The very fact that the United States is in such a receptive mood on this issue is frightening. It's quite possible the U.S. is expecting Japanese troops to fight alongside American troops on the battl

funny, if so it's time to station Japanese troops in Texas (!)

The very fact that the United States is in such a receptive mood on this issue is frightening. It's quite possible the U.S. is expecting Japanese troops to fight alongside American troops on the battlefield.

no sh*t sherlock!

More left wing poppycock - it's clear that this gentlemen hasn't invested the time to actually read the new defense guidelines - but I suppose as a left wing politician, that is to be expected.

Fight along side US troops - yes, in defense of Japan when it is attacked by an aggressor. The guidelines do not allow Japanese troops to be deployed to fight in overseas locations, though they can provide logistical support, and support such as mine-sweeping.

What it does allow is for JSDF to help defend US forces when they are attacked helping defend Japan prior to declaration of an Armed Attack Situation - before the new guidelines, a JSDF ship could not attack a third country vessel that was attacking a nearby US ship - even though it was in Japanese waters and helping defend Japan.

It's more like the U.S. is expecting Japanese troops to fight IN PLACE OF American troops on the Battlefield.

In China.

The very fact that the United States is in such a receptive mood on this issue is frightening.

The very fact that Japan protests the US presence on okinawa yet expects the americans to forefront japan's security is just as frightening.

It would be nice if the free-loaders starting stepping up and pulling their weight, but 'll believe it when (if) I see it.

The US is broke. Japanese will be dying as mercenaries for the US pretty soon. Hope 18 year olds realize this, and use their new voting rights to end the madness.

@lincolnman I don't know, I find it confusing. Left wing? Hashimoto's party? More like the Tea Party I thought. But maybe that's what makes them anti-military engagement? In any case, everyone's a hypocrite on this issue since not changing article 9 just means unquestioning support for U.S. military policy anyway. Changing 9 might give Japanese a choice (or the illusion of one). Not changing just means they remain a satellite and host and yes-man/person. No?

The Japanese do not want to fight. They just want to make sure they have the right to protect themselves.

They already have that right. That's what the JSDF is for.

It's quite possible the U.S. is expecting Japanese troops to fight alongside American troops on the battlefield.

Really? Ya think?