I hope i found the right part of the forum to post this. I got asked what Japan thinks about the current events in the USA. Of course our media report about it. It it is just a sidetopic. We are more worried at the moment because some technical problems occured at our railways in Hokkaido and the economic boom ignited from Abenomics. But it is debated here. I would say the general perception is that Obama is shown as in the right why the republicans act unresponsible. As far as i know the republicans want prevent a program which grants universal healthcare. Something we have in Japan since decades. Universal healthcare system was introduced into Japan under Emperor Meiji at beginning of 20th century and is a huge part of our social security system. So that conflict is hard to understand from our point of view. I don´t judge because i don´t know the facts how it is in USA. But what is seen in a very bad light over here is how a government can allow that an internal conflict breaks open into public. For us, USA loses face with that and damages its reputation. In Japan no matter how much two fractions argue, it shall never go outside. Such a behavior would be seen as unexcuseable here. But thats a cultural difference i guess.
Americans have always had open debates and fights about public policies. We aren't interested in "saving face." If anything, we are more interested in stomping the other guy in the face with our boot.
We do that too, but internal. It would be seen as outragious here if some internal fights get so big that Japan is damaged on the international area. As i said i´m not american and i don´t judge your culture. I just hope all the damage that is done to your nation is worth it.
I assume that you are referring to Obama not attending APEC? There was no reason to abandon that. He said he won't negotiate so there is nothing to hang around here for... so I don't know why he cannot do his job.
Not just that. Also to break an internal conflict so bad that the government virtually shuts down. Ending international projects in science and diplomacy. Best example for that is the ISS. Japan is one of the core partners of the ISS. We did build modules, lead scientific projects and have crew on her. We fullfill our duty. The europeans fullfill their duty, the russians fullfill their duty. We hear NASA promise to do evrything that the shutdown will not have any negative effects on the ISS. On the other hand we hear 90% of NASA staff is send home...I have no doubt in the competence of NASA but i really hope the remaining 10% are able to fullfill their duty. Japan and USA do huge projects because we trust each other. International relations depend on trust. It is your most worthful rescource. The nation is always above stupid government arguments. Don´t allow your nation and renomee be damaged. It is very easy to destroy trust but hard to gain.
