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Japan lifts self-imposed ban on weapons exports

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@JoeyBigs,

Spot on.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

toshiko, the US wants Japan in this business. In fact, it's the US that put it on Abe's agenda.

And for anyone to say it's undemocratic, may I remind you that Abe's party was elected, and they elected him. That's as democratic as it gets. Now listen for the protests of the people.

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Markus LApr. 06, 2014 - 08:35AM JST Try reading my post again Joe..slowly. You seem to have completely missed the point.

My dear Markus, your point was resounding. No one can sell weapons without openly being exposed for what they truly aspire to. Japan has decided to join an already filled batch of hypocrisy that has been in place long after the end of WWII.

My point is as simple as yours, no one is clean, everyone is stained with the blood of the innocent. The only ones that don't see this are the ones lost in their own hypocrisy.

Everyone is guilty in this game and sales, no one is innocent.

Ordo Ad Chao

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Try reading my post again Joe..slowly. You seem to have completely missed the point.

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Markus LApr. 05, 2014 - 06:09PM JST That's pretty much the same idiotic logic used by Japan's militarists to launch Japan on the most disastrous path in it's history.

This "most disastrous path" of yours is most intriguing and I'd love to hear more of this. Oh wait, but I see you have provided more rhetoric, I shall read on and counter.

Markus LApr. 05, 2014 - 06:09PM JST "Europe and America are reaping fortunes through their Empires so we better get on the Imperial bandwagon as well" they proclaimed, and Japan's citizens fell eagerly into step.

It appears that you have been blinded by your own misguided self proclaimed enlightenment. You seem to be under the impression that the West is the only players who are involved in the weapons trade. In fact some weapon sales actually come from Asia.

Let me help you out

Russia is ranked #2

China #5

Ukraine #6

Israel #10

South Korea #14

So tell me, where is your outrage for these nations and the arms they are selling? Or is your outrage selectively held for nations you don't like?

Markus LApr. 05, 2014 - 06:09PM JST And the result? 30 million dead in Asia, every major city and town in Japan in reduced to ashes, with millions left dead, maimed or homeless.

History lessons are not needed. It seems as if your enlightenment has a selective memory. You have forgotten some other parts of history, so let me help you. Did you know that Germany is ranked number 3 in arm sales and Italy is ranked number 8.

Both those nations were also involved in WWII and both nations were allies to Japan. So, where is your outrage now, or is it still selective?

Markus LApr. 05, 2014 - 06:09PM JST And ironically, the very nation that crushed Japan, and forced through a constitution that would see Japan remain a non-threatening peaceful nation, is now the one encouraging it to rearm. It's madness for Japan to take this course.

Your belief that the US and the West are the one's responsible for Japan's decision to do away with it's old self imposed ban and it's pacifistic nature, well then, you aren't as enlightened as you claim to be.

If you haven't been keeping up with current affairs Japan and all of the nations of the South China Sea nations are being threatened by the Communist China.

Communist China has been pushing it's own Imperialistic ambitions on it's neighbors and has created a new arms race for the region. It's military budget went from 20 billion a year in 2000 to 166 billion as of 2014 (funny part, no one actually believes that it is that low).

http://www.economist.com/node/21551056

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9d83bf62-b9b9-11e3-a3ef-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2y2zdJSbz

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/2827473/Chinas-military-ambition-fuels-Asian-arms-race.html

Japan didn't decide to get into the arms race because they want to invade anyone or go to war. Japan decided to get into the arms trade because it can now supply it's allies with better weapons. Why? So, those nations can better defend themselves against the threats posed by Communist China's ambitions.

Look at the new Communist Chinese passport and see where their ambitions truly lie.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/22/us-china-southchinasea-idUSBRE8AL09Q20121122

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/27/chinese-passport-row-diplomatic-dispute

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/26/heres-the-chinese-passport-map-thats-infuriating-much-of-asia/

Here is some enlightenment for you, dispute the facts and not the hype.

Click hear for some enlightenment.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GRRnyQGA

Well, I followed your enlightened link and lo and behold I discovered how enlightened you are. What came out was this This video does not exist. It does appear that your enlightenment needs a bit more enlightenment itself.

BertieWooster

You have yet to reply to my very simple question, did you forget? If you did let me ask it one more time.

Tell me, do you condone Communist China and South Korea selling arms along side the rest of the world, yes or no?

I don't expect you to answer this most simple of question with a simple yes or no. I expect either silence or some kind of sanctimonious song and dance defense of those nation's actions.

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JoeBigs: Weapon sales are up and if you believe in free market why not join the band wagon?

