Bon Envoyage

“The historic political transition underway in Tokyo is rattling Washington and has produced a puzzling rigidity in an administration known for its capacity for reaching out to the world. President Obama’s visit to Asia offers a much-needed opportunity to calm and energize the U.S.-Japan relationship,” writes The Washington Post. It says Obama should “aim at restoring faith in Washington’s ability to adjust to Japan’s new politics. Old habits of lecturing Tokyo on its responsibilities must end.” While Japan’s prime minister Yukio Hatoyama should tackle future issues as opposed to yesterday’s politics. “Transition jitters and the legacies of predecessors must be set aside. This visit is the moment for two heads of state to make good on their claims that this relationship is a priority. They should get to work designing an effective and forward-looking partnership.”