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Abe says Japan will stick to peaceful path but security policy must change

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By Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka

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Mark,

"Women who won't have sex with war-loving men".

This "group" reportedly only has one member, according to The Japan Times (May 9)

Assuming that the group, however large, is female, I wouldn't expect that they would have even one "member" amongst them :)

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Where is Japan going to get these people to serve in a military? These old geezers certainly are not going to fight or lay down their own lives. Do they seriously think that Japanese mothers who have groomed little Taro since birth to become a salaryman to care for her will ever allow little Taro to wear a uniform much less go to an actual war? What palnet are these old geezers on? The young in Japan right now even refuse to work in factories or any other job that is dangerous, dirty, or degrading. How many have picked up tools and headed to Fukushima to help in the clean up? Oh that's right the government has to use businesses with close ties to recruit the homeless to do it.

When are people going to learn the very power in this country is not in the hands of these elected buffoons. The power is in the hands of old men in the ministries who have life long unelected positions. When they retire from those they are given high paid university jobs as "researchers" to funnel cash from the ministry they retired from into the university that "hires" them.

These are the same dolts who gave Japan Fukushima Dai-ichi, Monju, and Tokaimura. Now these fools are seriously thinking about forming an actual military that will march to wars? Will they enlist the homeless and/or make this part of the "training programs" for third world "immigrants"?

These are the same old men who form the Mombusho that have an English education program that churns out high school graduates that come in last in the world - that's right last in the world - on the TOEFL IBT. Now they want to be trusted to form an active, full force military - GOOD LUCK WITH THAT. I do not see little Taro or Keiko enlisting since they refuse to work in nice clean factories.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

The label of ”親中”(pro-China) of Komeito has been consistent for even Xi has been supportive of their efforts to discourage the purchase of Senkaku islands during the DPJ cabinet era.

nigelboy, Japan’s right-wing media such as “Sankei Shimbun” labels Suzy Rice, National Security Advisor of Obama admin, “親中”(pro-China) does that make Suzy Rice a China supporter? The Answer is a solid no.

Here is a thing: Japan’s ultra-nationalists show little tolerance on different opinions expressed from other people. Their mantra would be “you are either with us or against us”. If ones offended by Japan’s attitude toward to Japanese war-time atrocities – sex slavery, then they are labeled as Korean supporters, if ones tell the truth – the US is not interested in fighting a war with China on those remote islets,( the U.S. limits itself to words rather militarily), then they are labeled as China supporters.

Denial and intolerance are classic behaviors of Japan’s ultra-nationalists.

BTW, you are entitled to say anything on your mind, I won’t attack you verbally because you deserve to have your right – freedom of speech although I’d disagree with you times to times.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Article 9 worked well during the cold war. Times have changed. In the face of Chinese militarism Japan has no choice but to make he necessary changes to enable it to defend itself and to work closer together with it's allies.

That's all swell and there are Japanese that agree. However this is a constitutional democracy and Chairman Abe (Bertiewooster) has an agenda that is clearly not the wishes of the people or he would be screaming it at the top of his lungs to rally the citizenry! Instead Chairman Abe is in stealth mode and coming up with all sorts of fancy arguments and passing laws that are questionable at best.

Here is argument made by Abe: Japan can't defend itself from missile threat (North Korea and China). But that is bullpucky as in the past Japanese Aegis warships were deployed in the sea of Japan as well as Patriot Missile Defense systems deployed in the capital to defend Japan when North Korea was preparing to launch missiles with orders given to shoot down any North Korean missiles that posed a threat to this nation. So. Japan already takes actions it says it can't so why doesn't the media throw that at Chairman Abe for his response? Because the Japanese media don't understand the meaning of two-way journalism and instead act like a loud speaker for the government . The J-government rigs the game by choosing which media outlets as well as approving the journalist that get the privileged to attend press conferences and if a media organization steps out of line they are banned from participating, which has happened people.

So if all of what he is saying is true, then why has Chairman Abe taken the path of least resistance. Because if he were to share what his true intentions are, even amongst members of his own party, he would scare the s*** out of them along with the rest of us and he would be forced into a hospital again for some stomach virus as how his first term ended, he went too far and got sidelined. Well this term as Chairman he isn't using all the same terminology as not to scare everyone and has repackaged his message to make it more palatable which he can slide through in bite size chunks so nobody chokes when they swallow

Next on his agenda will be to water-down Article 96 of the constitution and make it possible to pass amendments to the constitution with a simple majority. Mark my words.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

This will decide a fate of Japan and its future.. It should be decided by Japanese voters, not by this administration. Good luck to you all.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

"I think the majority of Japanese would be rather offended to hear that you are calling them 'China supporters ..."

