An advisory body on security and defense submitted a report to Prime Minister Taro Aso on Aug. 4, calling for a review of Japan's defense-only posture, the traditional stance on the right to collective self-defense, and the weapons export ban. If proposals in the report are implemented, they would undermine the foundation of Japan's defense policy.

The report's ultimate goal seems to be the removal of constitutional restraints on the Self-Defense Forces' activities. The government plans to incorporate the proposals in the fiscal 2010-2014 National Defense Program Outline. Given the historical and current context surrounding Japan, following the report's proposals would be unwise.

The report says that the 1957 basic national defense policy can no longer serve as a concrete guideline for defense planning. It also says that since the defense-only posture can be interpreted "too widely," its meaning should be redefined.