politics

Japan could be 'main player' if Asia conflicts break out: defense minister

57 Comments
By Harumi Ozawa

Japan could be a key participant if conflict breaks out in Asia, the defense minister said Monday, warning China is seeking to exploit difficulties between allies.

The comments by Itsuno Onodera, who said Japan needs new equipment and must reconfigure its defense, come as Tokyo is embroiled in an ongoing spat with Beijing over disputed territory that has sparked warnings of a possible armed skirmish.

"The crisis that Japan faces now may lead to situations in which the country may have to be involved as a main player," Onodera told a symposium in the capital.

"Before, it was expected that Japan would only be part of a group (involved in any confrontation)," he said, in apparent reference to the U.S.-Japan security alliance.

"Or that a conflict might occur only in areas surrounding the country," he said. "Japan's defense has been designed for that scenario.

"But Japan (now) needs to have a good defense to protect the country, which can mean equipment, new aircraft, defense systems or cyber protection."

Onodera said Tokyo needed to be wary of China's maritime expansion in the South and East China Sea.

"China has made more and more advancement into the seas," he said. "When it did not have as much military capability, China tried to promote dialogue and economic cooperation, setting territorial rows aside. But when it sees a chance, any daylight between a nation and its ally, it makes blunt advancements. This is what is happening and what we should learn from the situation in Southeast Asia."

Onodera's speech came as he readied to head to Brunei to participate in the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+) starting on Wednesday.

The group gathers defense ministers from Southeast Asian nations and eight other regional powers -- Japan, China, South Korea, the U.S., Russia, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Onodera said he will "repeatedly explain Japan's position to his Asian counterparts" and that Tokyo's motives were entirely defensive.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe this year boosted Japan's defense budget for the first time in over a decade against the backdrop of growing concerns among many countries in the region about China.

But any move to strengthen military capabilities rouses hostility and suspicion in the region, much of which labored under the brutal yoke of Japanese occupation until the end of World War II.

Since coming to power in December, Abe has repeatedly made noises about altering Japan's pacifist constitution, which bars the country from offensive action.

The defense ministry last month published a paper saying Japan needed amphibious units and surveillance drones to protect its outlying islands.

Japan's moves come against a backdrop of increasing Chinese activity in waters far from its mainland coast.

The two countries have spent the last year involved in a dispute over the sovereignty of the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands in the East China Sea, which Beijing claims as the Diaoyus.

Vessels and planes from both sides have played cat and mouse in their seas, with some observers warning a slip from either nation could provoke a military confrontation, with possibly wide-ranging ramifications.

On Monday, Tokyo scrambled fighter jets after a Chinese government plane approached airspace Japan claims as it own.

© (C) 2013 AFP

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

57 Comments
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Main player? Main instigator is more like it! Especially if Abe gets the nod on his constitution reforms.

-4 ( +18 / -22 )

Substitute "could" with "would" and you have a self-evident truth. Japan would either be in direct conflict, or would serve as a main logistics hub.

Time for the leaders of Japan to spend some time and political capital on a rational discussion on the threats it faces and the steps necessary to protect the national interest.

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Japan is describing himself as the peace angel for Asia. But ...

-8 ( +11 / -19 )

Onodera sounds like a complete moron. It's not just China that is 'exploiting the situation' if he says this is a key chance for Japan to up its (non) military, is it? Japan is forgetting its past, thanks to its supposed leaders, and once again gearing up for war while blaming it on everyone else as usual.

-9 ( +13 / -22 )

I like how the US Navy posted pictures of it's troops working with Chinese troops in an exercise on FB yesterday.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

I Thinks China's army is "slightly" bigger, and South Korea has been in a state of war for the last 50 years.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Japan is describing himself as the peace angel for Asia. But ...

Japan is not matching its words with deeds.

-7 ( +8 / -15 )

@smithinjapan - Onadera is just stating the bleeding obvious. No-one in the region including Japan was talking military build up or seeking reassurances of US protection prior to the CCP's bogus claims and land-grabs of their neighbour's territories, their provocative military acts, and verbal threats.

The events in Japan of 70+ years ago have no bearing whatsoever on the modern geo-political situation. It has nothing to do with 'forgetting the past', it's about living in the present - something which the CCP (and you) seem to be incapable of grasping.