That is a really good one, caught him red handed. :)

My inderstanding is that even LDP's junior partner, New Komeito party, has been expressing doubts and concerns on Abe’s ture motive. Are the members of New Komeito party, now, China supporters too ? The mindset of either-friend-or -enemy shows a typical trait of Japan's war-mongers.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The Abe Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) had a long item on this yesterday, extremely biased towards the government's viewpoint. It was like the "experts" and "members of the public" were reading from a script, so many of them said almost the same thing: "the situation surrounding Japan has changed recently and the reinterpretation is needed". Those that did not say that said the constitution should be changed instead. Almost no opposition viewpoints were aired.

The announcer kept talking about the "debate", but everyone knows that the "debate" will make no difference whatsoever to what Abe does. He has already decided what he will do. He picked the panel that came up with the report that, surprise surprise, said exactly what Abe wanted. Any opposition will be labelled "terrorists" and ignored.

The whole business is a farce and a charade.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Whichever paths Japan choose, Japan must be able to defence itself if necessary. Stop debating and get on with the Job!

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I understand change is scary to some people, but this is a good thing and very necessary for the security of the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan's security environment is growing increasingly complex due to China's assertions, and Japan can no longer sit back and pretend it'll be able to handle China peacefully through negotiations. China only respects 1 thing: military strength. Its been proven time and again this past two years, and if you think the actions in the South China sea are bad now, wait until China's military leaders believe they can push Japan around.

Stop the naivete. No one is advocating war, but peace will only be won through strength not good feeling. With collective self-defense, China will be further deterred against a war with Japan which some sources already say is in the planning, by the way.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Was a hostile path ever an option? Of course peace is the #1 priority and that is what article 9 is designed to achieve. But ABE wants to get rid of the security blanket that protected Japan from Militarism and says he is doing this to protect peace. This is the classic ABE style of lies and deception please do not get fooled.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

kyushubillMay. 15, 2014 - 08:15PM JST Where is Japan going to get these people to serve in a military? These old geezers certainly are not going to fight or lay down their own lives. Do they seriously think that Japanese mothers who have groomed little Taro since birth to become a salaryman to care for her will ever allow little Taro to wear a uniform much less go to an actual war? What palnet are these old geezers on? The young in Japan right now even refuse to work in factories or any other job that is dangerous, dirty, or degrading. How many have picked up tools and headed to Fukushima to help in the clean up? Oh that's right the government has to use businesses with close ties to recruit the homeless to do it.

Your words may sound harsh but rendered Inconvenient facts inJapan today.

I'd suppor Japanese people to amend Japan's constitution in the context whatever is deemed to be necessary in order to allow Japan to be a normal country. If article 9 hinders Japan’s ability to defend its homeland, then be it. Nevertheless, I am against sly politicians' tactics to take a short-cut by interpreting constitution for their private agenda.

Whether or not Abe’s collective self-defense crusade can help Japan be safer place than that before, only time may tell. At today’s regional geopolitical climate, the jury is still out.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Mr Perfect,

You put it in a nutshell.

Why do we need to think or discuss anything at all?

We are so lucky to have Chairman Abe do all this for us.

He knows best, after all!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Ossan: ""The only ones against this are China and it's supporters."

I think the majority of Japanese would be rather offended to hear that you are calling them 'China supporters', given that nearly all Japanese are against revising article 9. Only the war-mongers (under the guise of 'peace') are for ratification of the constitution, bottom line. You can't say you are for peace while changing the only thing that separates Japan from most nations in terms of actually being peaceful.

Sorry, Abe, but we see through the lies.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I think we won't hear the end of this re-evaluation of article 9 until they oblige themselves to do whatever they feel like it just like that whaling issues despite the fact the majority of Japanese citizens are against or apathetic about Abe's actions so far. This much is an evidence that Japanese government are not providing the benefit for civilians, rather aim to manipulate the situations for their agenda. Japan had terrible disasters last few years ago and huge decline on the population and the government has hardly done squat to restore the area. Instead they are in a dispute with neighbour countries they could've ignored and kept the cool head. That's why I think it's pointless to even argue why or why not. He's going to change it anyway sooner or later regardless of the disapproval from the majority of citizens.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

boweevil is spot on. The U.S. will still be in charge, their bases and Military personnel will still be here. The U.S. does not want an independent Japan, they just want an armed Japan that is capable of following them in their foolish and unnecessary wars around the world. I just hope the Japanese people are prepared for the day when their loved ones will come home in a coffin, when their young men and women will come home with an arm or a leg missing and their beloved family members will come home with PTSD and never be fully able to integrate into society. Because that will be the reality for them just as it is the reality for the American people. The casualties of war is the real face of war. The only winner in war is the Military Industrial Complex who profits from death, destruction, misery and suffering. The losers are everyone else.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

scipantheist,

Show me where the US has fallen down in this regard?

