with russia. well we do because the EU believes in all the lies america is telling the European union about china and russia. and our european leaders are too stupid to believe that. Russia dont want anything to do with europe literally nothing. all they want is to have a good friendship with europe because putin knows that both russia and europe will benefit from it. but since america wants to go to war with everybody and wants to spread lies about russia and china then ofc this will never happen. its not the fault of russia or china its the fault of america and the dumb western leaders who believe america.

[@kushastea3961]

@@henrypucci2738 americans: but China pinches their neighbors! Also Americans: literally reaching across the Pacific Ocean to nuke Japan and drop bombs on east Asian countries

[@nathanalejandro2346]

@@kushastea3961 Bruh did you just forget the entire context of ww2

[@thequraininstitute6618]

8:45 thank you, to every country that helped us in 1991 . 🇰🇼🇸🇦🇺🇸🇬🇧🇯🇵🇪🇬🇫🇷🇶🇦🇳🇱🇦🇪🇨🇦🇱🇧

[@GrimNobody]

I’m stationed in Japan. The purpose for us being here is partially to defend Japan, yes, but we also really like to use them as a vantage point to fuck with China and remind them that they don’t own the South China Sea.

[@harukrentz435]

How noble of you the pawn of military industrial complex.

[@bestquotes2765]

Free hawai from the US occupation. Free Julian Assange. UN should sanction the US for it's war crimes in middle East.

[@antiwarpeacelove1420]

Disgusting

[@coleschemistrychannel4172]

3 billion a year for what is essentially complete safety is really a sweet deal.

[@mky99]

You never know if safety is complete until you are under attack tho…

[@garyoakham9723]

Exactly. Why did blacks want to end slavery. We paid for all their stuff

[@Sarcasmka14]

Always Quality Content ... keep Working Bro!

[@danielkrcmar5395]

If the USA wants to have bases abroad they should cover the entire cost themselves. Yeah perhaps the host nation get more security for free but the USA is also getting a strategic advanced base ready to go. They don't have to have bases overseas it's their choice, so it should be their cost.

[@fatehbirsinghchahal1257]

Tomorrow my math paper me from india I know nothing of maths but this look more important

[@shivangswain]

@ English bhi thoda padh lena bhai maths ke saath :)

[@fatehbirsinghchahal1257]

@@shivangswain you not judge my English based on my typing English my real life englis is very gud

[@matpk]

@@fatehbirsinghchahal1257 Compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist China IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late

[@EsmeClips]

9:18 "Peace Monger" Should we tell the owner?

[@brianjonker510]

It is odd that Japan public opinion is so pacifist that even sending military medical personnel or MP's to keep order/take care of POW is viewed as wrong. I think these would be considered noble gestures and a help to humanity.

[@Ratok1]

The world is such a greedy place that pacifism has become something to be angry about... We all just need to chill and get along, like at the end of it all what the fuck is even the point. No lives need to be sacrificed, yet so many are. Absolutely tragic. Why can't we focus all these resources on making sure people everywhere have a good standard of living, rather than on creating more weapons. Some people are greedy, for whatever misguided reasons, and society allows them to accumulate power and hoard resources. There's enough for everyone, yet people say "That mountain is mine!" and sacrifice lives other than their own to defend their belief. The world is mad. I used to think I lived in civilized times, but I'm afraid people of the future will look back on us like we look back on the 1900's.

[@utkarshg.bharti9714]

Japan, South Korea, and Germany are just overseas territories of the United States for all practical purposes. Koreans have some autonomy but prefer to let the US make all the decisions for them except domestic economics. Given this equation between the USA and the other 3 countries, it is a miracle why all these "allied" countries did not put the US Coat of Arms on their flags' respective cantons. But the business model works. All three allies are prosperous today.

[@onlyagermanguy]

Most ignorant people in existens

[@BigBoss-sm9xj]

That’s what matters. Like how most capitalist countries had better standards of living than communist ones

[@zakariaalami1491]

it's amazing how people could change in a short time lapse , japan was one of the most warmongaring empires in the 20th century , its army and navy committed thousand of war crimes in asia and pacific leading to millions of deaths , and now the japanese peaople a re one of the most peacefull people in earth

[@sirBrouwer]

in a way both is very typical Japanese. when every they do something they go in to the extreme in what ever it is. there is no halve way it's always 100% or 0%

[@ravenlord4]

LOL! They are just as aggressive and xenophobic as ever, except they have turn to Soft Power to expand their sphere of influence. They wield the Yen more effectively than any nation ever wielded a sword or a gun.

[@quisqueyanguy120]

​@@ravenlord4 That is still better than how most world powers react to their enviroment. European powers are way more aggesive and assertive in their military policy.

[@myself2noone]

In fairness the worst thing they did was attack the Chinese nationalists over the Chinese communists. The most deaths resulting form Japanese action was them weaking Chiang Kai-shek's forces and letting Mao take over China. And as as history has shown incompetence kills far more people then brutality.

[@Fauzanarief-n7i]

@@myself2noone well the main reason is Not because japan. But because of nationalist army incompetency due to its corrupt government. Even nationalist china have a chance to defeat communist during long march but they didn't. Most of communist militia are only peasant with poorly arms. Meanwhile nationalist are have better equipment because of aid from west.

[@The_Romanian_Terror]

6:55 gotta love that kono subarasii bord on the left there

[@dheemantanil]

"Has Military Stationed on its Soils "Pays for them to stay there" I don't know but it sounds more and more like a Colony, then a nation state