9 ( +18 / -9 )

If Japan built up its first strike and area denial capabilities, it will definitely be a major player.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

This tiger is painting itself new stripes. Increased military spending and constitutional change. Scary stuff from a war crime apologist prime minister. Hopefully the Japanese people will tell this tool to jump back in the box.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

A field day for the Chinese media and 50 cent army, vindication for the CCP, and more influence for the PLA.

Gokurosan, Onodera-kun

1 ( +7 / -6 )

A war in Asia would be disastrous for all. Must be prevented at all costs.

19 ( +22 / -3 )

Pretty harsh words, don't like where this is headed.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

This tiger is painting itself new stripes. Increased military spending and constitutional change. Scary stuff from a war crime apologist prime minister.

lol, where did you get this info? It's China who increases double digits percentage points on military spending. Japan might do that in the next fiscal year but it would be no more than 2-3%.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

Look at me! That is all this story is about! How can Japan be a Big player? Shrinking population and every nation in the Pacific does remember Japans aggressive and cruel past. It might be a stable rock on witch other nations might use as a base, but a main player? How? The story really does not make a strong case for this.

-9 ( +5 / -14 )

“But Japan (now) needs to have a good defense to protect the country, which can mean equipment, new aircraft, defense systems or cyber protection.”

can be good, but how about talking about peace and ways to achieve that with ur counterparts, as other domestic problems like nuclear leakout, homelessness for tohoku residents, and the domestic economy might be more priority during these days.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Has anyone seen any Japanese news articles about Onodera's comments?

This seems to be the only original source.

http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1299598/japanese-defence-minister-itsunori-onodera-predicts-key-role-conflict

I would really like to know what he said in Japanese. Anyone have any relevant info?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"Japan could be 'main player' if Asia conflicts break out: defense minister"

I would hope for a 30 day advance notice when the conflicts "breakout" so that I can make plane reservations!

6 ( +7 / -1 )

He clearly needs to wake up and see how far the SDF is from being capable to play the role of a "main" player, if you started tomorrow it would still take decades to get a respectable military into service. While we wait the GOJ might want to patch up relationships with other Pacific allies.......

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Choopers but instead of Wagner, play Arashi. That would scare the enemy or at least cause enough chaos. Onodera is right. Otherwise, well, no...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

KuuKu: Yes; let's be all " Diplomatic " right up to the point where North Korea actually loads a WARHead onto their NEXT ICBM. Does ANYONE ON HERE recall the ACT OF War North Korea committed when they launched a rocket across the ENTIRE COUNTRY of Japan's airspace less than SIX MONTHS ago ?! " Good LUCK " over there.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Sounds like he can hardly wait to start 'playing the war game'. Moron. Sadly, war is not a game, and a war in Asia must be prevented at any cost! And I wish the war of words would stop. Who knows where that might lead.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

War is not a game, but those that are not prepared for war are destined to suffer even more. Heck, you can say this is one lesson of all of Japan's imperialist wars can teach.

It is true that Japan's forces also have many deficiencies, but if you compare them to those around Asia ... yeah, they will probably be a main force.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

...cyber protection

Starvengers, launch!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

sooner41Aug. 27, 2013 - 08:19PM JST Never forget the crimes done by the dwarf Japanese in Asia !

Racist crap.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

KuuKu: Yes; let's be all " Diplomatic " right up to the point where North Korea actually loads a WARHead onto their NEXT ICBM. Does ANYONE ON HERE recall the ACT OF War North Korea committed when they launched a rocket across the ENTIRE COUNTRY of Japan's airspace less than SIX MONTHS ago ?! " Good LUCK " over there.

i dont think this article is talking about NK, i think it's talking about the rise of China, i understands that China and NK are friends,,but even China does not really supports NKs actions u talked about. diplomacy is the best solution i think, military build-up can be secondary to that. but i don't think war will happen.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"

Japan started a war on December the 7th 1941 - Only a fool would wish to go through that again - we shall see I guess.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

robin37Aug. 27, 2013 - 10:05PM JST "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" Japan started a war on December the 7th 1941 - Only a fool would wish to go through that again - we shall see I >guess.

