Japan should get more involved in mediating disputes between countries and seek to play the role of a peace broker. To make this possible, we must train people so they have a solid understanding of international politics and great negotiation skills.

Sadako Ogata

Categorized in : Country Play Japan

I wish to call on you to join hands in the building of a world in which less people will be forced to flee, and in which refugees are protected until they can safely return home one day.

home hands people

Refugee problems may often seem intractable but they are not insoluble. In our experience there are two basic prerequisites for solution: the political will of leaders to tackle the causes and to settle for peace, and international determination to push for peace and then to consolidate it. Consolidating peace means helping societies emerging from war to reintegrate refugees in safety and dignity, to rebuild their institutions - including in the field of justice and human rights - and to resume their economic development.

determination war mean

I once said that it was unacceptable for Japan to remain "an isolated prosperous island." At one time, it might have been all right for Japan to avoid sending any citizens to dangerous areas [even as part of international efforts] and just wish for its own people's happiness. That time is gone.

japan islands people

Japan's diplomatic efforts could have had a broader international perspective. Relations with the U.S. are, of course, the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy, but the U.S. acts on its global strategy. For instance, Washington suddenly got closer to China in the early 1970s as part of its strategy against the Soviet Union.

japan effort perspective

Japan needs to cooperate with China economically. This is understood better by the business community than the government.

japan community government

Japan should not intervene in other countries' conflicts by using military power. And I don't think Japan is capable of doing such things. For starters, I don't believe our country has sufficient human resources to make that type of international contribution.

military believe country

But if the top doesn't work, and doesn't give answers ... everything is not going to come from the bottom, the leadership is key.

world

Japan has to set up a situation to welcome people ... not to welcome everybody, but those who are in need, in serious need and who are willing to come or would like to come, i think we should be open to bringing them in.

world

If refugees come in millions, that’s a different story, but the arrival rate is not that huge and (to say) Japan does not have resources, that’s nonsense.

world

Japan needs foreign workers. Without any ... can Japan survive? by Sadako Ogata

Japan needs foreign workers. Without any ... can Japan survive?

world