Some readers' letters in response to Debito Arudou's Oct. 2 Just Be Cause column, "Revisionists marching Japan back to a dangerous place":

As a professional in international politics and security, and a longtime resident in Japan, reading Arudou's column, I sincerely hoped most people would not be duped into thinking he knew what he was talking about.

Your concerns that Japan is returning to the militarism of the early Showa Era borderline on the ridiculous. The term "happō bijin" has negative connotations, and is hardly something that Japan should strive for in its foreign policy. While some politicians may push for a greater degree of assertiveness, the overwhelming public sentiment that emerges when the JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Force) undertakes any operation overseas (Indian Ocean refueling, etc.) is fretful and negative.