That's pretty much the same idiotic logic used by Japan's militarists to launch Japan on the most disastrous path in it's history. "Europe and America are reaping fortunes through their Empires so we better get on the Imperial bandwagon as well" they proclaimed, and Japan's citizens fell eagerly into step. And the result? 30 million dead in Asia, every major city and town in Japan in reduced to ashes, with millions left dead, maimed or homeless. And ironically, the very nation that crushed Japan, and forced through a constitution that would see Japan remain a non-threatening peaceful nation, is now the one encouraging it to rearm. It's madness for Japan to take this course. Click hear for some enlightenment.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GRR_n_yQGA

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

So I guess these right wingers think that adding military industrial complex to Japan is a good idea, even though it destroyed the US. These guys must really hate Japan. I guess they want Japan to fail.

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BertieWoosterApr. 04, 2014 - 09:28AM JST JoeBigs, You can play with the top ten all you like, but you can't deny that the USA sold 651 BILLION DOLLARS OF ARMS that year. China's 1.8 billion is nothing in comparison.

If numbers matter to you, well then, you are truly missing the big picture. BTW, when did you hear me condone what the US has been doing when it comes to weapon's sales?

BTW, you haven't, you are just trying to condone one nation's arm's sales by only condemning a select few. Every nation that sells arms are promoting war and death. Yes, that includes the US of A and your Communist China and South Korea.

Condemning only a select few while turning a blind eye to the rest is hypocrisy. You might dislike someone pointing that out, but the truth does hurt.

So, until you convince the entire world to stop selling arms you best not just condemn one nation, condemn them all.

Now, tell me, do you condone Communist China and South Korea selling arms along side the rest of the world, yes or no?

Mouth meet money, some are willing to voice condemnation to all nations while others only reserve their condemnation for the nations they dislike. Hope to see where you truly stand. But, sadly I suspect I know that answer already.

Let's see if your conscience holds true for the nations you prefer. Mine, well this one is a real easy answer for me, yes. Yes, I hate the fact that the US of A is the top salami in weapons sales. But, I also hate the fact that every other nation is involved in that market.

But, as I stated before, until all nations stop selling arms and stop fighting wars there will be a market for those arms.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

You don't get peace at the point of a gun.

Actually you do since realistically the other side will be pointing a gun at you as well. It's called stalemate with the ultimate situation being MAD.

If rival regime is much weaker than the other then there is a bigger chance that the stronger side will try to dominate the weaker.

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JoeBigs,

You can play with the top ten all you like, but you can't deny that the USA sold 651 BILLION DOLLARS OF ARMS that year. China's 1.8 billion is nothing in comparison.

For a country that puts itself up as the bastion of "Freedom," the U.S.A. is actually the biggest threat to world peace. If your country wanted peace, how come they don't do more peaceful things? You don't get peace at the point of a gun.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

BertieWoosterApr. 03, 2014 - 11:14PM JST JoeBigs, Here are the top three arms sales for 2012: 1 - USA at 39% 2 - Russia at 14% 3 - France at 6%

Interesting how you only stopped with your top 3. What about the rest, do they matter or do is it okay for them to sell arms?

Or could it be that posting these numbers suits your agenda. Hey, how about this, I fill in the rest of the gap and you tell me if I am wrong?

Okay, here is the list you didn't want folks to see....,

1 - USA 2 - Russia 3 - Germany 4 - France 5 - China 6 - UK 14 - South Korea

BertieWoosterApr. 03, 2014 - 11:14PM JST China, whether communist or not and South Korea don't even come into it.

So your argument is, just because Communist China only sold $1.8 billion and South Korea $183 Million they don't matter?

BertieWoosterApr. 03, 2014 - 11:14PM JST Convince the U.S.A. to stop making a profit off of weapon sales and then you might have a leg to stand on!

You really didn't get my point I see, let me try it again. You, I or anyone else for that matter don't have the ability to stop this madness. So, why complain if Japan sells arms when everyone is selling them?

You want to stop weapon sales throughout the world, well then become ruler of the world and bingo you will solve this madness. But, what are the odds of that happening. Hell, not even Genghis Khan achieved that feat and he had the might of the Mongol hordes behind him.

BertieWoosterApr. 03, 2014 - 11:14PM JST Japan does not need to join this insane industry. A world wide ban on international weapons sales might be a good idea!

There is money to be made in the sale of arms, why not Japan join in? Blood money is blood money.

Until your worldwide ban goes into effect arms will be sold no matter who sells it. And Japan's self imposed ban did absolutely nothing to stop it, so why not join in on the madness?

flowersApr. 04, 2014 - 01:27AM JST Eulogy: Thank you and God Bless Japan for being such a peaceful country for many decades after the failed attempt to control Asia. Goodbye, the peaceful Japan.

