What are Japan's capabilities militarily?

Question

I ask this question because North Korea's plan to launch a test missile that may go over Japan. If it crashes in Japan, it may see this as a military attack. So I ask what is its capabilities militarily.

I know for a fact that Japan has major potential. After all they have some of the worlds most advanced weapons and they have the worlds second largest economy which means they have a whole lot of money to buy weapons and technology from the U.S.

Answer 1

They are somewhat of a mystery. The real question is how will China react if this scenario plays out. China is against any type of Japanese military. If Japan attacks N Korea then I would bet anything that I own, that China would attack Japan in someway.

Answer 2

It's absolutely true that the ground self-defense force is NOT permitted to use offensive actions! That means that IF NK's missile hits Japan and causes injuries or deaths, Bush will be in a tough spot!!
It's the responsibility of US troops to prevent an invasion of, or an attack on, Japan - because if Japan was taken, America would be next in line!

Of course, most people here are more concerned about possible big earthquakes than about NK. And even THEN no-one takes a lot of notice!!

Personally, I wish America and Japan hadn't told NK NOT to test the missile - because now Kim Jong Il HAS to go through with it, even if he doesn't WANT to!! He HAS to save face!

Diplomacy gone wrong ... what's wrong with playing up to the bloke a bit? He's got very little power, and no-one even knows if he has nuclear weapons or not! Be polite - don't try bossing him around! He's such a BIG head!
; )

Answer 3

Number 2 answer was correct. After the treaty signing in 1945 most bases are now occupied by the USA. The Japanese does have some defense but rely on America to have their 6.

Answer 4

From what I hear from a friend of mine (from Japan) The Self-Defense force is not able to make any offensive actons.They have something like 195,000 in the Army, 50,000 In the Navy and he does not know about the Airforce.

Answer 5

Some scary WW3 starting scenerios there, many of which are possible if somewhat more complicated (more likly China comes to NPRK's aid... maybe by attacking Taiwan?).

In answer to your question though, more than you think... see link:

Answer 6

Just barely enough for basic defense. They rely on the U.S for their defense.