REARMING of JAPAN

[Kolaps]

So defending oneself is mistake to you people? really?

It's not China who held world largest military training, multiple times, simulating an invasion to China.

 

[Zero_wing]

It's not China who held world largest military training, multiple times, simulating an invasion to China.

Not true china had huge military training with Russia and china is the largest military and invasion it would not make any sense to invade china its china who is doing all and china even has nuke arsenal too and huge army plus a billions of reserve any halfwit can say that china is the up to no good true we have military excuses but its natural its been done since 1950 so its nothing new so your accusations like all china accusations are simply false and illogical

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012

Even more than meltdowns; this election is essentially about Japan's war-renouncing Constitution

By ROGER PULVERS
Special to The Japan Times

This is the 15th general election I have witnessed since coming to live in Japan in 1967, and by any standards it is the most crucial one of those for this country.

Only once before have I regarded an upcoming general election in the same way, and that was in 2009. On that occasion, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which had had a virtual monopoly in government for more than half a century, was ousted by the seemingly more progressive Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

But alas, as has become all too clear, the emphasis was on "seemingly" rather than "progressive"; and the country is now faced with two iconic issues that were not to the fore in the last election: the continuance or abandonment of nuclear energy; and the status and future role of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

The agendas of the two main parties — the DPJ and LDP — on nuclear energy are not significantly far apart; and when you add in that of the Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), you get a broad pro-nuclear consensus from the leading political groupings. (While the DPJ has expressed a desire to phase out nuclear energy in the 2030s, few indeed believe there is any guarantee the party would stick to its vague plan.)

The conglomeration of small parties under the banner of the new Nippon Mirai no To (Japan Future Party [JFP]), established late last month by Shiga Prefecture Gov. Yukiko Kada, is positively committed to the disuse of nuclear energy by 2022; but the JFP's chances of gaining power are nonexistent, despite much popular support for their platform. The likely outcome is a victory for the LDP, which is committed to restarting virtually all reactors.

This leaves the other issue, that of the role of the armed forces, as the defining one — defining, because it will determine the role Japan will play in defense and world security in the coming years. I would assume that in Beijing, Seoul and other capitals in the region, this will be the most closely watched election in decades.

Shinzo Abe, president of the LDP and the man most likely to be the next prime minister of Japan, has made his stance clear on the status and role of the military. On the satellite TV channel BS11's popular "Mirai Vision (Future Vision)" program on Sept. 3, 2011, he gave three reasons why Japan must amend the explicitly war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution:

First, because it was handed down by U.S. Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers during the 1945-52 postwar Occupation.

Second, because it is more than 60 years old and hence "is not appropriate" for the 21st century.

Third, because Japanese people should change it by their own hand, turning it into "our Constitution."

During the long interview, Abe — who was prime minister for nearly a year in 2006-07 — stressed that "the guarantee of security is the life of the people. A military force is needed to defend the country." He would refashion the Jieitai (JSDF) — that were formed in 1954 and comprise the Ground, Maritime and Air SDFs) — into a Kokubogun (National Military).

The key character when the latter is written in kanji, rather than the Roman alphabet, is "gun" — which means "military," "army" or "forces." It has a distinctly prewar ring to it.

Article 9 states that Japan "(aspires) sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order." It renounces war "and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes."

Truly, this is the most awe-inspiring and revolutionary article dealing with defense and belligerency in the constitution of any nation on Earth.

Abe's stated goal is to revise downward the rule authorizing the government to call a national referendum— from two-thirds to a simple majority of Upper House and Lower House members of the Diet — and to then call one to amend Article 9 of the Constitution and turn the JSDF's branches into military forces capable of carrying out offensive action "in the name of defense."

If Abe becomes prime minister, it is almost certain that he will adopt a more confrontational position toward China, South Korea and Russia on the three territorial issues of dispute with those countries.

He will no doubt aggressively pursue the abduction issue with North Korea — an issue he previously exploited as prime minister by meeting publicly with the parents of the abductee Megumi Yokota, just as U.S. President George W. Bush met with and manipulated the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, stirring up faux patriotism in pursuit of his own agenda as commander-in-chief.

The tragedies of terror attacks on individuals and occupied buildings are horrible enough without the indecent use of victims as commiseration pawns.