I'd love to, but it would be regarded as "Off Topic" and anything I wrote would be removed.

If you want more information on "defending freedom of speech in the US," I suggest you Google it.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"Women who won't have sex with war-loving men".

This "group" reportedly only has one member, according to The Japan Times (May 9)

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Again? Haven't the right wingers been claiming that Japan's previous overseas exploits been carried out in self defense?

No, that's a malicious misinterpretation of the stance of many based on the malicious history denial of the EXTREME few. It's like calling all white people racist because the KKK exists.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

How funny some names of organizations are! In support of PM Abe, I might as well organize a group called Women Who Would Offer Sex to Men Whose Wives Use Sex as Emotional Blackmail! And if that previous group has only one member, then who could that be? And can that be called a group or organization? Was something wrong in the article or translation?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I have not yet heard one sound argument to support the change to the constitution. If Japan intends to "follow the peaceful path" why do they need to change the constitution so they can be the aggressor? Article 9 clearly states that they can defend themselves, so why is it so important? This article states they want to change it because if the military aggression from China and Korea, but if either of these countries do take military action against Japan they will be able to defend and retaliate. I'm sorry, but I cannot support any change to the constitution without hearing a sound reason for doing so.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

We should never ever accept this, there is no good coming from a change of the Constitution.

Abe and his Military Apparatus need to be stopped.

Abe and his Government need to solve more urgent Problems (Fukushima and the Tsunami Zone)

No more War, no more killing of the Innocent!

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Playing clash of clans I noticed that you should help you allies if you want you allies to help you

1 ( +2 / -1 )

!st step of 1st scheme was done. Voting age change (Article 15 of J Constitution) lower house passed, next uper house, next national voting. Then Article 9 thinking youngster will love to become soldiers.

LDP is planning to change Article 15 of Japanese Constitution. Changing any article of Constitution has to ho be applied to Article 96. It just has to go through Article 96 provision. It has tried several times to change Article 9 but could not change Article 9 because Article 96. This time, easier one to revise Article 15. 4 years is estimation, LDP wants to apply right away. They are not telling to apply 4 years later.

Democratic elections: Article 15 provides that "the people have the inalienable right to choose their public officials and to dismiss them". It guarantees universal adult (in Japan, persons age 20 and older) suffrage and the secret ballot.

Amendments (Article 96) Under Article 96, amendments to the Constitution "shall be initiated by the Diet, through a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special referendum or at such election as the Diet shall specify." The Constitution has not been amended since its implementation in 1947, although there have been movements led by the Liberal Democratic Party to make various amendments to it.

LDP people does not know youngsters will not vote for militarization. They much prefer to ply games and watch Anime than to be killed in military action.. Out of dated LDP. guess.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@mgglife

As I've said previously, China better be prepared to absorb several nukes as well to get its revenge on Japan. Things will escalate rapidly when the commies begin their land grab. All it will take is attacking a US aircraft carrier for things to go nuclear.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Japan does have nukes apparently (on US bases though so I guess that means the US has nukes but on Japanese soil).

Anyway, the one big thing working against China is that, now that almost 70 years have passed since the end of WWII, the world tends to trust Japan far more than China, and trust is an important thing.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

China simply won't attack Japan nor North Korea as America will stand with Japan and Abe knows it but he's playing that card to scare the electorate and that is simply wrong and dishonest. What about the US Japan security treaty and the fact that Japan has not been involved in any conflicts since the 1940's. I would say that is something of an accomplishment and is it worth risking just because Chairman Abe's telling everyone the sky is falling?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Anyone who seriously thinks a change in the constitution will change the vassal status of Japan vis-a-vis the US is missing the obvious point that it is in America's interest to have an armed Japan. America wants an armed Japan and the dynamics of the relationship will remain fundamentally unchanged. America will still tell Japan what to do regardless of the assumption that an armed Japan will somehow be a more independent Japan.

