The Japan-U.S. relationship has come a long way since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Now, each depends on the other for support and protection on the international scene. This is why the Feb. 9 collision in Hawaiian waters is painful and difficult for Japanese diplomats. They have been careful not to make damaging remarks which may hurt relationships with the new administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. The Ehime Maru incident should be remembered as a reminder that good intentions alone cannot prevent fatal accidents.
Danger lurks even in peaceful waters, and human mistakes can occur in all circumstances.
A world overloaded with destructive weapons is a dangerous world. A world with nations building up defensive systems is heading for disaster. The Ehime Maru is a wake-up call for us to see a weakness in the strongest military system in the world. The strength of human nature is now being tested. Although we may be born in different countries with different beliefs and concerns, we are all human beings.