Japanese (Re)Militarization and Asia

Notwithstanding the ongoing friction between pacifists and supporters of militarization, Japan has managed to build up its defence capabilities. The process of remilitarization began when Japan was still under the post World War II Western occupation. The capabilities were not developed overnight. It was an incremental process. No country can match Japans achievement of creating a perfect equilibrium between pacifism and (re)militarization. Japan has successfully managed to retain the democratic values and civilian control over its military (self-defence forces). Two diametrically opposite concepts anti-militarism and (re)militarization form the very basis of this book. Japanese pacifism and peace loving image shields the ongoing (re)militarization. Japanese commitment for international peace and security further fortifies it. At the same time, remilitarization efforts act as a fuel for anti-militarism movements. One has to really dig deep to know the nuances of Japanese security paradigm which ranges from reliance on the US to collective security to comprehensive security.