And Japan has been a different country for nearly 70 years. WWII is not a valid excuse for China to be posing threat to all of it's neighbors. Today it is China that is similar to the fascist Imperial Japan.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

If by "main player" he means catalyst, then he may be onto something. The way the Abe administration is handling inter-Asia affairs is appalling.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

SecularBeast: "The events in Japan of 70+ years ago have no bearing whatsoever on the modern geo-political situation."

Yeah, none at all. China's not mad about it. North Korea's not mad about it. South Korea's not mad about it. Japan isn't trying to deny it.... yeah, nothing at all.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Being the main player in one's self defense would be natural. But the war machine should be both well tuned and tightly managed to keep it effective and from encroaching upon any other nation.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

smithinjapanAug. 27, 2013 - 11:32PM JST SecularBeast: "The events in Japan of 70+ years ago have no bearing whatsoever on the modern geo-political situation." Yeah, none at all. China's not mad about it. North Korea's not mad about it. South Korea's not mad about it. Japan >isn't trying to deny it.... yeah, nothing at all.

Secularbeast is right. Events that occurred 70 years ago are history whereas events happening today are affecting the geo-political situation as we write. Someone can or can not go to a shrine but that act doesn't physically harm anybody. And being angry about it isn't quite the same as getting injure or killed. That China, and rather disgracefully South Korea, use WWII issues as a political and diplomatic tool is well known to the rest of world, which is far more concerned with real current events which will affect our lives today and in the future. And this includes all the other Asian nations that Japan invaded 70 years ago.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

@smithinjapan - It's been 68 years since the end of Imperial Japan. The main war criminals were executed or imprisoned, endless apologies issued, reparations paid, and trillions of Yen in development capital invested in China and the ROK.

If the ROK, DPRK, and China are still holding grudges after all that, then nothing Japan does will ever please them. Its a bit rich for them to harp on about the sanitized version of history the Japanese teach their children, when they sanitize their own recent histories beyond belief.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

It sounds like some important politicians in Japan are starting to think that in the face of Chinese expansion it is time for Japan to be bolder in her ambitions in Asia. This sounds too familiar and the ASEAN nations will be wary of Japan being completely off the leash, so to speak.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

@OssanAmerica: You wrote excellent analysis. The way China and Korea have been irritating Japan almost daily, Japan must have prepared being attacked by them sooner or later. Onodera knows Japan Inc are way superior than Korea &China which do not have Japanese style inventions. Only they do is to bark at Japan.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Japan depends on trade for a lot of it's energy and lots of exports. Any move by China to dominate the area would have to suck Japan in by definition. It's already been pointed out that Japan would be the logistics hub in any action as well.

China and Korea can whine all they want for all I care but China needs to understand that it's actions mimic Japan's during the run-up to WWII. China needs to turn down the rhetoric by a few notches and stop complaining about how rotten everybody was to them prior to WWII. It's not helping.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

This chest thumping is premature: let Japanese politicians talk about being at the front of any war effort after the USA is no longer bound by treaty to come to Japan's aid in the event of war.

Let the Japanese hawks beat their chests once the US is no longer obligated to come to their rescue--that is, should they still have the appetite for it.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

gaihonjinAug. 28, 2013 - 01:37AM JST It sounds like some important politicians in Japan are starting to think that in the face of Chinese expansion it is time >for Japan to be bolder in her ambitions in Asia. This sounds too familiar and the ASEAN nations will be wary of Japan >being completely off the leash, so to speak.

Japan has no "ambitions" in Asia. The only country that does is China, The threat from China is the main topic on the minds of ASEAN members. The only leash that Japan is on is their own constitution which China is forcing them to change.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Don't be ridiculous, once that Japanese navy leaves Japan's vicinity, they are complete sitting ducks without US escorts.

You're not a main player in solving anything because you're not a normalized nation. First resolve your own problem and constitution, then maybe you can talk louder. A Self Defense Force is in no place to talk about helping others to solve a conflict. However, a regular military force can.