What is a matter of concern is that if the constitution is changed on this pont then other points could be altered which would have a direct bearing on the civil liberties and freedoms of the people of Japan. Given Abe's nostalgia for 1940's Japan just before it was completely obliterated, this is a troubling prospect. NHK at the door is tolerable. 21st century Kempetal not so good.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I notice a number of people posting comments labelling the Chinese as "the Commies," etc.

I find it interesting that the U.S.A. is behaving more and more like the old and unlamented USSR, sending in the troops and clamping down on free speech, while China becomes more and more capitalist and seems to be winning the war of economics.

As for Abe's "peaceful path," (roars of laughter).

Sorry, but arms and big guns have never brought peace.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@BertieWooster

AFAIK, the US has one of the strongest reputations in defending freedom of speech. We don't have a state secrets act like Japan, for example :/ If you are referring to the Snowden/Manning affair, those were people who signed agreements saying they would keep information confidential. If you are referring to the WikiLeaks scandal, the US has said it cannot charge Assange with any crime: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/julian-assange-unlikely-to-face-us-charges-over-publishing-classified-documents/2013/11/25/dd27decc-55f1-11e3-8304-caf30787c0a9_story.html . Show me where the US has fallen down in this regard?

As for Commie China, well, they are 170 in the press freedom index of Reporters Without Borders. Nothing to applaud in that country.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Along with soldiers, these dependents and even babies will protect Japan.

Whoat??

Please explain further. Thanks.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"The answer is a solid yes and this is referring to the entire administration. But here's the thing. You are also quick to label "ultra nationalist" to people that does not support your view."

nigelboy, Jeez, you actually believe the whole Obama admin is China supporter, too. (how do you explain TPP and Asia Pivot ?) Anyway, Nice try, However, your rebuttal is feeble at the best.

For my recollection, I never labeled you as an ultra-nationalist even though you and I don’t see eye to eye on Abe's admin, plus your views seem often being parti pris to me. But I never attacked you with derogatory terms.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

A citizens’ group, named “Women who won’t have sex with war-loving men,” has launched what it says is a full-scale sex strike to punish any man who supports the move.

from what we all know about the sex lives of japanese people recently, this sex-strike won't get a rise out of abe or his fellow bureaucrats.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Let's not forget, amongst all this bravado and talk of Japan "going it alone"....

Japan doesn't have nukes. China does.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The Japanese Constitution, Article 9: "(1)Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. (2) To accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized."

But according to Abe: "We can engage in military offensives in the name of 'collective self-defense' if our allies request our help and it's in the national interest. It's constitutional!"

You tell me: which is correct. (I'm voting for Article 9 renouncing war or even "the threat" of force as a means of settling international disputes.) THE RIGHT OF BELLIGERENCY OF THE STATE WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZED!

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan is already under US nuclear umbrella, mutually assured destruction; the US is in the process of allocating more Naval assets to the pacific theater to counter aggression. However self reliant s is always in ones best interest. Regards Mr Roboto.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Abe said if the review concluded a new interpretation of the constitution was needed, he would like to embody the change in a cabinet resolution followed by revisions to relevant laws.

States Secret law, Constitutional Revision law and change in interpretation of Article 9. Hmmm, I wonder what Abe will smack us with next. Ok Japan, we need a completely new constitution written by the Japanese. Translation; I know what's best Japan so let me write it for you, ah, no need, I already have it here.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

I don't feel Japan should jump on the Bandwagon of Policing the world, focus on your internals Abe, if you want to help stabilize the region, do so with your economics and influence them with leadership.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

If Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calls for potential landmark changes in security policy commits tax payers to significant future increases in defense spending, then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must explain fully how this commitment will effect deficit reduction programs.

If current de-population predictions are correct, a large proportion of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Japan Self-Defense Forces could well over 65.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Nationalists pray at the altar of war.

They only say "peace" with a forked tongue.

0 ( +2 / -1 )

nigelboy, Jeez, you actually believe the whole Obama admin is China supporter, too. (how do you explain TPP and Asia Pivot ?) Anyway, Nice try, However, your rebuttal is feeble at the best.

China is not excluded from the TPP talks for they have on occasions showed interest in joining the discussions. Same with Obama's East Asia policy for it's China own delusional and selfish interest that they are apathetic to such a policy. Therefore, it's only natural when other countries in Asia starts to adapt to this reorganization based on rule of law and alliances based on democratic principles that China is left out.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

However, his position is welcomed in Washington, where there have long been calls for Japan to pull its own weight in a very one-sided security alliance.

