Japan and Never mind

Japanese-American relations the last few years have been characterized by the dispute over the airbase at Futenma, and when and whether it will be removed. In the wake of the earthquake it became clear that relations were likely to stay high for a while, and resentment against an American military presence that was aiding in earthquake relief was likely to stay low.

Those intuitive trends have been institutionalized. As of yesterday, Japanese and American officials announced that Futenma will stay where it is, and a deadline for moving it was dropped. Not sure if this is truly a victory for anyone, but it surely is not one for the Okinawanans who have wanted this base moved since it was built.