You want to mix it up with the big boys, lose the panties so you can wear the big boys pants.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Allies never came close to pre war levels after WWII. And those occupied countries were with blessing as occupied countries throughout Western Europe, where allies still have a strong military presence. U.S. was unprepared for the Korean war only because no one believed that war would break out there without the permission of Stalin, whereas China had the influence. Had that mistake not been made U.S. military presence would have been stronger there and the occupation troops in Japan would have been more prepared for war as opposed to the policing duties of the occupation. There is a possibly of repeats in East Asia and it's important for Japan to prepare itself as a deterrant of any hostile actions.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

highball7Aug. 28, 2013 - 03:19AM JST Don't be ridiculous, once that Japanese navy leaves Japan's vicinity, they are complete sitting ducks without US >escorts. You're not a main player in solving anything because you're not a normalized nation. First resolve your own problem >and constitution, then maybe you can talk louder

Why? So China can whine and cry about "Japan taking over Asia again" while moving forward to take over Asia themselves?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

I am not proud of how America has behaved in Japan, with accidents and outlandish behavior causing a lot of dissatisfaction among Japanese, especially in Okinawa. Firstly I want to say that those are an extreme minority. They just make the headlines.

While I agree on principal in regards to Japan’s constitutional reform, It’s a bit difficult to trust them at this moment. And I mean “at this moment”. In general Japan can be trusted but with the engagement over the Senkaku Islands (the correct and only name for them—there is no such thing as Daiyou or whatever (I always just skip the part where it says, “Which the Chinese call…”), and there never will be) and frustrations with South Korea, along with threats from North Korea, it would be hard to predict a Japanese military.

I cherish the unorthodox way of Japanese culture but if that gets applied to military, wars will get started.

For now, it’s best that America protects Japan without letting Japan have its own army. But yes, it would be better still if America would do so without causing so much crime. 20 years ago America’s army was just fine. Why did it suddenly change?

It’s a disgrace about to be put right, but for now the important part is that America will absolutely protect Japan from any attack from any nation, including China. And there is a 0% chance China will end up controlling the Senkaku Islands.

L. Spiro

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Nothing wrong with Japan wanting to upgrade its defenses. It doesn't take a genius to realize China is preparing for a war. We need to stay alert and slap that fat dragons head if it gets too bold.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@ Cortes

Any evidence that China is preparing for war? Who is this "we" that you refer to? I live in Japan and don't want any violence towards another nation state.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I am thinking' *Japan Today is not the site to come on and state that China has a right to be the largest aggressor in Asia and claiming up to the shores of its neighbors. There should be no forum in the world where people should see it right for China to be doing such things, not even in China itself where the Chinese people should, but do not understand that these actions by their totalitarian leaders are wrong, but then again they support these guys as leaders, so what does that say about Chinese society of today????

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@falseflag: I believe Crotes mentioned 'we' as Japanese excluding zaainichi gaijins. We as Japan, I believe. Have you checked recent census data?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

falseflagsteveAug. 28, 2013 - 07:13AM JST @ Cortes Any evidence that China is preparing for war? Who is this "we" that you refer to? I live in Japan and don't want any >violence towards another nation state.

This has been going on for the last 10 years. http://rense.com/general38/conflict.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-16063607 http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/01/18/19-Jan-13-World-View-China-s-directive-to-the-People-s-Liberation-Army-Get-Ready-for-War http://www.voanews.com/content/chinas-peoples-liberation-army-pla-prepare-for-war/1585348.html

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Ossan,

Why would or should Japan care about China's opinion concerning about Japan's own constitutional amendment? Why are you so obsessed about China's opinion? So if China says no, are you going to kotow to them and yield.

Japan's military is completely dependent on US. Meaning Japan's national security is completely dependent on US. How can Japan be a main player ON its own without big brother watching your back? Your current constitutional even forbids you to engage in non-Japan or non-Japanese peripheral security related matters. How can Japan be a player in Asia. Asia doesn't revolve around Japan. Japan is a tiny yet economically powerful country within the periphery of Asia.

Change your constitution, then talk. Before that, nothing Japan says about being a player or what not matters. No one cares about a barking dog on a leash so to speak. Take off that leash, meaning article 9, then talk all you want.

