page_title: Operation Tomodachi
section_title: Effect on Japan–US relations
hierarchical_section_title: Operation Tomodachi / Effect on Japan–US relations
caption_attribution_description: English: Natari elementary school, Minamisanriku, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan (March 23, 2011). --- An aerial view of a helicopter landing zone near an evacuee center shows a "Thank You" message in the mud deposited by a tsunami. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Sean Hughes/Released) 日本語: 宮城県南三陸町の名足小学校。
context_page_description: Operation Tomodachi was a United States Armed Forces assistance operation to support Japan in disaster relief following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The operation took place from 12 March to 4 May 2011; involved 24,000 U.S. servicemembers, 189 aircraft, 24 naval ships; and cost $90 million.
context_section_description: The disaster may have brought a diplomatic opening to Japan. The support provided by the US illustrated the value of the relationship between the countries. It was commented that the level of support provided by the US will probably assuage tension over base relocation disputes between the two governments. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the "coordinated relief activities at the disaster sites are expected to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance."
  On 4 April 2011, Japan's minister of defense, Toshimi Kitazawa, accompanied by US ambassador to Japan John Roos, visited the Ronald Reagan to thank its crew for its assistance as part of Operation Tomodachi. Said Kitazawa, "I have never been more encouraged by and proud of the fact that the United States is our ally."
  On 10 April 2011, Japan's Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, visited Camp Sendai to talk to U.S. service members. The prime minister spoke of the immediate response of the U.S. military and expressed his belief that the joint efforts between the U.S. military and the JGSDF will strengthen the bonds between the Japanese people and the United States.
  A nationwide survey conducted in Japan from September to October 2011 found that an all-time high of 82 percent had friendly feelings toward the US. Japan's Foreign Ministry attributed the number to the effects of Operation Tomodachi. Similarly, the Pew Research Center showed that 85% of Japanese people had a favorable opinion of the U.S. in 2011, the highest in a decade.
caption: An aerial view of a helicopter landing zone near an evacuee center shows a  "Thank You" message in the mud
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