It makes it easier for competitors to paint Japan as a wolf in sheep's clothing. Just because Japan is strong does not mean that it will be aggressive.

This is not the same Japan, it won't be a problem.

Japan Today is never going to invade any of its neighbours. even giving them a hard time is unlikely - just too pacifist and soft. and the balance of power is dramtatically different these days.

Japan with military power is going to be aggressive. Perhaps not in the same way as before but it will be aggressive. It will chose softer targets than before and it will be a sidekick to the US. One of its first targets will be us in Japan. Watch for conscription and more swagger from the military. Watch for nuclear weapons. And watch for a military coup in the event of strong dissent in this country. Abe is pushing the reverse course at full speed.

Some of the best leaders in modern history such as Margaret Thatcher and Reagan held a relatively "aggressive" policy vis a vis international affairs - and they have been credited for not only furthering d'etant with hostile nations, but IN FACT the break down of the Iron Curtain. . . .