You can post and claim any articles that serve your agenda. The rest of the world don't care about empty talks. Until there is concrete action for absolute change, none of this matters.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@smithinjapan you just love being the instigator here don't you. Your rhetoric is that Japan intends to amend the constitution so that it can WAGE war. Japan would still be pacifist but it's not going to be a push over. As if Japan is going to say 'please come in' when Chinese or the Koreas military is knocking at the doors. Everyone in Japan knows China and Korea governments wants to inflict harm on Japan. They want payback and their grudge is the proof.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yes Japan will be a major player as we will be dominate the aggression towards our neighbours.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I would hope that armed conflict may be avoided. China can lose ten soldiers for every one of Japan's and still prevail handily. Japan's population is ageing and declining rapidly. China has nuclear weapons that would take Japan years to make and the population is less densely distributed, making it less vulnerable to nuclear attack than Japan. Compared to today, Japan was much stronger militarily than China in 1937. How, pray tell, did Japan's role as a main player work out for it then? Learn from the past and survive, Japan.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@warnerbro: I hope the war will be avoided, too. Poor Chinese people who will be dratfted will loase their life. Japan? using tts technological supeiority, it will create none-human involved war equipment, Try None human sacrifice.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

highball7Aug. 29, 2013 - 01:21PM JST Ossan, Why would or should Japan care about China's opinion concerning about Japan's own constitutional amendment? >Why are you so obsessed about China's opinion? So if China says no, are you going to kotow to them and yield.

It doesn't. Why does China care so much about what Japan does with it's own consitution? And I am not obsessed with China's opinion. But China is obsessed with anything pertaining to Japan.

Japan's military is completely dependent on US. Meaning Japan's national security is completely dependent on US. >How can Japan be a main player ON its own without big brother watching your back?

You obviously have no idea how the US-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty works. Japan is responsible for safeguarding it's own borders. It ids also highly questionable if China could take on the JMSDF alone in a limited engagement over these little islands. China is a big nuclear power that enjoys bullying it's smaller neighbors. If China wants to play hardball they will have to answer to the United States.

Your current constitutional even forbids you to engage in non-Japan or non-Japanese peripheral security related >matters. How can Japan be a player in Asia. Asia doesn't revolve around Japan. Japan is a tiny yet economically >powerful country within the periphery of Asia.

"My" constitution is that of the United States. The Japanese constitution in it's current state does not prohibit Japan from such activities. I presume you are unaware of Japan's mine clearing operations after Gulf War I or it's current participation against the Somali pirates.

Change your constitution, then talk. Before that, nothing Japan says about being a player or what not matters. No one >cares about a barking dog on a leash so to speak. Take off that leash, meaning article 9, then talk all you want.

You can post and claim any articles that serve your agenda. The rest of the world don't care about empty talks. Until there is concrete action for absolute change, none of this matters. It's also obvious that you do not understand what this Article is saying, Japan does not "want" to be a main player. It is China's aggressive behavior that is forcing it to become a main player. China has freely talked of waging war on Japan. Read the links I posted. China itself is forcing Japan to change it's constitution. Well done.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Ossan,

I haven't seen China changing its constitution, military, economy, or anything to cater or counteract Japan. In fact, the only times Japan's names comes up are with the disputed islands these days if you read any of those English news sites. They don't even bother to mention Japanese economy or corporate in China anymore. The only thing they mention is the annual Yasukuni visits which is almost a formality. Where do you see this obsession from China because I don't.

To the contrary , the only side that is trying desperately to make diplomatic and economic contact with China is coming from Japan. The Chinese don't even acknowledge you in the international stage and the only type of meeting Japan can get is a standing one that last 2 minutes.

Where is the obsession?

US-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty is an uneven treaty. I think you are the one misunderstanding it. Japan is responsible for safeguarding its own is a no-brainer. Its not part of any treaty, its simply its own responsibility as a nation. Don't try to muddle the issue. The key is when Japan is engaged in warfare with a foreign nation, what/who instigated the matter will be determined by the US on whether it is bound to defend Japan. If Japan attacked say Philippines or Taiwan or South Korea based on whatever issues between the aforementioned party, US is NOT obligated to defend Japan.

