Tokyo and Canberra quietly reach a major security milestone
Japan and Australia reached a major milestone in their security relationship when, for the first time ever, the SDF executed an "asset protection" mission with a non-U.S. military unit.
Understanding Japan’s ‘positive list’ approach to security
The new legislation eliminated the need for special measures laws for the types of operations the SDF had engaged in since 2001 and added new provisions for limited collective self-defense.
Bill to amend law on vote to revise Japan's Constitution likely to pass Diet
The pro-revision ruling Liberal Democratic Party agreed Thursday to a request from the opposition to adjust the draft law, clearing its path.
Abe’s last national security legacy for Suga to complete
Tokyo is contemplating setting a new direction for national security policy to cope with missiles targeting Japan.
Is the Article 9 labyrinth merely academic?
Numerous creative theories have been read into the Constitution's no-war clause by scholars over the years.
China asks Japan to maintain 'exclusively defense-oriented' policy
China on Wednesday asked Japan to maintain its "exclusively defense-oriented" policy under the war-renouncing Constitution, as some Japanese ruling lawmakers have called for Tokyo to acquire the ability to attack foreign bases. "Because of historical reasons, Japan's military security trends have always received the attention ...
Now's not the time to debate constitutional revision
The government should focus on coming up with policies to help citizens weather the COVID-19 crisis.
Coronavirus overshadows milestone as Abe marks 3,000 days in office
Abe is also battling against time as Tokyo is counting down to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
Article 9, ittaika and Japan's liaison officer corps
The Constitution's Article 9 has shaped the SDF in ways that are deeper than most observers, analysts and policymakers realize.
Komeito, the 20-year-old security watchdog
Komeito wields influence in major security policy decisions, especially the one that has most Japan-watchers intrigued: constitutional amendment.
How socialism and the left wing failed in Japan
Three decades ago, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Malta Summit signified the end of the Cold War and the defeat of left-wing forces, including the socialists and communists. The communists lost power in the East, and the socialist parties in the West ...
Tetsu Nakamura's death in Afghanistan exposes a gap of perception in Japan
Following the assassination of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura in Afghanistan earlier this month, the government of Afghanistan held a memorial ceremony for him as his body was delivered to the airplane that would take it out of the country. President Ashraf Ghani was one of ...
