There is no issue in American long-range strategic policy that exceeds in importance the question of the United States' relationship with Japan. It is the only one of America's alliances that is equally focused on all three of the major threats we will face in the 21st century: The threat of Islamic terrorism, the proliferation of nuclear technology to rogue regimes and the rise of China. And in light of the recent agreement between the United States and Japan, this is an auspicious moment at which to examine an extremely important topic.

http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2005/12/1234251