Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this week receives the honor of addressing a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress, making him the first Japanese leader to do so. The 70th anniversary of the end of World War II will undoubtedly be an important part of his speech. Many will expect him to clarify prior controversial remarks about the war and to reaffirm previous Japanese government apologies for the atrocities of the 1930s and 1940s.
Yet as much as the war issue may grab headlines—especially in South Korea and China—Mr. Abe’s visit to Washington is about the future. As such, it is the best chance in decades to advance U.S.-Japan ties and address growing security risks in Asia. Even more important, Washington can explicitly encourage Japanese initiatives for addressing Asian challenges.
For this to happen, Mr. Abe and President Barack Obama must grasp the moment. It is clear that Mr. Abe is willing. Less certain is whether the U.S. president is so disposed. Yet with both growing increasingly concerned about China’s activities in the region, as well as North Korea’s nuclear and missile threat, there are plenty of reasons for Mr. Obama to help his Japanese counterpart with his ambitious plans.
The full text of this article will be available on Monday, April 27.
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