The tremendous importance of U.S.-Japan alliance in the Era of Reiwa

 On May 1, in 2019, in Japan, His Majesty the Emperor Akihito abdicated his throne to his first son, HIH Prince Naruhito, who became the 126th Emperor of Japan.

 For Japanese people, the May 1, 2019 was like the New Year's Day and we celebrated the starting of the new Era called 'Reiwa'.

 At this special celebration day of Japan, the U.S. President Donald Trump made statements both to the out-going and the in-coming Emperors (As there is the difference of time over the Pacific, President Trump's statements were issued on April 29 and 30, 2019). 

 In his statement on April 29, President Trump said, ' I want to recognize the tremendous importance that the United States attaches to its close relationship with Japan.  Emperor Akihito welcomed five United States presidents to Japan and reigned from the end of the Cold War to the present day.  Our bilateral relationship was critical to navigating the global challenges of those times. ' and 'we look forward to continuing the tradition of partnership and cooperation with Japan, our great ally, in the new era.'

 President Trump continued on the next day, 'we will renew the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries.  “Reiwa” means “beautiful harmony,” and it is our sincere wish that our alliance continue to flourish and deepen in this spirit. '

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 How much the U.S.-Japan alliance has been important during the Cold War and even after, and its tremendous importance won't change through the new Era of Reiwa.

 Why so important? If you see the present situations around the world, nothing is sure, so many phenomena are uncertain : To which course China is going? North Korea? Russia? Europe? Venezuela? Iran, Syria, etc... However, U.S.-Japan alliance is quite solid and even strengthened. This special relationship will continue to contribute to the world peace and stability. As President Trump said in his statement above, Japanese will say the same, 'we look forward to continuing the tradition of partnership and cooperation with the United States, our great ally, in the new era.'

 Japanese people will welcome President Trump and the First Lady as the first state-guests of the new Era of Reiwa. Hope  'Beautiful harmony' will reign in this Indo-Pacific region.