It is on behalf of all Japanese citizens that I am writing this letter to you today. Increasingly, I am worried about the uprisings and kidnappings, taking place in your country. Some of you may assume that global public opinion is on your side, and people regard your violence and vandalism with sympathy. This is absolutely wrong.

As a Japanese citizen, I have to tell you that we Japanese are infuriated with your misguided actions towards the coalition. Both the Japanese and the Germans accepted occupation, and invested their energy in rapid reconstruction. You understand just how successfully these efforts turned out.

It is utterly wrong to blame the American and British forces. Iraqis themselves are responsible for current turmoil as well. You must throw away all the weapons you have. Then, we can all talk over a cup of tea.

I have to remind you that the Japanese and Germans have built up democratic and prosperous countries. Why cannot Iraqis do the same? It is absolutely stupid to resist the coalition so obstinately.

I hope the terrorists in Iraq will take this message seriously, and that they never assume global citizens are on their side.

Yours sincerely,

H. Ross Kawamura
New GEAR (New Global Initiatives with America, a Hawkish and pro-American NGO)

This message has originally appeared in the Stars and Stripes (May 14 and 17, 2004).