Officials stay calm over Aso's 'collective self defense' remark

Monday 29th September, 05:09 AM JST

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USNinJapan2 at 09:05 AM JST - 29th September

It's about damn time. Collective Self Defense needs to be officially approved and applied. Without it Japan cannot be an effective ally to anyone.
timorborder at 09:22 AM JST - 29th September

Am I smart or what? When Aso became prime minister, I commented that he is probably the dumbest PM since Zenko Suzuki. Looking at this story, the argument becomes even more valid. Back in the early 1980s when talking about the Japan-US Alliance, Suzuki wedged his foot firmly in his mouth when talking about Japan's ability to defend the SLOCs (sea lines of communication) around Japan as part of collective defense arrangements with the US. Although I dont remember the exact distance (that Suzuki said Japan was willing to defend to), I do remember that with this one comment, Suzuki turned Japanese defense policy on its head. Somebody with more time on their hands might want to research the issue further. Anyway, it is good to see Aso acting so dumb.
tkoind2 at 09:36 AM JST - 29th September

Aso is just another would-be goose stepping fascist wishing to take Japan back to her "glory" days of being soundly crushed in a hopelessly outmatched war.

Why do these guys dream about a militaristic Japan? 1. WWII was lost before the first shot was fired at an Allied power. 2. Japan's military might was largely an illusion of propaganda, afterall the guy with the resources to build more ships and planes wins. Period. Japan was defeated by this factor before he war began. 3. Japan's military performance was like much of its current performance, bogged down by a lack of good leadership, poor initiative by the average guy and red tape that could stretch from here to the next planet and back.

So Aso, if you do manage to get Japan back to a shoot first and "defend" herself policy, just what do you plan to do with that? Join us in Iraq or Afghanistan with weapons off safety? Fight it out with Russia or China over some dispute?

Look around Aso. Japan is a nation of people who would simply not go to war for any reason other than a direct invasion by someone else. And even then, you would have a hard time finding good soldiers. People here, other than your loud music playing friends, have zero interested in military might outside their PSP or Wii boxes.

Why don't you spend your time and energy on things that Japan needs? Like helping out the masses of elderly, sorting out work conditions for tired overworked people etc...

Aso you will be as useless as Fukuda, only more annoyingly so. At least I take comfort knowing you may be the death of the LDP with your actions. Little but at least some comfort.
soldave at 10:05 AM JST - 29th September

Won't be long before we have the emperor's picture in every home, classroom and workplace.
jeancolmar at 10:19 AM JST - 29th September

No surprise. Aso is a militarist and rightist ultranationalist. Only instead of a sound truck he has the media. Collective self-defense, so-called, means is that if Aso and his LDP pals have their way Japan will be going to war on behalf of the United States. Do you want to die for the US? Soon we may all be put in harm's way.
Hughgarse at 11:16 AM JST - 29th September

who sometimes puts his foot in his mouth

thats an understatement
Betting at 11:57 AM JST - 29th September

I most sincerely regret that the "modern" Japan constitution had article 9 included in it, it is probably one of the greatest mistakes of the 20th century. If it was never included Aso wouldn't need to make any lame comments such as in the article above saving himself from another gaffe.

Plus it probably would have allowed Japan to become a more effective and responsible member of the Asian community.
TonyUS at 02:50 PM JST - 29th September

I find it funny some in Japan worry about having to fight for the US.At teh same time making it imposible for Japan to even fight for itself.. What stupid logic is that?
dennis0bauer at 03:34 PM JST - 29th September

Now we know why Nakayama was in the cabinet, they both are known for saying things without thinking.
apecNetworks at 04:45 PM JST - 29th September

This may get me into trouble, but there is more to this issue of "collective self defense" than what is being presented.
TokyoVP at 08:40 PM JST - 29th September

Does anyone believe that if Japan changed the policy on collective self-defense that a real treaty of obligation to defend another ally would suddenly be approved by the Diet? This debate is over "what if" not signing a new security treaty with the US that has real commitments. Japan would still have no obligation to defend any nation without a corresponding treaty.
usaexpat at 11:38 PM JST - 29th September

Revise the constitution and allow Japan to take responsiblity for its own defense. It's about time Japan become a full citizen of the world. The reason most people have supported article 9 as long as they have is that it makes the citizenry feel like the Swiss and the politicians save a boat load of money by allowing the US to keep the wolves at bay.
OssanULTRA at 12:09 AM JST - 30th September

This is beyond the usual foot-in-mouth issue for Aso. He's touched on a vitally important suvject and defines whether Japan will remain a US ally, or will become a China appeaser. If Japan accepts collective defense during his term in office watch how much China will vilify Aso.
OssanULTRA at 01:58 AM JST - 30th September

I don't know if or when the current US-Japan defense treaty is up for renewal but maybe it would be a good idea to start dropping hints that we may not want to renbew unless Japan agrees to collective defense. If someone attacks me you help me, but if someone attcks you I'll just stand here and watch isn't exactly a fair arrangement.
Shumatsu_Samurai at 04:13 PM JST - 2nd October

I salute Aso for saying what needs to be said. Japan needs to admit to the principle of collective self-defence - otherwise why would countries stick their necks out for Japan?

Time Japan bit on the bullet and moved on.