Japan Lawmakers Approve Measures for Increased Militarization

[DDS]

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/19/asia/japan-military-constitution/index.html
Japan's lawmakers OK greater overseas role for military


I honestly didn't know much about Japan's military or their politics in general before reading about this, but this all doesn't sound too great.

 

[KevanG]

Honestly, I say it's a decent thing. They've been disarmed for decades now and I think it's okay that they're arming themselves again. I doubt they'll re-enact the mistakes of the past but if other countries can spend trillions annually *coughAmericacough* then they should be able to have at least a limited army.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

Plus... Godzilla. So, ya know...

 

[PЯOVOSҬ]

70 plus years post WWII why not?

Germany did so before now.

 

[ThePhantasm]

What does Japan know that we don't?

Probably UFOs and aliens.

 

[Marvolo]

As a sovereign nation they have the right to a military, and shouldn't have to rely on us all the time.

 

[ThePhantasm]

My only question is will ninjas be involved and can I sign up to be one

 

[DDS]

Honestly, I say it's a decent thing. They've been disarmed for decades now and I think it's okay that they're arming themselves again. I doubt they'll re-enact the mistakes of the past but if other countries can spend trillions annually *coughAmericacough* then they should be able to have at least a limited army.

You're probably right. I just flinch at anything related to increasing militarization.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Anyone who knows me here knows that I am the first person to criticize Japan for its WW2atrocities and its stubborn inability to own up to them, but even I see this as a positive development. Japan continues to be one of our most reliable allies in a region that includes China and North Korea, is a highly advanced economy that can finally take a greater role in international affairs (such as the fights against terrorism) and this move will also help stimulate their economy.

 

[summerteeth]

Anyone who knows me here knows that I am the first person to criticize Japan for its WW2atrocities and its stubborn inability to own up to them, but even I see this as a positive development. Japan continues to be one of our most reliable allies in a region that includes China and North Korea, is a highly advanced economy that can finally take a greater role in international affairs (such as the fights against terrorism) and this move will also help stimulate their economy.

Yeah, I saw someone on CNN describe it as Japan being like the 40 year old living in their parents basement that's finally moving out of the house.

 

[Smashlilman]

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/19/asia/japan-military-constitution/index.html
Japan's lawmakers OK greater overseas role for military


I honestly didn't know much about Japan's military or their politics in general before reading about this, but this all doesn't sound too great.

America is scaling down it's military while asking our allies to scale up there Military. American shouldn't have to fight on the behalf of Japan if something should happen in that region. We should be supporting them as co-equal allies.

Imperial Japan's leadership isn't the same as the current government. Imperial Japan's leadership was the military generals using the Emperor as a puppet. All of the former military leaders that were responsible for WW2 were removed from power and tried as war criminals. The current Japanese government is democratically elected and the Emperor has no power and is just a figure head.

 

[Blind_Lawyer]

In the decades since WWII I think Japan has shown an understanding for their atrocities. They know that was a misuse of military power. It's not like Germany rearming 20 years after WWI in defiance of a treaty.

Plus, their neighbors are China and North Korea and North Korea is always talking about bombing them. They should be able to have the capability to wage war if used responsibly. Besides, if they are attacked then their woefully understrength military would have to rely on the US for help.

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

I think this is great news! They will be a great ally in the region should anything pop off

 

[MydnightPhoenix]

I'd say its about time. WW2 ended decades ago and of course no one should ever forget but not letting Japan militarize seems like extending punishment. Allies can turn into enemies but Japan has proven an asset for so long. Plus they should be worried with China and North Korea so close. The US can't defend everyone and I'm sure the Japanese would be happy to defend themselves. This process should have started at least 15-20 yrs ago.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

I'm a little worried about Japan's inability to admit past atrocities. Those who forget the past are bound to repeat it.

Having said that, Japan has a right to defend itself from North Korea and China.

 

[Thundercrack85]

Well, I'm not crazy about Abe, and his nationalist buddies, but Japan can't be on probation forever.

This was inevitable, and hopefully it will be a positive development.

 

[MydnightPhoenix]

I'm a little worried about Japan's inability to admit past atrocities. Those who forget the past are bound to repeat it.

Having said that, Japan has a right to defend itself from North Korea and China.

Do you mind providing more info on past atrocities Japan won't admit to? Maybe a link, I would really like to explore this more. Also don't most countries not admit to everything they have done wrong in the past?
Also I agree with the statement that Japan can't be on probation forever; especially not with North Korea and China as their neighbors.

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

Do you mind providing more info on past atrocities Japan won't admit to? Maybe a link, I would really like to explore this more. Also don't most countries not admit to everything they have done wrong in the past?
Also I agree with the statement that Japan can't be on probation forever; especially not with North Korea and China as their neighbors.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanking_Massacre_denial

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/18/opinion/la-oe-guttentag-japan-nanking-20130118

 

[Gold Samurai]

My only question is will ninjas be involved and can I sign up to be one

Who needs ninjas?

 

[chamber-music]

I want to see what crazy technological stuff an expanded Japanese military can come up with.

You can bet your ass someone in Japan is going to try and make a giant mecha war suit now.

 

[herakles]

I think this is great news! They will be a great ally in the region should anything pop off

I agree but it may take time for them to change their social mindset on military action. Since 1945 pacifism has been beaten into their heads from childhood on.

 

[Taarna]

I think this is great news! They will be a great ally in the region should anything pop off

I agree.

The USA made rules for Japan after World War 2. Essentially it limited Japan's military big time.

Obama is not going to stand up for China taking disputed islands, or militarizing the Sea of Japan or the East China Sea. In fact China is making its own islands for bases.

Japan is hated in China for serious war crimes. Essentially Japan has no choice but to ramp up their own defenses.

 

[Taarna]

I want to see what crazy technological stuff an expanded Japanese military can come up with.

You can bet your ass someone in Japan is going to try and make a giant mecha war suit now.

Japan would need to draft Godzilla and Voltron. They would badly lose a war with China.

Off topic I highly recommend the documentary White Light, Black Rain and think every world leader should watch it at least once. If you have HBO you can find the documentary on demand.

Its the survivors tale of the nuclear attacks. Be warned some of the stories, footage, and photos are gruesome and very sad.

 

[hippie_hunter]

I want to see what crazy technological stuff an expanded Japanese military can come up with.

You can bet your ass someone in Japan is going to try and make a giant mecha war suit now.

I really don't see much change. People don't realize that despite Japan's pacifist constitution, the JSDF is one of the world's most advanced militaries and has one of the largest budgets in the world behind the P5 and Saudi Arabia. All these changes will do, is give more flexibility to an already capable military in order to allow them to play a greater, more positive, role in global affairs.

 

[Pink Ranger]

I really don't see much change. People don't realize that despite Japan's pacifist constitution, the JSDF is one of the world's most advanced militaries and has one of the largest budgets in the world behind the P5 and Saudi Arabia. All these changes will do, is give more flexibility to an already capable military in order to allow them to play a greater, more positive, role in global affairs.

You're such a buzzkill HH. Let chamber dream about real-life Gundams and naked ninja cat-girls.