BTW, that is over 7 decades and counting. Come down from the clouds before you get a nose-bleed. Wow, talk about an over the top intro. Your intro is a bit overdone try less rhetoric and more substance.

flowersApr. 04, 2014 - 01:27AM JST Here comes the new era of the re-immerging evil empire that will cause undue suffering to other populace of the world via armed exports. We shall never attempt to define Japan as peaceful and tranquil ever again. RIP!

What rhetoric! The turkey is in overdone and it is burning time to pull it out.

Come on step off your cloud and come down to reality. This doesn't point to a new re-immerging evil or a re-re-re-immerging threat to peace. All this is is about a nation stepping away from a useless self imposed ban and joining the rest of the crowd.

Money is money, and this self imposed ban did nothing to stop the rest of the world from selling arms or buying arms. So, try less rhetoric and more reality next time.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Eulogy: Thank you and God Bless Japan for being such a peaceful country for many decades after the failed attempt to control Asia. Goodbye, the peaceful Japan. Here comes the new era of the re-immerging evil empire that will cause undue suffering to other populace of the world via armed exports. We shall never attempt to define Japan as peaceful and tranquil ever again. RIP!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Governors have advisors.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The "self imposed" ban was not based on ideology. It was because they could do it and it made them look good. Now that Japan's corporations need to find other sources of income.... they simply lift the ban. No massive rallies, no input from its citizens... just the Govt lifting the ban without major discussion one would think would happen. How it happened really shows that it was not done based on Ideology.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Im wondering. What companies are MHI,IHI,Kawasaki, going to buy to start producing weapons. I just know that many things will change. All kinds of drones,gun barrels, controllers of all types, wow. I want to witness all that. Got a 25 years old yanmar generator that talks...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So I guess this pretty much means they can make weapons, to sell, but in reality they are making them for themselves? For protection from China? I guess its a loophole. Whole thing scares me. I have been in Japan for years. And I though I know a small handful of people that I really like as people, the majority of the other nut bags, i really don't trust. Maybe if I had a family and a sense of welcome I would be more optimistic and believing about them. But I have witnessed how a lot of them are whenever I am out and about. Future doesn't look good. I wonder who lifted the ban. A WW2 vets grandson who was really into Anime and J-pop? Who happens o have a Japanese girl he met in college...who possibly is in on trying to persuade the uplifting on the ban? God help us all. We got some idiots out there in powerful position who don't know what they are doing.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

JoeBigs,

Here are the top three arms sales for 2012:

1 - USA at 39% 2 - Russia at 14% 3 - France at 6%

China, whether communist or not and South Korea don't even come into it.

Convince the U.S.A. to stop making a profit off of weapon sales and then you might have a leg to stand on!

Japan does not need to join this insane industry.

A world wide ban on international weapons sales might be a good idea!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Japan lifts self-imposed ban on weapons exports

War is one of those industries that is thriving, why not join the band wagon.

Gents, people are going to make war and one nation's self imposing weapons sale isn't going to stop the bloodshed.

But, if Japan sells arms to it's neighbors that will help them protect themselves against the bully in the area.

Thomas AndersonApr. 03, 2014 - 09:56AM JST So you're not even denying that selling weapon exports is just to agitate and provoke and contain China. Nice going. US's plan is going as planned.

Ah, do you understand that Communist China is ranked number 5 and South Korea is ranked number 14?

This was a self imposed ban and being a self imposed ban they can now remove that ban and start making some more cash.

Weapon sales are up and if you believe in free market why not join the band wagon?

Or are you scared that Japan might cut into the South Korea/Communist China markets?

Thomas AndersonApr. 03, 2014 - 11:55AM JST So a single Diet session has overturned the ban, even though 66% of the population are opposed to the lifting. Needless to say, this is highly undemocratic. Abe is clearly the Japanese Bush.

Thomas, what the heck are you talking about. You are comparing bunk to hogwash. Come down from your cloud and join us down here in the land of reality.

BertieWoosterApr. 02, 2014 - 07:59PM JST Thomas Anderson, Selling arms to other nations is not the answer. Real lasting peace comes from smarter regional integration, like the ASEAN+3 proposal. EXACTLY!

Tell that to Communist China (4) and South Korea (14), convince them to stop making a profit off of weapon sales and then you might have a leg to stand on.

BTW, will never happen, too much money to be made.

Bringing reality to those who just don't want to see it.

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Yesterday Japan changed its ODA policies as well so now Japan can give ODA to Vietnam and Philippines to build Coast Guard port facilities to even up the score between these countries and their bully.

