U.S. asked Japan to send SDF during Gulf crisis: declassified records

In a series of talks, Kaifu responded by expressing the need to protect the war-renouncing Article 9 of Japan's postwar Constitution

That's it, that the reason why japan did not participate, why it's difficult to understand?

So the west manage to blackmail $13 billion out of us. Good to know. And how exactly did that whole gulf war turn out again? Tons of war crimes and the largest oil spill ever. And even now that country is still one big mess.

And Japan said no!

It looks like Japan will neither make/start war nor get involved with war.

This is hardly some startling new discovery. It's all known history and I remember it well. Japan claimed it could not participate militarily because of Article 9. Which on one hand is true, the populace would never have accepted a bold faced direct violation of Article 9. On the other hand Japan used it as an excuse, a valid one, but an excuse nevertheless. And being that at the time Japan was 2nd most powerful economy in the world importing 90% of it's evergy needs from the Persian Gulf, that it refused to take action to ensure the flow was not obstructed was seen as both irresponsible and cowardly by other nations that participated in the coalition. Hence the big check to cover the costs. This left a lasting impression on a young Junichiro Koizumi who, after rising to PM moved the country towards increased JSDF participation in UN and overseas assignments. And now decades later we (every country besides China) are asking if Japan will help defend Taiwan if needed.

And now decades later we (every country besides China) are asking if Japan will help defend Taiwan if needed.

Japan would fight only in case of attacked or invaded its territory, otherwise Japan would be a war-favorable country.

krwattToday  09:01 am JST

And now decades later we (every country besides China) are asking if Japan will help defend Taiwan if needed.

Japan would fight only in case of attacked or invaded its territory, otherwise Japan would be a war-favorable country.

I don't think such simple absolute arguments apply. Japan knows that if China takes over Taiwan not only is Okinawa next on the menu but it would have control over the sea routes that supply Japan's energy needs. Already the JSDF are allowed to carry out Colectve Defense. In practical terms, JSDF could be on a logistical mission in support of US forces, but if they are attacked Japan would help defend them. Truem Japan will never "start" a war, but they are quite capable of responding to it if needed.

@Ossan

Understandable. Japan would be only logistical support to the US military if the US had an engagement with China. But Japan will not fight, just like support just like Gulf war in 1990. If China attacked one of islands of Japan, it may defend (fight back) them, because so many refugees would ferry to the nearest islands of Japan.

George Bush the elder. War criminal. Insisting Japan bear its share of the burden - as he finagled a coalition of 'the willing' - to participate in a war he fabricated to prop up his administration.

Bush, apparently failing to comprehend Article 9 of the Japanese constitution, essentially penned by the USA.

The USA, is the greatest menace to world peace, since the Roman Empire. In this instance, the beginning of the Resource Wars, for control of oil. Bush, demanding the prime minister of Japan send young Japanese to die for Bush's, New World Order - a failed imperative of empire, that has devastated large swaths of the globe and killed off millions and created untold numbers of refugees.

Now, demanding Japan act in concert against China and the Obama 'pivot to Asia'. Though such is against Japan's own interests and merely support for the diminishing American Empire and its notion the Pacific is an American lake. Rightfully or not Japan attempted to rid Asia of American domination and influence which was doomed to failure from its inception, the realpolitik an overextension of the possible in terms of geopolitical strategy - but whiteman out of Asia hammered home thirty years later, as Vietnam ridded itself of the European and American pestilence. Now, 75 years later, Japan's sovereign soil despoiled by an army of occupation, acknowledged or not, such presence is contrary to Japan's own interests and aligns itself with not just an Empire in decline, but an oppositional force which refuses to accept the inevitable, the rise of Asia and displacement of the European & American dominance. Japan, ruled over by reactionary, right-wing, paleo-conservatives wedded to the ongoing notion of Japan as a client-state of the USA. Oh to be rid of that offal and its fossilized pretense that fails to realize the dominance of Asia and clings to an outmoded alliance with the North Americans, which will bring naught but ruin - still ongoing, as reflected in the subservient posturing of Kaifu to the demands of Bush, which remains to this day in Kishida's relation with Biden.

kwattToday  11:16 am JST

@Ossan

Understandable. Japan would be only logistical support to the US military if the US had an engagement with China. But Japan will not fight, just like support just like Gulf war in 1990. If China attacked one of islands of Japan, it may defend (fight back) them, because so many refugees would ferry to the nearest islands of Japan.

If the JSDF is providing logistocal support to US Forces who then come under attack from China, the JSDF will exercise it's right of collective self-defense. Taiwan is nothing like the Gulf war. It is geographically in Japan's direct sphere of defense.

