Why is Japan still limited to only building a military for self-defense?

Question

It's been 60 years and they are a beneficial ally of the US. Wouldn't it be easier to allow them to fend for themselves which they are very capable of doing?

Answer 1

As others have said their constitution was rewritten, largely by the US, and they became a democracy with a figurehead emperor and their military developement was restricted. This was a total change for the Japanese society, akin to trying to give democracy a chance in Iraq. The difference is that in Japan we had massive occupation forces, we had bombed them and their industrial complexes into oblivion but they had a large, motivated, semi-trained work force which with lots of direct aid and indirect support from the USA was developed into a world leading manufacturing economy. (It's a shame but was predicted beforehand that this would not work in Iraq.) Now, IMO, they should not only 'fend for themselves' but should be compelled to contribute to the US treasury an appropriate amount to pay for our defense of their country for the last 50+ years. In their favor it should be noted that they have sent token troops as members of international coalitions already. I believe that the Japanese people, now mitigated by generations of democracy and capitalism are very trustworthy and would be an excellent ally to have. In fact, I'd rather have them as the second world super power, if another must develope, or at least as a second teir world power on whom we might call for support.

Answer 2

Since the end of World War II Japan has been prohibited from having a large scale military.

Answer 3

Its part of their constitution of non agression. WW2 Japan was a very violent and bloodthirsty country. They dont want to go back to what they once were.
There military today is only for self defense, but im certain if push came to shove they would stand up and defend themselves quite well.

Answer 4

Hey artimis,
Japan is limited, by terms of surrender, and by military occupation, to military-for-self-defense-only, because they cannot ever again be trusted not to build another empire and to try to take over the world by use of military force!!!!! While they are an ally, it is only by reluctant agreement, and I fail to find anything beneficial about it. 60 years is not enough! Maybe after 600 years or 6000 years, they might be trustworthy again, but I doubt it.

Answer 5

Because they slaughtered and raped millions of Chinese in Nanking alone! Millions more in other Chinese cities. They were right there with Hitler as far as body-count. Hitler was killed, but the Emperor kept right on ruling after the war was over. China and Korea would definitely block any Japanese military build-up. They'll get their military back one day, but why spend all of that investment money on troops and smartbombs? They let us do it for them!

Answer 6

The Japanese now are a pacifist nation and indeed only have a self defensive military to maintain its sovereignity.The Japanese would now rather spend its money on making its society modern and its people prosperous rather than buy bombs and bullets.
Its just a pity most western governments dont act the same way.

Answer 7

They already have started to change their military , I read the asian news report on that yesterday .

Answer 8

because they have a constitution that only allows them to arm themselves in self defense against godzilla attacts

Answer 9

Because they have Godzilla to fight their wars for them.

Answer 10

Because the world knows you can never trust a nip with a gun