Obama in Tokyo

On Saturday, Obama delivered a speech in Suntory hall. I had the good luck to attend. I think others can do better justice to what he said that I can, but several points could be noted.

Obama made clear the US sees itself as part of the region. The message was simple, "Hatoyama, do not try to exclude us from the EAc." Previously, Hatoyama had diplomatically 'not included' the US in the EAc idea (to the surprise of the Chinese). But now, if Hatoyama really wants to exclude the US, he will have to come out and say publicly and explicitly. Obama has made it a fact on the ground that US assumes and expects Japan will support its role in the region, clearly raising the political stakes for Hatoyama.

Secondly, "balanced growth" was a key word. Others have discussed this, and believe Obama is referring to the need more US exports to the region. I get the feeling he was referring to more than that, a warning the US might be able import as much as expected. The "balanced growth" sound bite I heard to mean "scale back your expectations, we are."

Lastly, on a personal note, despite the pomp and ceremony and the "historical" nature of Obama as President and his return to this region, he was extra-ordinary capable of being ordinary and humble. I got the feeling that this incredible man is just a man after all - the occasional mispronunciation of Asian words for example, complete with a sheepish yet presidential smile, was the trigger for this.