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The self imposed embargo was a principle enforced as a governmental initiative never having any legal basis behind it so the government could change that initiative without need of approval by the house of representatives.

It has nothing to do with democratical since the intiative never went through the due process to make it a law.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

So a single Diet session has overturned the ban, even though 66% of the population are opposed to the lifting. Needless to say, this is highly undemocratic. Abe is clearly the Japanese Bush.

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Here, Here BertieWooster and Thomas Anderson! The world already spends 12 times more on military expansion than on International Aid. Do we really need Japan, the world's third largest economy, to now openly jump onto the arm's dealing bandwagon? Yes, it's true Japan is already a major player (particularly in high-tech components etc.) and a certain element of Japan's society would love to see a big expansion, so that it can compete with other regional arms manufacturers like China and S. Korea. But I do believe these people are a minority, and most Japanese are proud of the fact they have rebuilt their country from complete destruction to economic success largely producing useful consumer products. Swords to plough-shares so to speak. Daniel Neagari, you may say I'm a dreamer, but I suspect... I'm not the only one.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So you're not even denying that selling weapon exports is just to agitate and provoke and contain China. Nice going. US's plan is going as planned.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Frungy

Oh those. Yeah, I remember an incident few years back where Yamaha was caught after selling rotary wing drones to PRC which was a security trade control law violation. Few years later we saw PRC utilizing that technology to develop a rotary wing drone of their own and field testing it on a Japanese warship.

By the way I wonder why you recieved so many thumbs down?

otis123

In some parts they will compete in others they will cooperate. For example the SM-3 2A~B is a joint development project between Japan and US since it is being co-budgeted. US also wanted Japan to join in developing the advance version of the AEGIS system since Japan was already ahead in utilizing GaN chips into these types of AESA radar systems.

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!@otis123: Japan now can sell directly instead of having middleman like Lockheed, and Boeing, How about Robotic technology? Go visit USA factories. Japanese brand robotic machines all over. Even candy manufacturers. From ingredient machines to candy wrapper. Too bad Ford and GM are dominated by UAW. Years ago, UAW tried to unionize Japanese automakers in TN, KY, etc, Because robotic machines do not have SS Numbers, UAW failed. Now, Detroit is bankrupted. Only industry left in USA is weapon makers. Instead of using middleman companies, Mitsubishi etc will enjoy direct sales to Asian countries and Arabic countries. Abe visited so many countries that he got what those countries want Japanese technology help in their industrial growth.

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Which brings me to why the U.S. Navy doesn’t have many options if the small surface vessels is prematurely terminated. First of all, most of the warships in the present and planned fleet aren’t well suited to close to the coast operations. They are too slow, they are designed for missions in deep water, and they are very costly to operate. The other problem, which almost nobody seems to have noticed, is that the U.S. Navy doesn’t have the money to build another class of warships in the next decade. The bottom line on building warships is that you get what you pay for. U.S. probably need to spend over a billion dollars per vessel, but it simply isn’t feasible to populate the entire U.S. fleet with warships of that caliber.

This is where Japan comes in. Japan gained permission from the U.S. to design inexpensive version of a littoral combat ship to be built with US assistance. Japan and U.S. agreed to carry out the joint development of the Japanese littoral combat ship in accordance with the Security Treaty between the two countries The range of littoral combat ship is estimated to be 10,000 nautical miles, with a top speed is close to 60mph (over 90km). In addition, the flight deck of the littoral combat ship can hold two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters. This ship will be capable of conducting minesweeping, air defense, anti-submarine, anti-ship, naval blockade, amphibious assault and special operation missions off the Chinese coast. The Japanese version of the littoral combat ships will be commissioned in half a decade. This could pose a significant challenge to Chinese warships or maritime security vessels patrolling the East China Sea.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

US forgot how USA industries were crushed by Jaoan Inc. in last half or 20th century. US wants Japan to help US cause and will be gypped by Japan again

@Toshiko what are you even talking about? If the Japanese heavy industries were to directly compete with Lockheed Martin and the like it would jeopardize their own contracts and the technology transfer that is currently taking place (with f35 contract for example). Since the cycles on these projects are much longer than on things like stereos and TVs, I think it would be several decades before we would see Japanese companies competing directly with US companies on major deals.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Another income source to sell aging weapons. Better than spending money on disposing them.

