https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/25/world/clinton-meets-japan-premier-as-trade-fires-up-campaign.html
“The two men discussed a broad array of security and trade concerns, with President Clinton reiterating the United States' interest in opening Japan's markets in semiconductors, aviation, film and insurance. But officials on both sides said in advance that the meeting was not intended as a negotiating session.
Mr. Hashimoto, who is known for having a more assertive style than his predecessors, said he had told Mr. Clinton that while such issues should be resolved one by one "we should not play up these issues and undermine the Japan-U.S. relationship."
“The two leaders also discussed security concerns including the United States troops stationed in Japan, which have become a simmering issue since the rape of a schoolgirl on Okinawa. Three American servicemen have been tried in the case, and the verdicts are to be announced on March 7.”
“During a Republican debate Thursday night, Mr. Buchanan asserted that Japan was worried that he might become President. If elected, he said, he would tell the Japanese Prime Minister that unless they worked out the balance of trade he would "unilaterally" end Japan's trade surplus. Former Gov. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee also vowed to be tough on trade with Tokyo.”
“As he began his session with Mr. Hashimoto, Mr. Clinton defended his Administration's approach to Japan and spoke against protectionism.
"There have been problems," Mr. Clinton said in reference to trade disputes as he and Mr. Hashimoto posed for reporters on the grounds of a Santa Monica hotel. "We have taken these issues seriously, far more seriously than previous American administrations. But we have not attempted to approach them in an atmosphere that was based on fear or anger or rancor."
"We can be firm with each other, strong with each other, we can even disagree with each other," Mr. Clinton said. But he said it was crucial to have a strong partnership with Japan.”
https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/03/27/goodbye-to-japans-foreign-relations-emperor/
“But the deal the United States struck with Japan was simple: The emperor can stay, but only if he is constitutionally disconnected from politics. MacArthur also insisted at the time on having an unprecedented tête-à-tête with Hirohito—something that caused aides in the Imperial Household to balk, citing his deity-like status—and photographing the meeting, as evidence to the Japanese people that the emperor’s role would be different going forward.”
“When the Japanese economic bubble burst and the country went through a so-called lost decade of economic stagnation in the 1990s, he continued to press the nation to look forward and embrace its blessings during his annual New Year’s speeches.”