Could new U.S. President Obama's 'change' be contagious?
(From The Japan Times Jan. 20 issue)

米国の｢変革｣は広まるか

Mr. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States on Jan. 20. Mr. Obama won the keys to the White House by instilling expectations of "change" and optimism in the American mind, best conveyed by his supporters' slogan of "Yes, we can." His inauguration should be a source of great inspiration to the people and lawmakers of Japan as well.

Japan is in an economic crisis related to the global credit crunch and suffers from political stagnation as well. Both were brought about mainly by the haphazard management of Prime Minister Taro Aso's administration. Still, Japan should take cues from the expected change in the course of U.S. policy initiatives to play a meaningful role in the international community by deepening cooperation with the United States.

With a new president at the helm in the United States, it is important that Japan shed the habit of passively following the course set by the United States. The basic approach should be to seek deeper ties with the United States and to achieve joint goals by proposing or taking actions based on Japan's constitutional principles and philosophy.

The U. S. experience in Afghanistan shows that the use of military force is not doing much to stabilize the situation or promote reconstruction of the country. It is time for Japan to give full play to its principle of trying to solve international conflict and disputes by developing creative approaches that don't rely on military force. Japan, however, should not stand by this basic principle as an excuse for doing nothing.

If Japan merely obeys the will of the United States and ignores its principles, it will not only arouse suspicion among neighboring countries but also invite disrespect from the United States. Any country that slights its principles will not be trusted.

Mr. Obama emphasizes rebuilding partnerships to enhance the security and well-being of the United States and other nations. A stronger partnership with the United States may demand that Japan make difficult decisions. Again, Japan can take advantage of an opportunity to develop original solutions to problems.

For example, Mr. Obama, who is said to be inclined to increase use of the military against terrorists in the border area of Afghanistan and Pakistan, may call on Japan to make contributions to help stabilize the situation in the region. Japan can help by working out long-range programs aimed at improving people's livelihoods through assistance and investment in food production, other agriculture-related activities, medical services, education, etc. — in cooperation with Japanese civilians on the ground in Afghanistan.

The biggest problem that Japan and the United States face is the worldwide economic slowdown. It is imperative that both learn the lessons from the 1930s. Trade barriers set up by individual countries to protect their industries deepened and prolonged the Great Depression. Japan cannot afford to take an inward-looking attitude, and should do its best to revive the Doha round of trade talks and avoid behavior that would encourage protectionist moves in the U.S. Congress.

As Japan struggles to increase internal demand to stimulate the economy, it can learn from Mr. Obama's ambitious plan to invest $150 billion over 10 years to develop and promote the use of renewable energy sources, and to create up to 5 million jobs. Although there are funding problems, Japan should hurry to work out its programs to promote green industry. If the so-called Green New Deal is pushed worldwide, it will not only put the world economy back on a growth path but also help make the world move toward a carbonless society.

The greatest source of inspiration for Japan from the United States is that when the American people think they need a change, they just make it happen. Since this year is an election year in Japan, Japanese voters and lawmakers should use it as an opportunity to develop their long-range visions of a future Japan and begin efforts to realize them.

｢変革」に対する国民の期待と希望を高め、支持者からYes, we can.の連呼を浴びたバラク・オバマ氏の第44代米大統領就任は、日本の国民と政治家によい刺激を与えるだろう。

日本は麻生政権の場当たり的な対処で経済危機と政治不振に陥ったままだが、米国との協調を深め国際社会で重要な役割を担うためには、米国の政策転換を見習うべきだ。

米新政権への追従を捨て、憲法原則に則った提案･行動をとりつつ、米国と連携して共通の目的に向かうことが望まれる。安全と安心のための国際的パートナーシップの再構築を強調するオバマ氏が日本に厳しい決断を迫ることもあるだろうが、それは日本が独自の問題解決法を提案する機会ともなりえる。

例えば、アフガニスタンやパキスタン国境のテロに対し軍事行動を強化させるとみられている氏が、情勢安定化への貢献を求めてきた場合、日本は現地の日本人と協力して食糧生産や農業活動、医療業務、教育など市民の生活向上のための長期的プログラムを作ることができる。

日米が直面する最大の問題は経済停滞だが、日本は内向き姿勢を改めてドーハラウンドの再開を推進し、米議会に保護主義を促すような行動を避けなければならない。

内需拡大を試みる日本は、再生可能エネルギーの開発普及に10年間で1500億ドルを投資、500万人の雇用創出を狙うオバマ氏の政策に学ぶことができる。グリーン・ニューディール政策が世界に広まれば、経済が成長し、二酸化炭素排出の少ない社会が生まれる。

変革が必要となれば必ず実現する米国のやり方は、日本に大きな刺激を与えた。選挙の年を迎えた日本も、長期的ビジョンを構築し、実現に取りかかるべきだ。