You bet. I believe the Philippines are interested in acquiring the type 88 land based ASM system that Japan is replacing with the type 10. Japan can sell the surplus equipment at a bargain. Japan is also retiring lots of P3C to be replaced with the newly developed P-1 MPA.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Another income source to sell aging weapons. Better than spending money on disposing them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

SamuraiBlueApr. 02, 2014 - 10:31AM JST Frungy I haven't actually seen weapon drones being researched in Japan. I do recall TRDI fiddling around with a winged drone (don't recall the name) but that is about it. Now if JMSDF suddenly develops a military version of ASIMO then I will be scared. LoL

Japan doesn't produce "weapon drones" as far as I'm aware (and if it did it would probably be classified), however it uses drones extensively in agriculture, more than anywhere else in the world with over 2000 drones currently in operation. There are a number of big-name companies that produce industrial drones, such as Fuji Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Hitachi, NEC, etc.

Weaponizing many of these drones would be relatively simple, and the wide variety of drones in service plus the pre-existing expertise in the field puts Japan in a good position in terms of drone technology. This is what I was getting at.

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@Thomas: US forgot how USA industries were crushed by Jaoan Inc. in last half or 20th century. US wants Japan to help US cause and will be gypped by Japan again.

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EU and USA must be mad at Japan now. Money money country Japan is going to steal our customers again. Only industry left for them. They can not understand why their customers don't trust their weapon technology. Especially USA must be thinking it is not fair Japan gets into this business. Japan nver created wars after WW II. USA created wars all over and so Japan has no business in stealing USA war weapon business.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@Thomas - I hardly think 25% of the Japanese are "hardcore right wingers" ...

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Thomas Anderson,

Selling arms to other nations is not the answer. Real lasting peace comes from smarter regional integration, like the ASEAN+3 proposal.

EXACTLY!

Peace comes from AGREEMENT - i.e. understanding and working towards the same or compatible goals.

What agreement is there with military hardware?

"Step over the line and you're dead!"

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It is very Wrong Selling Weapons of War ..One must wonder Why profit should come before peoples lives. Would not it be better to Export say pumps and Tanks for water Or small self contained solar operated water distillation Equipment ,Farming Equipment. To those countries that need these items at a low price .It would help both Japan and those poorer countries be become self sufficient. Not war machines That create Refugees and massive suffering

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

If people wanted to stop the "bullying China", then it'd be much better if Japan would get on better terms with China, rather than selling arms to other nations to provoke China. Is China some sort of a crazy hegemonic Imperialist nation that can't be reasoned with? Ha! We've heard that before. The Chinese leaders are not that stupid and/or insane.

This whole argument is like the gun argument in the US: "If everyone owned guns, then we'd all be peaceful!".

Hatoyama has proposed the ASEAN+3 (China, Japan and SK) economic alliance. I think they should keep working on that. The EU has done a reasonable integration (but not perfect) that brought peace to the region. There's no reason why the Asians can't do it.

Selling arms to other nations is not the answer. Real lasting peace comes from smarter regional integration, like the ASEAN+3 proposal.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

“Due to historical reasons, Japan’s security policies are always closely followed by regional countries and the international community.”

Oh yes, because after 70 years of being a peaceful nation Japan can suddenly turn into a nation of warmongers. Get real! Bunch of idiots.

The Tokyo-Beijing diplomatic relationship has long been marred by Japan’s expansionist romp across Asia in the first half of the 20th century.

Never seen it described quite that way before. Like saying the Third Reich were out for a jolly across Europe.

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Of course, it's rubbish to say this and I'm sure the military crowd will give me a whole bunch of minuses, but isn't it about time we confronted the fact that we have ONLY ONE PLANET?

There isn't any other place to go.

Given that, isn't it about time we stopped dicking around with what is laughably called "defense," and started making positive moves to getting along with each other?

Instead of spending astronomical sums on "defending" US from those who have swallowed exactly the same propaganda and believe that they are "defending" themselves from US.

China isn't the enemy.

The U.S.A. isn't the enemy.

The enemy are those insane individuals who, from a safe office or a bunker, love to cause trouble and set people against people. And those who profit from the mass slaughter are even worse.

Helping a criminal is a crime.

Making and selling weapons is a social crime OF MAGNITUDE.

Japan does not need to do this.

It doesn't help anybody.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Under a 1983 agreement, the United States is the only nation to which Japan may transfer military technology. Both sides gain military and technological benefits.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Plus, I can pretty much guarantee THESE jobs won't be going to China.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Self imposed ban? If there is a ban on military technology transfer, then I got a rainbow bridge to sell you.

Look at China's radar detection systems and infrared systems for their corvettes and patrol vessels, they are ALL made in Japan. Japan has been selling military grade tech to China masking as civilian techs for decades. This isn't some insider secret. All these political bruhaha are just for show.

Japan's military industrial complex has ALWAYS been active and strong. What do you think the 3 "M" and the 2 "K" had been doing all these years?

