DrIzakaya comments

Japan is clearly responding to the security situation in which they find themselves. The hesitancy of the US to involve itself in the current conflicts in the region, the reduction in overall US military power, and the increasing assertiveness shown by both Russia and China place Japan in precarious circumstances. How can anyone blame Japan for increasing its military spending and ability to defend itself and its allies? How can Japan commit to formal alliances with South Korea, South East Asian nations, or other potential allies without the ability to reciprocate in defense matters? Obviously, it is extremely difficult.

In addition, without a normalization of military in Japan, Japanese will continue to be pushed around and abused in international discourse and formal policies of its neighbors. Diplomacy only goes so far without any military might in international affairs that stands behind international policy.

Clearly Japan needs to manage this situation well in order to defend its interests in the region. Japan has not started the Arms race in Asia, however, it must respond to the increased threat China poses to the regional interests. Japan is a third party in the arms race started long ago when China began building military equipment in direct opposition to US might in the region. With the increased reluctance of the US to involve itself in foreign conflicts, the US must begin to burden themselves with the responsibility of defending their borders and interests.

In terms of domestic interest, very rarely do we see domestic populations coalesce around the desire for strong militaries and war. This is not an excuse for Japanese government to avoid the most important function of a federal government - defense from foreign actors.