The Mainichi talks with new U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos

The Mainichi talks with new U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos

U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos poses during an interview with the Mainichi in Tokyo. (Mainichi)The Mainichi speaks with new U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos about the Japan-U.S. alliance, cooperation on issues such as Japanese involvement in Afghanistan and global warming, and his visit to Hiroshima.

Mainichi: Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said his government wishes to reassess key U.S.-Japanese agreements, including the realignment of U.S. forces in Okinawa and the Status of Forces Agreement. How far will the U.S. be willing to go in making changes to these agreements?

Roos: One thing that was critical from the president's point of view (when he came into office) was reaffirming in every way possible the commitment to the alliance and the bilateral relationship with Japan. After taking a look at the different policies that were in place, President Obama and Secretary Clinton recommitted to the realignment roadmap with Japan, something that the president and the secretary and the United States government feel is critically important to deterrence and sustainability of the alliance.

With respect to the process that the Japanese government is going through, (it's) going through its analysis of the agreements that are in place. ... It's our belief, hope and expectation that the (Hatoyama) government, just as the Obama government reconfirmed the realignment roadmap, (will reach) a similar conclusion.

Mainichi: Is there a time limit?

Roos: I think that the (Japanese) government is new. It's going through a diligent process ... analyzing past history and the agreements. These agreements took over a dozen years to negotiate. So, in fairness ... while (the government) continues to move diligently, I don't think it's appropriate to talk about any time limit.

M: With regard to the Japan-U.S. alliance, more than 20 years ago, former U.S. Ambassador Mike Mansfield said that the U.S.-Japan relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. With the changes in the security environment since, how do you think the relationship should evolve?

R: (Ambassador Mansfield's words) are equally true today. ... The (Japan-U.S.) relationship has evolved into an equal partnership that will and has been addressing global issues. So, the United States looks forward to working with Japan both in a bilateral context and a multilateral context on a whole range of issues. ... (In particular), two issues are critically important to both president of the United States and the prime minister of Japan: the elimination of nuclear weapons and non-proliferation, as well as global climate change and renewable energy.

M: Prime Minister Hatoyama stated in his New York Times essay that he would like to see an East Asian Community established. What do you think about that?

R: The relationships between Japan and its neighbors ... (are) not a zero-sum game. The United States encourages enhanced good relations between Japan and its neighbors. It's important to say that the United States, being a Pacific-Asian nation, play a critical role with respect to the formation of a regional architecture.

M: On his recent visit to Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada pledged Japanese support for the Afghan government in areas such as job retraining programs for former Taliban insurgents. Would that be an alternative to the MSDF (Maritime Self-Defense Force) refueling mission in the Indian Ocean?

R: First of all, it's important to say that the United States and the other nations ... involved in the coalition are deeply appreciative of the significant role that Japan has played in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan ... including the refueling. ... Hopefully, (Japan's future) contributions will continue to build on the contributions Japan has made thus far.

M: In light of President Obama's Prague anti-nuclear speech, and his recent Nobel award, it seems likely there will be increasing calls on the president to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Would you advise the president to pay such a visit?

R: I had the opportunity to visit Hiroshima a week ago. ... It was a deeply moving experience. ... I look forward to having the opportunity to share my experience with the president. I think the decision (to visit) is a deeply personal decision that the president is going to have to make himself.

M: A U.S. ambassador to Japan has never attended the August memorial services in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Do you think you will attend next year?

R: Given the fact that I have just visited Hiroshima and was deeply moved by the experience, I will give it serious thought.

M: As a former Silicon Valley lawyer, will you be a catalyst in promoting U.S.-Japanese cooperation in such fields as new technology and new energy?

R: (In my 25 years in Silicon Valley), one thing that I learned is that the United States and Japan are two of the most innovative countries in the world, if not the two. An area I feel strongly about is the whole area of climate change and renewable energy. It's also an area of primary importance to Prime Minister Hatoyama and President Obama. So I hope to use my expertise and my background in that area to promote collaboration.

M: How do you feel, starting in your new job as ambassador, and working with a new Japanese government?

R: It is a fascinating time to be here in Japan. I have had the opportunity not only to get to know the new government leaders -- most of whom have already had deep ties to the United States. ... To contribute in even a small way to the strengthening of not only the strategic alliance but the bilateral relationship as a whole is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I'm excited to have the honor of being here. (Interviewed by Naoya Sugio, Foreign News Department)

(Mainichi Japan) October 14, 2009