Self imposed ban. What a crock. Only stupid and naive Japanese will think there is such thing. Japan has never stopped building on its military complex. Its just been doing so under disguise. And there is nothing wrong with it. Every country should be allowed to develop its own military systems.

The hypocritical thing is to criticize others while you are doing exact the same thing.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Not having a gun doesn't mean you can't die from one.

We Filipinos are on the receiving end of China's military bullying in the South China Sea. I remember stories from fishermen relatives of visiting these traditional fishing grounds off the coast of Palawan, my mother's hometown. My mother used to ride by outrigger boat on those choppy seas to visit far away relatives.

Now the traditional fishing grounds of the Ayungin Shoal have been held hostage by China.

At the peak of the confrontation, the Philippine Navy's sole warship of world war 2 vintage was surrounded and harassed by over 90 ultramodern Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

We Filipinos, although we might not have guns, can still die by the guns brought to our seas by the PRC.

We need Japan's help to modernize our world war 2 vintage navy. It is not an accident that of the 4 ASEAN countries with which China has maritime disputes the PRC chose the Philippines, with its lone world war 2 vintage warship, as its first bullying victim.

Those who don't have guns can still die from guns.

Japan's Peace Constitution is a beautiful document that has enabled Japan to live in peace for 70 years.

Japan allowing exports of modern ships and rescue seaplanes can ensure that the Philippines lives in peace and dignity against a terrorizing, bullying China.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Alex Einz

What are you talking about?

During the self embargo period besides exeptions there were no export of military equipement had been done.

There are some interesting episodes like the US military had to buy through Amazon Panasonic tough books for the army because they were not able to buy directly due to the embargo.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

SamuraiBlue.. they were making the money, just they had to pay to export partners ( largely US ) due to no direct sales. Now they just dont need the middlemen

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So now they can shoot missiles back over North Korea?

Well. they're only exporting, but then again I guess that is one way to "deliver warheads".

Seriously though, this should have long term benefits for the economy. Enabling the secrets act was a sensible move to help keep the technology in-country too. But if things really take off, why go overseas when there's money to be made here?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

gaihonjin

I really do not know how you got to that conclusion especially when Japan has not repeal the 1% ceiling in military spending.

Most all Japanese weapon manufacturers were making a profit since all technology they had developed maintained within Japan due to this self embargo. They also had to pay the employees to maintain their craftsmanship in manufacturing these specialized equipement with only a handful of orders again exclusively from JSDF.

Those companies will definitely make a profit now that they can market their products abroad but basically they are still too specialized and expensive which will narrow the buyers.

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I hope they'll build mobile armored mechas now. That would be cool.

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This is the life line Japanese companies needed. They're having trouble competing in consumer goods since the rise of the Asian Tigers and China. I think this is for economic reasons more so than strategic.

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paulinusaAPR. 02, 2014 - 08:35AM JST "Any move to bolster that support with more outright weapon supplies could irk China, which regularly accuses Abe of trying to remilitarise his country."

Japan isn't remilitarizing itself, it's militarizing the surrounding Asian countries, the same countries that China lectures to about the dangers of Japan

This is all about increasing the profits of the big arms-makers in Japan thereby making more revenue available for more domestic research and development into arms, many of which will be sold in the world arms market. This is certainly a major step in re-militarizing the country.

.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

good news and japan need to stand up to >>>>>china >

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@Dennis Bauer

Nope...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So now they can shoot missiles back over North Korea?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

superbird1

Huh?

Akizuki type dystroyers are the first to incorporate GaN chips into their radar system. XSM-3 is one of the first long range missiles utilizing SCRAM jet technology. F-2 was the first fighter to incorporate ASEA type radar. It was also the first to utilize Carbon composite material in large scale. Soryu class is the biggest conventional type subs in the world.

Take a hint.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Well, Japan seems to be officially joining the "Merchants of Death". Now, when is Article 9 being repealed?

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

This a potentially huge untapped market for Japanese exports, especially third party research and development. Drone technology and robotics (landmine clearance tech) are areas to consider as well as cyber defence and secure steganography (tools, software, detection), advance military field communications, covert cyber-warfare tools, espionage equipment strategies, and advance navigation for missile guidance.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Japan actually does a lot of micro weapon modification research,kind of similar to Israel.. smart weapon technologies and so forth

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@SamuraiBlue

Well.. it was a "rumor" I heard from a certain person that worked for MHI... so you know.. .may be

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Daniel Neagari

That was supposed to be a joke although Suidobashi Heavy sells thoughs suits at 5 million a peice.

MHI and or KHI developing a mechanized bipedal heavy aromor?

That is something definitely worth seeing!!

