Should Japan strenghten its military with the crap thats going on in Korea?

Question

Whould the US make a fuss about said buildup?Should we have a say in that asian area.

Answer 1

1. Within the framework of its "peaceful constitution," Japan has already built up its utmost military power (250,000 Self Defense Force). However, Japan is not allowed to have offensive weapons such as aircraft carrier, long-range bombers and missiles, and nuclear weapons not to mention.

2. In times of contingency, the SDF will be deployed for the defense of its national territory while the USFJ (40,000+ US Forces in Japan) will attack the belligerence in the region. The SDF is authorized to provide the USF with logistic support around Japan.

3. Don't worry. The U.S. has the biggest say in the entire Asia-Pacific region, politically, militarily and economically. All the AP countries appreciate U.S. commitment for peace and stability in the region.

Answer 2

No, I do not think Japan should engage in any drastic military buildups. This would create a huge arms race in the region, as many nations are still weary of Japan's intentions to become "more involved" in foreign affairs. Keep in mind Japan already has the most powerful navy in Asia, albeit without aircraft carriers, and some of the most well-trained air force pilots in the region. While Japan's military is technically known as a "self-defense force," it is still one of the strongest in the region. In my opinion, America is supporting a military buildup and a new definition for Japan's military forces because they want Japan to commit troops to the peacekeeping efforts in Iraq. This could provide a much-needed relief for the overextended American troops in Iraq, although it will come at a cost to the stability of the region.

Also, the threat of North Korea to Japan comes in the form of potential nuclear warheads and missiles, and not an actual invasion. Japan would be better served by obtaining better and/or newer anti-missile defense systems instead of increasing troop levels, thus giving the likes of China and North Korea the excuse of further increasing its military activities.

As for the question of whether the US should have a say in the area, I'll assume you had the national interest of the US in mind. In this case, definitely yes. The US, like any country, will always be on the lookout for its own best interest. Maintaining stability in Asia goes a long way to providing a secure and safe investment playground for American companies, not to mention a source of cheaper labor for its manufacturers. Therefore, whether we like it or not, America will continue to maintain a presence in the region.

Answer 3

Koolaid said it. Japan have an army but after the WWII, the US government forced the Japanese to place a special feature in their constitution. They can't attack anybody. Their army is only here to defend Japan and they don't have the right to send soldiers in a foreign country.

The fact that they did send non fighting units to Irak caused quite some problems in Japan because the people were against.

Anyway you the US think you have a said anywhere in the world. You are not the Earth saviour.

Answer 4

If I were Japan surrounded by neighbors who were rapidly building and stock piling horribly destructive weapons? Neighbors still pissed off at me for what happened in WWII? I'd make sure I had the most powerful military machine I could muster - and with Japans economy that'd be a pretty powerful army. The U.S. would welcome it. They've even asked the Japanese to take another look at revising their pacifist constitution and Japan is currently taking a serious look at doing so. Its really in their own best interest with things the way they are now.

Answer 5

The US has encouraged Japan to work on it's own self determination. Japan has every right to defend itself from that self serving psychopath in N.Korea. Kim Jong Il may regret his decision to harass Japan. This is a country that will not take five years to get up to speed in defending itself. What is taking N.Korea years to accomplish from a nuclear bomb stand point, Japan will do in months.

In the meantime, Japan has the US to lean on for support in the event it is attacked by N.Korea or any other power, for that matter.

We do have a say when it comes to the protection of the Ryukyu Islands and Okinawa. The US is commited to protect them from any outside aggression that might befall them.

Answer 6

North Korea has very minor nuclear capability. They have just begun testing weapons. Japan and other countries in the area have nothing to worry about.

Answer 7

If YOU were neighbours with North Korea, wouldn't you? It would seem only reasonable given the regime's instability.

The US already has asked Japan to build up its military.

Answer 8

Japan does not have a Military, they have a Defence force. There are several U.S. Military bases there to take care of our Partners in the Pacific

Answer 9

No because after that THEY MAY TAKE OVER THE WORLD. :)They are already a powerful commerce driven country. The USA will fight for them like we do for Korea and all the other countries in the world.

Answer 10

for Japan Yes we (the world) have a say, and Germany we(the world) also have a say.