Despite the sham rhetoric of national prestige that underpins the LDP stance, there is no way in the world that a strategy of confrontation will work vis-à-vis the stubborn nationalism of Japan's neighbors. The only means to settle these territorial and abduction disputes is through prolonged negotiation based not on in-your-face assailment but on persuasion and compromise leading to the securing of mutually beneficial strategic outcomes.

If the LDP wins this election and goes ahead with its plans to recast the military — subject, of course, to half Japan's eligible referendum voters agreeing — then the only thing that can be expected is heightened aggravation from neighbors and the rattle of slogans leading to violence.

Abe is as poor a historian as he is a judge of strategy.

While it is true that the Constitution was drafted by a team established under the auspices of the Allied Occupation authorities, and was presented to the Japanese government by them, that was done primarily to ensure the viability of the Emperor as head of state — something that Japanese politicians and bureaucrats alike considered their primary concern.

There were popular moves afoot in Japan at the beginning of 1946, when the Constitution was written, to formulate a so-called People's Constitution — one that reflected the anti-Imperial sentiment pervading Japanese society at the time.

Had this been allowed, MacArthur feared the status of the Emperor might be forsaken — a personage he was in a hurry to protect not only from popular sentiment but also from the belligerent anti-Imperial position taken by certain of the United States' allies in the Occupation — primarily Australia and the U.S.S.R.

Japanese officials considered Article 9, the so-called peace clause, a reasonable price to pay to protect their beloved monarch.

As for Article 9 not being suited to the exigencies of our century, the truth is precisely the opposite.

Violent clashes of military force backed up by the threat of nuclear devastation may, on the odd occasion, allow a country to plant its flag on some territory or other. But this only adds to the injury of pride later on, providing a future bone of contention that sticks in the loser's throat. The only lasting peace is one fashioned through mutual and advised consent.

To refute Abe's third point, that Japanese people must have a Constitution of "their own," I would cite one of the greatest statesman of the era, and one who was intimately involved in the constitutional dilemma of 1946.

Jiro Shirasu, a Cambridge University graduate and fluent English speaker who produced the first Japanese-language draft of the Constitution, said this: "Whether it was forced on us or not, should we not accept it in a straightforward manner? When something is good, it's good. ...

"It was in our era that we prosecuted the stupid war, so aren't we obliged to feel more acutely the responsibility for losing it so badly?"

If Abe becomes the next prime minister, the threat of Japan becoming involved in another "stupid war" becomes real.

That the Constitution has overseen peace and prosperity in Japan for more than 65 years is a tribute to its validity. Destroy that and all Asia may plunge into nationalistic clashes and cross-border turmoil.

Article 9 of the Constitution is not only the mainstay of Japan's integrity — it is the hope of all Asia. This election may be key to deciding its future once and for all.

I'm up for Japan Rearming itself again. Lets hope that Abe isn't stupid enough to start "another war in the pacific."

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012

76% of election winners support revising Article 9

Two-thirds majority needed to amend 'peace' charter
Kyodo

About 76 percent of the 454 winners in Sunday's Lower House election who responded to a Kyodo News survey during the campaign seek revision of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution.

Approval by those 343 winners would fulfill the requirement for constitutional amendments, for which at least two-thirds of the Lower House has to vote yes.

But such a motion must also be supported by two-thirds of the Upper House.

Article 9 stipulates that Japan forever renounces war.

Of the 454 winners Sunday, 45.6 percent called for total revision of the Constitution, 30.0 percent sought partial changes, including to Article 9, 16.1 percent demanded partial amendments to sections other than Article 9 and 4.6 percent were opposed to any revision.

Among the respondents, 81.1 percent advocate lifting the self-imposed ban on Japan's right to exercise collective self-defense.

On issues not pertaining to the Constitution, 66.5 percent were against joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade talks.

Of the respondents, 39.2 percent said the Constitution should be amended to enable Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense, 41.9 percent called for a review of the constitutional interpretation to that end and 15.0 percent were opposed to lifting the ban.

On the U.S.-led TPP negotiations, 24.9 percent said Japan should join the talks. Of the respondents from the Liberal Democratic Party, which scored an overwhelming victory to return to power, 84.3 percent were against the country's entry into TPP talks and 9.6 percent backed it.

On Japan's energy policy, 61.9 percent of the 454 respondents said the country should gradually reduce its reliance on nuclear power, while 10.1 percent called for a swift departure from nuclear power and 9.7 percent said Japan should not hurry to abandon reactors.