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Excellent news. Well done Mr Abe. I expect this will contribute to further revitalization of the economy.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@SamuraiBlue

Remember a small Heavy Indsutry (Suidobashi Heavy Industries) already made a bipedal, mobile suit....

Imagine what a giant like Mitsubishi may have on their armories.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Frungy

I haven't actually seen weapon drones being researched in Japan. I do recall TRDI fiddling around with a winged drone (don't recall the name) but that is about it.

Now if JMSDF suddenly develops a military version of ASIMO then I will be scared. LoL

0 ( +2 / -2 )

SamuraiBlueApr. 02, 2014 - 09:52AM JST Japan expertise is mostly based on electronic detection, communication and warship design. Japanese equipement can also become an alternative for American and/or Russian made counterparts that may have some strings attached.

Not to mention drone tech, which the Japanese excel at.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Thomas

Has you actually seen the poll since most of the ones I seen and help developed alway is oppose mildly oppose no opinion mildly support support in Japan.

The reason why most westerners complain about Japanese is that we have no oppinion which is why we develop these kind of response columns in the first place.

We have an opinion it's just not bipolar and more sophisticated that is all.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

SamuraiBlue

Kyodo's poll is a bit misleading since they are bunching up the middle into the negative. All polls have a mildly negative to mildly positve which could also be considered as a neutral response. You can read it either ways if you look at it closely. Baically there are no bipolar split in the middle response to these things since there are negative as well as positive effect to these matters.

I'm pretty sure the choices were either "oppose", "support" or "no opinion". Either way, the vast majority are opposed to the lifting. If you disagree with the choices the Japanese people made, then you must be anti Japanese, LOL.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity

Your analogy makes no sense. How many instances of peace have been brought about by talking? Zero it seems. Peace often (not always) follows a war. No-one is willing to talk rationally these days, so diplomacy will inevitably fail. Look at China and Japan as an example. They've been talking for a long time. Is there peace? No. China continues to be beligerent and provocative. Conflict seems to be the only way to bring about peace. Sometimes, you do have to fight for peace. It's sad, but true.

Anyway, this will play out well I think, overall. China and Korea (both Koreas) will complain as they always do, but they complain about almost everything Japan does. Weapons exports can be quite lucrative, and Japan aren't exporting to nations embroiled in conflict, or who could potentially destabilize international security. I can't see a problem with this, but then, I don't spend my spare time bashing Japan.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Errrr... First of all the Japanese wearpon industry has been alive and well for several years. MItsubishi Heavy industries has been involved in projects to develop new weapons and related tech for fighters, tanks and other machinery, but this involvement has been limited or with many restrictions.

Also, MHI and other comopanies has been developing weapons and alike for the Japan Self-defense forces, there are a couple of tanks, ships and fighter projects.

The US and EU has been looking for Japan to join in the development of the Joint Combat Aircraft and projects in that line. The same goes to the expectations of other technologies that Japan has developed or upgraded it, that can be use to weapon development.

The expectation of other countries for Japan to be able to join and provide war machinery technology has been going on in a very limited way and internationally, there were claims for Japan to join fully to these multinational scheme.

Also is an enterprise to earn money and reactivate the economy, so yes...

A society (a word) with no weapons would be nice... but that is a foolish dream. What better way to reinforce its no-belligerent standing point than to trade and jointly develop weaponry with other countries?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

cnc

FYI, Japan's assult weapons are too complicated to maintain so I don't think there will be any great demand for them. As for handguns the European counterparts are better by a country mile.

Japan expertise is mostly based on electronic detection, communication and warship design. Japanese equipement can also become an alternative for American and/or Russian made counterparts that may have some strings attached.

Thomas

Kyodo's poll is a bit misleading since they are bunching up the middle into the negative. All polls have a mildly negative to mildly positve which could also be considered as a neutral response. You can read it either ways if you look at it closely. Baically there are no bipolar split in the middle response to these things since there are negative as well as positive effect to these matters.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

After browsing through all comments above, I find some very biased because supposedly peace loving European countries (namely Italy, Switzerland, Sweden etc) are the biggest producers and exporters of firearms and other defense and offence capable systems. Also Japan's ban on weapon exports is self -imposed and not forced. Plus the production capability was always there, it never stopped functioning and produces various critical parts and complete products. An example can be given of the F-16 fighter jet which till recently, was manufactured by Mitsubishi before production was stopped altogether.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

This is very good news to countries in the frontline of Chinese bullying in the region.

First customer should be India buying US2 search and rescue sea planes. Next should be the Philippine Coast Guard for more orthodox ships, maybe an LCS and maybe a US2.

Finally, the bigger prize: Supply Taiwan and give the first ever Chinese democracy in 5,000 years a fighting chance to defend itself from Beijing's smothering embrace.

