It&#x27;s an interesting problem. I don&#x27;t like Abe very much, but I respect him. I wonder if most people understand what a powerful coalition he has in the current government? He is one of the most powerful leaders in the history of Japan by that measure. What makes him different is his emphasis on action. He says that he endured many years when the ruling party was hesitant to take action, and he was determined to move the nation in his time. Whether you agree with his direction or not, you have to respect his ability to push the bureaucrats. You can be sure it isn&#x27;t easy to get them to do anything, and it probably looks a lot like House of Cards, but with 2000 years of subtle, nuanced culture to boot.<p>Anyway, Abe does nothing more effectively than towing the line for America. In terms of global stability, it&#x27;s the right play.<p>As for apologizing, I think it&#x27;s a stupid issue. Everyone who was involved in Japan&#x27;s imperialist past is dead now. If every country was required to apologize on a regular schedule for its transgressions, we would never get anything done. Will Obama apologize when he visits Hiroshima this year? I don&#x27;t expect him to, and I don&#x27;t care if he does.<p>I think it&#x27;s nice that he will visit, and that the leaders of the world will convene near Ise shrine, which is one of the most exceptional treasures that mankind has used its considerable skills to accomplish and preserve.