U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed the move when he held a summit with Abe in Tokyo last month.

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Does this mean USA is planning to pull out all US military forces in Japan to let Japan go on its own???

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I guess Abe point: Japan depend of US-> US get credits by China -> US depend of China -> Japan not safe anymore. Make army for self protect is not bad, because China never ever will start war with someone who have power, they always teasing countries with no power, but if Japan will not care self, then who will? Abe seem really care Japan, at last i start believe in this after he not agree with TPP under such strong US pressure. And that he try to be friends with Russia(because resources mainly and market as well and Russia not depend of China as US now), before US didn't start teasing Russia, like China wish to tease Japan. But Japan is not Russia, Japan have no resources and have no army, now there are still some support by US to Japan, but China already start show to US who is pay money...few topic upper at this site it shown clear" China says U.S. must be objective about Asia tensions"... So, guess Abe is really care Japan and he trying his best.

Unfortunately, at this planet country with no army power have no voice.

I hope Japan will no need army every, but it seem Japan have not so big choice. But if it be so, army should recruit only those who want go there by themselves. Else Japan should support family and family with kids more then now. And Japan should make young Japanese be more patriotic, not by hating others, but by loving own country and trying to make it better. When Japanese care own country and love it, Japan became being much better and progressive. Japanese people work really hard if they have reasonable motivation, but now entertainment and internet a lot destroy level of morality and make many people being lost. Wish Abe will care such things too. And family should be PR in Japan, not feminism. Be alone and independence it so sad, be same with man is wrong and kinda selfish, be with family is much nicer. Care people around you nice too. Abe do you best for Japan, please, but no need war anymore at world, at last at Japanese world.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Unfortunately, at this planet country with no army power have no voice.

Correct. Having weak armed forces, small countries have no chances to rise voices against political course of western hypocrits. Because they can be easily attacked and destroyed under false pretexts as it took place in Serbia, Iraq or Afganistan. Big countries with developed armed forces such as Russia, China, India aren't afraid of the USA and American loyal satellites. In particular, that is why US and european diplomats are grimacing by imposing sanctions to Russia. They would be happy to declare war and attack Russia, launching missiles and dropping bombs but that would be a pure suicidal action for all members of the party. Japan should be independent of American influence. Armed to teeth by Americans, it's a high time to cut 'master-slave' ties and play a separate game in Asia- Pacific region.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

You are also quick to label "ultra nationalist" to people that does not support your view.

Its more like ultra-nationalists are upset about being fairly labeled ultra-nationalists and now lash out by unfairly labeling everyone else as leftists, pro-China, anti-Japan, etc.

Just keep digging that hole bro.

I am pro-Japan but I am anti-Japanese government. I like the Japan of today but I despise the Japan of the past. Nationalists cannot sort that out. But it explains why I don't favor a constitutional change at this time, why I favor giving the Senkakus to Taiwan, and why I am dead against Yasukuni Shrine.

I am glad Japan has a strong military even though its totally against the constitution. But the Japanese military does not need to expand and it does not need to tag along in other people's wars.

The only time I would favor expansion of Japan's military is if Japan told the U.S,. military to leave.

And I am sure I have totally confused you and you now think I am ultra-left and pro-China even though its Taiwan I favored in this post.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

That constitution is not good we need a new one. Abe's action is a good start I support him.

JJ1067, As you say, That constitution is not good we need a new one. please list in detail what is bad about the constitution besides Article 9. I'm really curious for you to tell us where the Japanese constitution has failed it's citizenry and how Abe and the LDP will give the Japanese people a better constitution. I find it hard to believe you have actually read it for you to make comments like the above. I suggest every Japanese should read their constitution first and then read a draft of the Abe version before making a decision on scrapping it or not.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Abe also pledged that Japan would stick to a peaceful path and not again become a “country that wages war”.

Again? Haven't the right wingers been claiming that Japan's previous overseas exploits been carried out in self defense?

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Agreed that NHK and Japanese media in general is a massive joke of shaking people screaming "Umaiii" at all hours, but Abe sort of have a point about China. The Party needs to get sent packing, the communists haven't been doing anyone -- including themselves -- any favors recently.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

In case China attacks Okinawa, US bases will protect Japan because it has all dependents of soldiers in the bases that has luxury golf courses and beautiful schools that Okinawan children do not have. Along with soldiers, these dependents and even babies will protect Japan.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@globalwatcherMAY. 17, 2014 - 10:29PM JST Along with soldiers, these dependents and even babies will protect Japan. Whoat?? Please explain further. Thanks.

