Despite polls showing vast public disapproval, ongoing protests on a scale not seen in decades, and scores of scholars disputing its constitutionality, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's signature security legislation has passed both houses.
Before I go on, a caveat: I understand why Japanese people might object to an American speaking up about their country's security issues. After all, it was Americans who wrote Japan's Constitution and now it is Americans calling for rewriting the policy they produced. Clearly, some might prefer we Americans just keep out of it.
So I will. Though writing about the security bill, I will not mention my own opinion. I am, in fact, opposed to the oxymoronic approach called "collective self-defense," but I will not tell you so. Similarly, I will not explain my reasoning. For example, "Japan has few enemies. Active military collaboration with a country with many enemies like the U.S. only increases Japan's peril" is something I will not write. Furthermore, "If Japan wishes to increase its military strength to preserve the balance of power, will it not have to develop nuclear capabilities to contain a nuclear armed opponent?" is exactly the kind of pointed question I will not ask.