Do you think Japan can handle North Korea on its own?

Question

After proving to several responders what the Army War College, Jane’s and the CIA thought; I wanted to see what you thought. Many thanks.

Answer 1

I want to be up front with this reply, much of it is by another member southron_98; he is a professor at a Major Ivy League School and answers many question here. My teacher, my dad and uncle used to dislike him and some of his replies. After he took the time to prove his answers they changed their opinions and I asked if I could use one of answers he said no. When he found out who my dad and uncle he changed his mind but I have to do a paper for him, which is fine as he is a neat guy!

Bombing Iran or North Korea would be the end. Bombing Iran would contaminate their and possible other middle East oil supplies; it would solidify the Islamic Movement it would make every other third world country turn against us (so to make sure we could not get the jump on them) we would have daily assassinations and bombing just like they have in Russia and Baghdad.? Bombing Korea would be devastating as China would have no option but to side with them besides militarily China could ruin us economical they hold more paper on us then anyone calling it due, or selling it cheaper[
I would hope not they kicked our butts the first time and would again this time. Don't you all know weapons including nukes mean nothing if you have enough people? During Nam, the NVA overran base after base and all the weapons in our arsenal could not stop them. In October 1950, China entered the Korea war and kicked our butts. They dared us to drop the atomic bombs on them. They knew their population was so large that for us to be able to put a dent in it would have caused so much atomic energy to have been expended the world as we knew it would have ceased to exist. Well, they have even more people now; we would have a hard time using nukes on North Korea, as due to their proximity to South Koreas we would be killing an ally. The North Koreas rolled over the South in 1950 but would have a harder time this time but would prevail. Japan has a non-aggression Constitution but I believe they would have to come to the aid of the South. If not and the North wins and eventually rolling over Japan. I don't think American could stop them this time, too much political correctness plus big brother China. No, North Korea would not be someone anyone should wake up! No, only kids, literates and that bunch of professional losers believe that garbage of aggression. Have you ever wondered why China is everyone friend and why everyone in a political situation listens to them and takes their advise?
By the way this is the Army War College not me.


What is it Soutron_98 says? Oh yea (but he’ll never allow me to borrow another paper) God Bless General Grant, Mr. Lincoln and Our Northern People.

Answer 2

The Japanese have a far superior air and naval force but don't have the ground forces to go head to head with NK.

The Japanese could try to squeeze the North Koreans. There's a huge ethnic Korean population in Japan with family members in NK. They provide massive financial support which the Japanese could easily cut off. The Japanese could enforce a naval and air blockade.

This is all based on the current situation. Any time the Japanese people decide to change the balance of power they can do so. My guess is that 24 months after making the decision Japan could field a very credible nuclear force and a very effective army not long after that.

After reading some of the comments before me I'm amazed by the ignorance.

Answer 3

We the Americans are to defend Japan against all aggressors. In 1945 after Japan surrendered. A Constitution was set up and Japan is to have NO MILITARY AT ALL but they have only a 100 tanks and very little infantry and no Air Force that I know of. Absurdly NOT the Japanese could not defeat North Korea and that's fact

Answer 4

Article 9 of Japan’s 1947 constitution prohibits war or the use of force as a “means of settling international disputes”.
Therefore, any military action on their part would have to be strictly defensive rather than preemptive.

One must consider that any conflict would certainly involve more countries than North Korea and Japan. South Korea would certainly be drawn into any conflict on the Korean peninsula, and China would no doubt support North Korea in any conflict.
The United States would be automatlically involved as we live up to our agreement with South Korea to defend their country in any conflict with or invasion from North Korea which is why we still maintain a force of 35,000 or so troops there.

Answer 5

I think Japan can handle North Korea on it's own... no interference required!

Just for your information:
US spending alone has risen from $296 billion in 1997 to $336 billion in 2002 and $379 billion in 2003. In contrast, Japan spends an average of about $44 billion annually on its military, France about $40 billion, the United Kingdom about $35 billion and China about $26 billion...

Who said Japan has no Military!!!??? They spend more than France, UK and the US feared China in 2004...

Answer 6

Japan is no longer interested in war after losing in World War 2. However, they want to defend their country from aggressors like North Korea whom they consider as a threat.

Answer 7

Not totally but I do think they would do alot of damage to them I doubt north Korea could ever invade Japan.

Answer 8

In a land war, absolutely not. If japan sticks to tatical strikes at key defenses targets and relies heavily on air and navy support then i would say yes but it would be ugly.

Answer 9

Probably, considering that the North Korean army would be swimming there.

Answer 10

No ever since U.S. nuked them, Japan never fought again so they are completely out of pratice and too busy making cars instead of weapons and tanks.