Some 77.5 percent backed the current plan to double the consumption tax to 10 percent, while 19.4 percent were opposed.

In a multiple-answer question on priority issues among challenges faced by Japan, 96.9 percent cited the economy and job creation, 44.9 percent pointed to foreign policy and security issues, and 44.7 percent selected social security system reform.

As for the stalled Japan-U.S. plan to relocate U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within Okinawa, 81.7 percent said the facility should be transferred within the prefecture as planned, 5.9 percent said it should be moved abroad and 3.3 percent said it should be relocated to another part of Japan.

The 454 consist of 280 LDP members, 55 from the Democratic Party of Japan, 45 from Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), 31 from New Komeito, 18 from Your Party, eight each from Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and the Japanese Communist Party, two from the Social Democratic Party, one each from New Party Daichi and Kokumin Shinto (People's New Party), and five independents.

Well now look what we have here. It seems the repealing of Article 9 is getting closer

 

[auspice]

China better hope the Japanese don't militarize their country. America is restraining Japan. If America is not there to hold Japan back Japanese war ships might have already destroyed the Chinese Navy. Japan does not do "little wars" like China. They go all in or not at all. Objective being the total destruction of their enemies. China over reached and showed their hand to early. Now Japan is quietly building up their military. Japan is also helping other Asian countries with their military capabilities. Japan will arm Asian countries against China, the Japanese are in the process of lifting the ban on export of military equipment. Modifying Article 9. The Japanese are quietly preparing for war. If war starts the Chinese will fight on multiple fronts.

If Japan is pushed to the wall, this nation could become a nuclear power in the region in a blink of an eye. Only a blessing from the US and all is done. It's only the post war constitution (mandated by US as victor) of Japan that prohibits them to develop military force that could be a threat to the region. But if the security of the region is threatened by other nation, Japan could be the best defense for the US. China is emerging as a villain and territory grabber.

 

[Type 052D]

If Japan is pushed to the wall, this nation could become a nuclear power in the region in a blink of an eye. Only a blessing from the US and all is done. It's only the post war constitution (mandated by US as victor) of Japan that prohibits them to develop military force that could be a threat to the region. But if the security of the region is threatened by other nation, Japan could be the best defense for the US. China is emerging as a villain and territory grabber.

And do what? Launch an naval offensive. No one will send their Boys to die for a Island nation that has 1/3 of the economy of Iran (a sanctioned nation as-well). Heck on what ground would the 6th Fleet of USN or the JMSDF would rescue your artificial nation. It seems that you forgot that this is the nuclear age and the era of globalization. If China falls, USA would have no hope of recovery and Japan is a goner.

 

[Kolaps]

If Japan is pushed to the wall, this nation could become a nuclear power in the region in a blink of an eye. Only a blessing from the US and all is done. It's only the post war constitution (mandated by US as victor) of Japan that prohibits them to develop military force that could be a threat to the region. But if the security of the region is threatened by other nation, Japan could be the best defense for the US. China is emerging as a villain and territory grabber.

Republic of China already exist in 1911, while your modern country hadn't exist. Who is the real territory grabber here?

I think you need to grow up.

I know that some Filipino are discontent about their ex-territory divided and grabbed by European colonial powers, and some of the land grabbed by modern state Malaysia. So does Cambodian are not happy where their land grabbed by modern Vietnam. There are many other cases in SE Asia. We, China also had this problem as well. From the outer Xinjiang, outer Mongolia, outer Manchuria to south Tibet. But what can we do, we just accepting it.


If US agree to nuclearize Japan, China will do the same thing with Iran and Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Bolivia. And probably Malaysia.....I heard South Thailand rebellion and South Philippine rebellion are originated from Malaysia.

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

If Japan is pushed to the wall, this nation could become a nuclear power in the region in a blink of an eye. Only a blessing from the US and all is done. It's only the post war constitution (mandated by US as victor) of Japan that prohibits them to develop military force that could be a threat to the region. But if the security of the region is threatened by other nation, Japan could be the best defense for the US. China is emerging as a villain and territory grabber.

Please stop this. We already gone through this. Japan will not adopt Nukes in the foreseeable future & it will not uses it military against China.

Responding to a question from a reporter of China's official Xinhua news agency at a news conference, Abe described Sino-Japanese relations as "one of the most important bilateral relationships," pledging to make efforts to improve bilateral ties that have been under severe strain.