And when it comes to whether China can take Japan one on one. As you've mentioned, China is a nuclear power. So that answers your question or doubt. Japan stands no chance really. All these Pac III and Aegis defense system won't matter because you guys are too close to each other. No early warning system can prepare for a mass or saturation attack. And of course IF China wants to play hardball as an INSTIGATOR, they will have to answer not just to US but everyone. But China isn't playing the instigator, they are claiming to be victims and they've at the very least got an argument in a dispute. When the word dispute arise, who started the fight becomes merky and this so called mutual defense pact comes under scrutiny. Statutorily, only if the disputed islands are within the sovereign rights of Japan that would count within the statutory defense pact. Not administrative rights.

I think you got this all wrong here.

Its obvious that you are talking about Japan's constitution. At least from almost every post you write, you give the impression that you are Japanese. Not American. American just don't hold or support ultra-conservatism and neo-nationalistic movement in Japan because that disturbs the status quo.

But if you want to claim that "your" constitution is the US, then you better be prepared to explain your position since I'm so what of an expert on constitutional law. Japan's current constitution ABSOLUTELY prohibits it from interfering with periphery military warfare non-related to Japan's national security. That's part of the reason why Abe wants an amendment. It is also why the US deemed Japan as a somewhat reluctant ally because everytime we move, you hide behind that article.

Take this incoming Syrian situation, can Japan join in an allied force led by US and France? No, and that's a resounding NO. Japan can help logistically but it cannot fire a single missile or bullet towards the Syrians bound by its current constitution. You really need to check your facts on this.

Lastly, of course I can post and serve my agenda, no body cares but many posters tend to agree. We are all empty talkers here since none of us are decision makers at that stage.

You are just obsess with China, which is what I pointed out. I think that part is true since you can't stay away from China on every single post about Japan's diplomacy impending changes. Contrary to your obsession, I think Japan had wanted to make these changes irrespective of China or anyone else. This had been discussed since the 70s. Its just that Japan never had an excuse or the national voter's support to make such change. And using China which instigated by Ishihara led and sparked this national discourse and ultimately gave the right-wing Neo-Nationalist a platform for mobilizing such support for this change.

Its not about China at all, China is only a pawn on what these politicians wanted to do. They want to get rid of the stigma or a submissive Japan always playing the obedient child of the US. And they want to build up an extremely lucrative Defense Industry which Japan already has the platforms and technology for. That the goals of these neo-nationalist and the conglomerates behind their support. People like you and voters like you just get sucked into that cesspool thinking you've got it all figured out.

I can careless about what China does to Japan. I don't think the Chinese care much about Japan either. I think they got bigger fish to fry. I do care about China's economy and military development on how it would affect the US. And by that stance, that's really where Japan comes in as part of the defense and containment shield. If Japan wants to rebuild its military, I don't have a problem with that so long as you buy Americans. I don't think we will allow you to develop offensive weaponry on your own. So, win -win for us. It is well done indeed.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

U.S. troops in Japan are to be fence sitters to enjoy the show? Maybe, that's how the event will evolve. Washington is cajoling Tokyo into buying many Ospreys ($60 million per aircraft) and the U.S. Marines are strenuously teaching SDF troops amphibious skills for retaking an offshore island.

So, it'll become more and more apparent that this excessive U.S. military presence is not for the defense of Japan but for the defense of U.S. interests and hegemony by continued Occupation. The post-World War II Occupation Forces headed by McArthur have skillfully transformed into the now euphemistically called USFJ, pretending to be stationed at Japan's request under the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.

Japan seems to be taking the worst step imaginable toward difficulties and hardships on the international stage. The only solution is for the powers that be to re-confirm the Peace Constitution and be truly honest to history. Mr. Prime Minister, your revisionist agenda won't work for "beautiful" Japan.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

OssanAmerica: We oldtimers know you are not Japanese but you are asked to change /american constitution !! Sometimes. humorous here, Once, one idiot wrote I should go back to my native country Korea. You always write without bias so expect some confused idiot will write like that. Ignore them. Just write info to let us be educated on issues. Japanese old lady who lives in USA, not Korean or Chinese.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan could be 'main player' if Asia conflicts break out: defense minister

LDP is selling a Constitution Reform package to Japanese voters. Be alert that the way it is, Japan could be a "main player" in the Middle East conflicts that will be the next WW3. I am glad you are not changing the constitution yet, you can still have a good excuse to the world not sending Japanese troops. Be alert!!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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