加油台湾。 我们爱台湾!

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Who does he plan to sell them too?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No doubt Abe knows this will give the economy a boost. Weapons that contribute to peace.....hmmm.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Good, now everyone will lust after 'Made in Japan' handguns and assault weapons, just as they lust after their cameras.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

SamuraiBlue

One nation that isimmensely annoyed of this decision would be ROK.

Japanese domestic radar tracking and various other equipement rivals the best of the US and or Europe so most all nation that had a weapons export inudstry would natually be pi$$ed.

Add Japan to the country where its people would be pissed, when 66% of the people are opposed to the lifting.

http://www.kyodo.co.jp/pol-news/2014-03-03_501715/

Right, SamuraiBlue? LOL boomerang...

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Lets make arms that can use iPhone's GPS location to track you and shoot you down where ever you are! No need to mark targets using lasers! Japan can even make an app about it! Too bad it will be Japanese only.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm looking forward to seeing a weaponised Play Station, the Pay Station , and Nuketendo. On another note has anyone else noticed (on TV) Japanese 4WDs used by armed forces etc? How is it really possible to restrict where the defence items by any country end up in use, not a great deal I suggest.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

According to a poll, 66% of the Japanese are opposed to the lifting, while only 25% are supportive.

The only people who are for lifting are the hardcore right wingers.

http://www.kyodo.co.jp/pol-news/2014-03-03_501715/

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

One nation that isimmensely annoyed of this decision would be ROK.

They had an monopoly on conventional sub contract here in Asia constructing licensed copies of German boats but now they have the biggest competitor with actual technological expertise. ROK also solds some advanced jet trainers to the Philipinnes but now they again have to compete with Japan.

Japanese domestic radar tracking and various other equipement rivals the best of the US and or Europe so most all nation that had a weapons export inudstry would natually be pi$$ed.

Right, Thomas? LoL

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Sadly, I think this is more about economics than military power or security. Just about every other Japanese industry is suffering, but selling arms could be a real boost for the economy (in this crazy world). However, it's quite likely that, if the Abe government continue their right-wing ambiguity these weapons will end up being used against Japan and not to extend its protection.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Considering the arms industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry, this can only be good for the Japanese economy.

Oh yes, making profits out of war, that's always a good idea. This pretty much erases Japan of being a "peaceful" country.

It will also create a new military industrial complex.

People don't seem to understand the vast ramifications for this.

Most Japanese people probably would not agree, nonetheless, it might get passed without people noticing.

-8 ( +7 / -15 )

Considering the arms industry is a multi-trillion dollar industry, this can only be good for the Japanese economy.

Also, of course its good the Japanese military, as well since it will allow the JSDF to remain technologically competent.

Both of these things annoy a China, so a Chinese response expressing "concern about Japanese militarism" is, of course, expected.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

This is a much better way to unnerve China than arguing about the past.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

The weapons sales must contribute to international peace? Sorry but I just don't see the logic in that statement. Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity

4 ( +9 / -5 )

"Any move to bolster that support with more outright weapon supplies could irk China, which regularly accuses Abe of trying to remilitarise his country."

Japan isn't remilitarizing itself, it's militarizing the surrounding Asian countries, the same countries that China lectures to about the dangers of Japan.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

"US has already approved this process"

I guess that makes it alright then...

2 ( +6 / -4 )

I wonder how many Japanese will agree with the lifting of weapon exports ban? This is seriously undemocratic.

-9 ( +7 / -16 )

There are customer nations lined up to purchase from Japan. India, for instance.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Thomas Anderson,

Abe is, as you say, the worst Japanese PM in history.

But, then, from another viewpoint, perhaps Abe is an appropriate PM for a country that blindly accepts everything "authority" says.

If anyone in Japan wants to change things, they've only got a few months to do so.

Once Meinherr Abe's Secrecy law hits in December, there will be no stopping him.

-3 ( +12 / -15 )

Thomas Anderson Apr. 02, 2014 - 08:10AM JST This will only create a new military industrial complex, which destroyed America, in Japan. This is not a good news.

U.S. has already approved this process. There has been technology transfer to the US. The new conditions would allow Japan to jointly develop arms with allies and give its defence industry access to new markets and technology.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Are you serious? They just lifted a ban like that? wtf, Abe? This will only create a new military industrial complex, which destroyed America, in Japan. This is not a good news. Abe is seriously the worst pm in Japanese history, I'm afraid.

-6 ( +16 / -22 )

I wonder which nation will cry about this first.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

well, now no need to pay middlemen to hide deals so more money for everyone , yay ?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

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