Japan’s Defense Policy and Domestic Moves.

In order to cope with the changing security environment, Japan’s defense policy should be developed in three directions. The first is to modernize defense capability by introducing modern technology as well as joint operation by Japan Self Defense Forces. Currently in order to deal with missiles attacks from neighboring areas, though MD system has currently been introduced, to equip an offense capability against the missile sites would be of pressing priority, Secondly, to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. forces are essential not only to defend Japan itself but also to increase its defense capability. Thirdly, to participate in the international security cooperation Japan need to enhance its readiness in mobilizing its forces abroad. The exclusively self-defense principle which originated from the Article 9 of the constitution has worked as a strong constrain in developing these policy options. PM Abe, recently having passed the referendum bill for the revision of the constitution, set up the council to give the collective defense right to JSDP in order to tackle the coming contingencies. Some argues that North Korea has wakened up the Japanese public opinion. However Japan must make utmost effort to catch up rapidly mutating security environments from East Asia to Middle East as the level of defense setting-up has substantially been lagging behind, ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]