Japan, he noted, has made great investments in China and China has also greatly benefited from them, adding that the bilateral ties constitute a "mutually beneficial strategic relationship."

Source: http://www.defence.pk/forums/china-far-east/223666-rearming-japan-15.html#ixzz2FTu8izuJ

The 2 country economy are tied together if one side fall so does the other. This is a Globalized age. Total War is no longer the means to do diplomacy.

As I said before I supports Japan rearming, but it does not mean that Japan should be using its military as a way to solve their problem/disputes.

 

[Malaya]

Nice imagination dude. You should be writing a suspense Novel like Tom Clancy.

It might happen actually, if China will not stop their aggressiveness behavior towards their good neighbors.

 

[Malaya]

Every country has the right to defend itself, so there is nothing wrong if Japan decides to re-arm. Besides, if Japan and other Asian nations decide to re-arm it is because of China's aggressiveness in its territorial claims. The reality is any country could be China's business partner but next to impossible is to be China's friend.

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Every country has the right to defend itself, so there is nothing wrong if Japan decides to re-arm. Besides, if Japan and other Asian nations decide to re-arm it is because of China's aggressiveness in its territorial claims. The reality is any country could be China's business partner but next to impossible is to be China's friend.

Zambia & Pakistan will disagree with you

 

[Malaya]

Zambia & Pakistan will disagree with you

Pakistan and China friendship is only built on the artificial premise that ‘My enemy’s enemy is my friend’. There are no shared ideals, culture etc. The Pakistanis jumped on the Chinese laps just to torment India. China is just using Pakistan for their own game. Period

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Pakistan and China friendship is only built on the artificial premise that ‘My enemy’s enemy is my friend’. There are no shared ideals, culture etc. The Pakistanis jumped on the Chinese laps just to torment India. China is just using Pakistan for their own game. Period

Why does Culture or Ideals have to matter over the interest of the state. An A$$load of moneys also help them to join the Chinese boat & did I just read this right "Pakistan jumped on the Chinese laps to torment India?" If my dean read this he will slap your A$$ with a stick & make you write a 100.000 words essay on what you said is just plain stupid. A country does not act on a whim.
In the realm of Politic there is no such thing as "Friend," ask Margaret Thatcher. Every country only act out of their selfish interest. Don't be so Naive

 

[Malaya]

Why does Culture or Ideals have to matter over the interest of the state. An A$$load of moneys also help them to join the Chinese boat & did I just read this right "Pakistan jumped on the Chinese laps to torment India?" If my dean read this he will slap your A$$ with a stick & make you write a 100.000 words essay on what you said is just plain stupid. A country does not act on a whim.
In the realm of Politic there is no such thing as "Friend," ask Margaret Thatcher. Every country only act out of their selfish interest. Don't be so Naive

Every country including China will place its self-interest. That’s why the Pakistanis should be wary of the Chinese; they are known to stab you in the back by making you a friend. At the end of the day it is always money and trade. In short China is nobody’s friend.

Lastly, China is a warmongering country who disrespects and tries to steal the resources of its neighbors. That’s why it's good that the presence of American force or Japanese re-arm in the region will help balance and hold in check its unlawful thievery.

 

[rcrmj]

Every country including China will place its self-interest. That’s why the Pakistanis should be wary of the Chinese; they are known to stab you in the back by making you a friend. At the end of the day it is always money and trade. In short China is nobody’s friend.

Lastly, China is a warmongering country who disrespects and tries to steal the resources of its neighbors. That’s why it's good that the presence of American force or Japanese re-arm in the region will help balance and hold in check its unlawful thievery.

for last 100 years your two masters U.S and the smaller one Japan waged the most wars and invaded most countries````i'm really loving those maids capability of understanding things

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Every country including China will place its self-interest. That’s why the Pakistanis should be wary of the Chinese; they are known to stab you in the back by making you a friend. At the end of the day it is always money and trade. In short China is nobody’s friend.

Lastly, China is a warmongering country who disrespects and tries to steal the resources of its neighbors. That’s why it's good that the presence of American force in the region will balance and hold in check its unlawful thievery.

DUH... That's what every country do. I mean seriously. Its like saying the sky is blue. Just read History its nothing more than a chronicles of Backstabber.

Like or Not China will still going to own a portion of Spratly Islands. I said this time & again the US will not support a country territorial dispute. That's like saying US is like a hound that can be unleashed whenever you please.