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Every year, when Japan tried to reduce annual Empathy Budget, US Military officials have been saying "Entire manpower in military bases in Okinawa will protect Japan" Military servicemen's slive in Okinawan bases' housing area. Doesn't entire mean dependents include babies?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

nigelboy, Japan’s right-wing media such as “Sankei Shimbun” labels Suzy Rice, National Security Advisor of Obama admin, “親中”(pro-China) does that make Suzy Rice a China supporter? The Answer is a solid no.

The answer is a solid yes and this is referring to the entire administration. But here's the thing. You are also quick to label "ultra nationalist" to people that does not support your view. Furthermore, the mere fact that such lawmakers and bureaucrats (pro-China, China sympathizers) exist and are vocal part of the political spectrum indicates their are tolerances among the population which is quite a contrast from one party line in CCP.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Wasn’t there a reason The Japanese Constitution had an “article 9” in the first place? If Japan ever gained real military power (and screw over any chance of avoiding a new recession), considering the fact the country has let alone never admitted guilt, it actively denies wrongdoing. If a person acted like that with their history, would you be wary about him repeating similar mistakes?

Seriously, because it’s unpopular with the voters you still want to make your constitution into puddy in order to get your glory. Study showed that most leaders are sociopaths, just not the violent sort.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

My inderstanding is that even LDP's junior partner, New Komeito party, has been expressing doubts and concerns on Abe’s ture motive. Are the members of New Komeito party, now, China supporters too ? The mindset of either-friend-or -enemy shows a typical trait of Japan's war-mongers.

The label of ”親中”(pro-China) of Komeito has been consistent for even Xi has been supportive of their efforts to discourage the purchase of Senkaku islands during the DPJ cabinet era.

It's about time Japan re-evaulate their security policy which starts with the reinterpretation of article 9. If the result ends up where it is not enough to protect the security of the Japanese public, then finally the public can debate the revision of the said article to break the post war stranglehold and become a normal nation where under U.N. Charter, every member has the right of collective self defense.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

When the largest kid in the neighborhood is looking for a fight to demonstrate the new found ability...... Then you don't have much of a choice, but be ready...

Options are: Moving house, installing new security and stay in door and be miserable, reporting to the authority and setting up an alliance with your neighbor kids, ready to defend to keep the peace in your neighborhood....... Japan is doing just that !

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Abe to explain stance on more active military at news conference

...and send couple of delegations to Asia so that Japan is not isolated further.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

@toshiko

Not for quite a long time. With Japan provoking China as much as they are, America is required to step up to the plate for Japan should China do anything funny. Even though Japan has a pretty good Navy and Air Force, they still lack real experience and they still have much to learn.

The govt knows that their military still isn't up to par with their neighbors and the US getting out of Japan would not be the best move to do right now. Maybe 10 years from now when the Japanese soldiers are squared away, the US can withdrawal. But Abe would still need to amend the constitution to even get this in motion.

Basically, if the Japanese people want the US soldiers out of Japan, they would have to let Abe amend the constitution to allow an "offensive" military, get the Japanese soldiers primed and ready to go, then make a very expensive deal to get US soldiers out of Japan.

I would like to see numbers on how many people DO NOT approve of the constitution amendment AND who want the US soldiers to leave. Most likely, it will be majority favor for US soldiers to leave AND for no changes to the constitution... which is opposite of what it should be for change to be made.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Constitution of Japan goes "we have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world".

I don't trust CCP and DPRK as peace-loving people. I don't preserve my existence by trusting Kim of North Korea as a peace-loving man.

That constitution is not good we need a new one. Abe's action is a good start I support him.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Officers in China promised that China will never let Japan trigger the second gun shot, besides, China have nukes. To against with China, whoever the ally is, China can erase Japan instantly.

And remember, if the war breakout for the disputes islets, to Japan the dispute islets are just small islands, but for China it is revenge. Let's understand what is revenge? revenge means make China to choose win or death.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

This is supported by the United States, Australia, EU. all of Asia,. The only ones against this are China and it's supporters. And North Korea. That alone says more about this issue than all these comments.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

tokyodoumoMay. 16, 2014 - 01:37AM JST Was a hostile path ever an option? Of course peace is the #1 priority and that is what article 9 is designed to achieve.

Article 9 worked well during the cold war. Times have changed. In the face of Chinese militarism Japan has no choice but to make he necessary changes to enable it to defend itself and to work closer together with it's allies. China should have no complaints they care the ones who forced Japan's hand.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

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