Japan's Military

Constitutionally pacifist Japan is locked in a defense debate — not over whether it should expand its military capability and activity, but rather how. A consensus has emerged that Japan needs to take responsibility for its own defense in a post-Cold War world.

Key Analysis
Japanese Ground Self-Defense force tanks conducting a live fire exercise Aug. 21, 2008
Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images
Japanese Ground Self-Defense force tanks conducting a live fire exercise Aug. 21, 2008
Japan: Shifting its Military Attention
July 2, 2009 1923 GMT
A possible deployment to the Japanese island of Yonaguni reflects Japan's shifting defense priorities and rising tensions over maritime territory. [more]
The USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)
China: The South China Sea and Submarine Warfare
June 15, 2009 2158 GMT
An incident between a U.S. warship and a Chinese submarine is another sign that the South China Sea is becoming a competitive naval arena. [more]
A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C Orion aircraft leaves the Atsugi air base on May 28
Japan: Joining the Anti-Piracy Effort off the Somali Coast
May 28, 2009 1827 GMT
Japan's deployment of two P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft to Djibouti is significant for both anti-piracy operations and the Japanese military. [more]
U.S. guided missile cruiser launching SM-3 interceptor
East Asia: The Implications of BMD Deployment
March 26, 2009 1055 GMT
The deployment of ballistic missile defenses in East Asia has significant long-term implications. [more]
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Hyuga (DDH-181) in Yokohama, Japan
Japan, South Korea: A Naval Competition Speeds Up
March 19, 2009 1113 GMT
Japan has commissioned its largest warship since World War II. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
MSDF members wave to their families April 15, 2008, in Tokyo
Japan: Tokyo Expands its Maritime Activities
January 8, 2009 1227 GMT
Two developments in Japan demonstrate the East Asian country's continued intent to expand its maritime activity. [more]
More Analyses
To have STRATFOR's free intelligence reports emailed to you each week, click here.