"Recognizing that they have the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense as affirmed in the Charter of the United Nations, Considering that they have a common concern in the maintenance of international peace and security in the Far East, Having resolved to conclude a treaty of mutual cooperation and security,

Therefore agree as follows:"

https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/q&a/ref/1.html

@Ossan

It seems to me JSDF would still have to get an approval from its government when JSDF provide logistical support to the US military if the US and China war happened there on the Taiwan-China issue, although Japan's collective force was enacted years ago. However J government could not get such an approval from most lawmakers, because Japan's basic idea is Japan will not join war unless it is attacked or invaded by enemy although the US and Japan have a security treaty.

@kwatt

Believe whatever you like. I haved watched the JSDF and Japan's policies evolve since the 1960s. At which time no one would believe what the JSDF are doing today and where. No one can say what Japan will or will not do until the circumstances arise.

The USA, is the greatest menace to world peace, since the Roman Empire..

1000% true !!..

And in the same way that Rome was corrupted and disintegrated, the US will have the same fate.

Not condoning actions of either George Bush, but you two have conveniently & completely washed over bioth the 1914-1918 AND 1939-1945 World Wars of the greater “Axis” that truly were “the greatest menace to world peace since the Roman Empire..”

*- **@***RichardGallagher 12:51pm**: “…apparently failing to comprehend Art. 9 of the Japanese constitution, essentially penned by the USA. The USA, is the greatest menace to world peace, since the Roman Empire.” -

@TokyoLiving 6:12am: “1000% true !!..” -

Btw: ‘Truth’ can only be 100%. - “1000%” is an ‘exaggeration’ and NEVER as credible as ‘Truth’, *oK *?

Correction to the last paragraph @9:49am: Not “exaggeration” but “drama”… Wanted to make oK was clearly understood. - Rreagrds

Japan, like other nations, will always make decisions that are in it's own interests first. Nothing surprising about that. America asked and Japan said no. They had and still have that right.

Australia asked for US participation in East Timor in 1999 and Clinton said no.

There are no guarantees that a friend or ally will help just because you ask for it.

The USA, is the greatest menace to world peace, since the Roman Empire..

1000% true !!..

I would say China is the greatest menace to world peace with Russia a close second.

But then I am neither a supporter of China or Russia so I cant really have their perspective as is stated by others.

Others have accused the US of trying to be the worlds "policeman". Strange that these people consider their police to be the trouble makers and not the guardians of peace, law and order. No wonder so many people leave China and Russia to live in other countries where the Police do not cause trouble.

Although to be fair, US police have to deal with armed civilians legally entitled to carry firearms. They make many poor judgement calls and are often guilty of racial profiling. That can happen when anyone you stop may be armed and dangerous. But better education on race is needed in the US police forces, and less gun carrying permits for ordinary civilians without a clear need for one.

Dear USA,

We helped during Gulf War even though Your to blame for article 9! Japan's pacifism! don't get too strong Japan, America is here! Don't scare China or Koreans with strong military or nuclear weapons!

We already join Quad Alliance and said we will help defend Taiwan. A Taiwan emergency is a Japan emergency. No such support, plans or words from S. Korea.

WW3 happens against Russia and China?? In East Asia Japan is your only Ally and Friend. The one getting hit with all the missiles and weapons that can't reach mainland USA but will reach Japanese cities.

South Korea wants Nothing To Do With Fighting Powerful Countries Like Russia And China!

Japan deserves more help economically after Plaza Accord, and more technology transfer like you do with Australia and UK.

Dear USA,

We already join Quad Alliance and said we will help defend Taiwan. A Taiwan emergency is a Japan emergency. No such support, plans or words from S. Korea.

And no words of support for South Korea from Japan if North Korea or China attacks the South.

WW3 happens against Russia and China?? In East Asia Japan is your only Ally and Friend. The one getting hit with all the missiles and weapons that can't reach mainland USA but will reach Japanese cities.

China and Russia have missiles that can reach anywhere in the USA. Do not think that Japan alone would be hit.

South Korea wants Nothing To Do With Fighting Powerful Countries Like Russia And China!

Japan also prefers not to be in a war with China or Russia.

Japan deserves more help economically after Plaza Accord, and more technology transfer like you do with Australia and UK.

Japan needs to ask for technology transfers that it wants, like the UK and Australia have. It was never just offered. The US provides no economical help to the UK or Australia. Japan is the worlds third largest economy, why does it need financial help? Plus the UK and Australia have provided troops to fight and die along side American forces in multiple wars. Has Japan?

Look at both sides of a discussion and maybe find things you had not realized before.