Historical Dictionary of United States-Japan ... - Bakumatsu Films

26 • INTRODUCTION
on Security: Alliance for the 21st Century.” In May 1999, the Japanese
Diet passed legislation supporting the guidelines. Japan formally approved
conducting military-related action outside of Japan, including
rear-area logistic support, but not active combat operations, to enhance its
own security interests.
Japan’s neighbors, especially China, are closely watching the expanding
role of the U.S.–Japanese alliance in the Asia–Pacific area, and they
worry that Japan might again become a great military power even while
China is dramatically increasing its military spending as a result of its rapidly
growing economy. Yet, in the post–Cold War era, Washington redefined
the security treaty with Japan to maintain a military presence in
Japan partly because it intends to avoid a revival of Japanese militarism.
THE GRASS ROOTS: CULTURAL AND
EDUCATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Cultural and educational exchanges are a significant part of the relationship
between Japan and the United States. Despite political and economic
clashes of the past few decades, grassroots relationships are as
strong as ever between the two countries. There are over 100
Japan–America Societies (JAS) in the United States and Japan. Each
JAS society includes business people, corporations, academics, politicians,
community leaders, and students as members who promote
strong relations and mutual understanding between the two countries.
Sister Cities International, headquartered in Washington, D.C., includes
more than 100 sister-cities between Japan and the United States, from
large cities to small, rural towns. Most individual members travel every
other year to meet and visit with members from their sister city. Some
U.S.–Japan sister cities have scholarships and other programs and opportunities
of mutual benefit. A similar organization with dozens of
U.S.–Japan chapters is People to People International (PPI).
Begun in 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program has
had thousands of young American college graduates participate as assistant
teachers and instructors in elementary, middle, and high schools
in Japan. Each teacher serves for one year, and may choose to serve for
up to three years. Education and cultural experiences vary, but the vast
majority of young Americans on the JET Program stay for more than
one year. Funded primarily by the Japanese government through the