1. Introduction
The question of why Japan cannot have an army is one that has been debated for decades. Despite the fact that Japan is a major economic power, its military capabilities are limited by its constitution and the presence of foreign forces. In this article, we will explore the history of Japan’s post-WWII military presence, the role of the United States in Japan’s security policy, and the future of Japan’s military presence.
2. Japan’s Post-WWII History
After World War II, Japan was occupied by Allied forces from 1945 to 1952. During this time, the Allied Powers imposed a new constitution on Japan that abolished its ability to have an army or navy, and instead established a new Self-Defense Forces (SDF) composed of ground, air, and maritime units. This was done in order to ensure that Japan would never again become a threat to world peace and security.
3. The Allied Occupation of Japan
The Allied occupation of Japan was intended to bring about sweeping changes in Japanese society and government policies in order to prevent any future militarization or aggression against other countries. As part of this process, a new constitution was drafted which included Article 9, which officially abolished war as a means of settling international disputes and renounced any right for the state to maintain land, sea or air forces for war purposes.
4. The Japanese Constitution and the Self-Defense Forces
Article 9 has since become known as “the pacifist clause” and is seen as one of the defining features of modern Japanese politics and society. To replace its former armed forces, Japan created the SDF in 1954 with limited capabilities designed solely for self-defense purposes such as responding to natural disasters or providing humanitarian aid abroad. The SDF has since grown into a formidable force with over 250,000 personnel but it remains strictly limited by Article 9 which prohibits offensive operations outside Japanese territory or any action toward changing international borders through force.
5. The Role of the United States in Japan’s Security Policy
The United States has played an important role in shaping Japanese security policy since WWII due to its close alliance with Tokyo since 1951 when it signed the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between both countries which allowed U.S troops to remain stationed on Japanese soil for defense purposes only (not offensive). Since then Washington has provided Tokyo with both diplomatic support and military protection while encouraging it to take on more responsibility for regional security issues such as North Korea’s nuclear program or China’s increasing assertiveness in East Asia waters – all without violating Article 9’s restrictions on having an army or navy outside self-defense needs..
6. Japan’s Economic Power and Political Influence
Despite not having an army or navy capable of projecting power abroad like other major powers do – such as China or Russia -Japan remains a major player on the global stage thanks largely due to its economic might which is second only to China among Asian nations; It also wields considerable political influence due its strong alliances with countries like South Korea (which it provides financial aid),Australia (which it provides defense technology),India (which it helps develop infrastructure projects),etc., all without having an offensive military capability beyond what is allowed by Article 9.
7. The Future of Japan’s Military Presence
In recent years there have been calls from some conservative politicians for amending Article 9 so that Tokyo can have more freedom when it comes to using its SDF abroad but these efforts have been met with strong opposition from many within both ruling parties who argue that doing so could lead down a slippery slope towards militarization – something they believe would be detrimental both domestically & internationally given how sensitive issues such as WWII atrocities remain today.Therefore despite some degree of public support for greater military influence overseas,there appears little chance that Article 9 will be amended anytime soon meaning Tokyo will continue relying heavily on Washington & other allies when it comes maintaining regional stability & responding effectively when needed.
8 Conclusion
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In conclusion,while there are certainly arguments made by some conservative politicians & members within ruling parties calling for greater freedom when it comes using SDF abroad ; ultimately most agree that amending Article 9 would not only be detrimental domestically given how sensitive issues such as WWII atrocities remain today but also internationally given how much relies on maintaining regional stability.Therefore despite some degree public support for greater military influence overseas,there appears little chance that Article 9 will be amended anytime soon meaning Tokyo will continue relying heavily on Washington & other allies when it comes maintaining regional stability & responding effectively when needed.
9 References
TokyoInsiders Staff :”Why Can’t Japan Have An Army?” TokyoInsiders https://tokyoinsidersguide/why-cant-japan-have-an-army/ Accessed April 3rd 2021
Kawasaki Takahiro: “Japan’s Self Defense Forces: A Brief History” National Institute For Defense Studies https://wwwndsdjp/en/lib/history/ Accessed April 3rd 2021
BBC News: “Japan: How Powerful Is It?” BBC News https://bbccouk/news/worldasia_pacific12495268 Accessed April 3rd 2021
Can Japan have its own military?
Briefly describe current political and economic issues. In mid-December Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas cabinet approved Japans most ambitious and rapid military expansion since the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces in 2019.
Is Japan allowed to join a war?
Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution (日本國憲法第9条 Nihon koku kenpō dai kyū-jō) is a provision of the Japanese Constitution that prohibits war as a means of settling international disputes involving states. The Constitution came into force after the Second World War.
Japan is not legally allowed to have an army but Japan does have an army. Article 9 of Japans constitution prohibits war to settle international disputes and maintain the military.
The United States
The United States pledged to defend Japan, which adopted a pacifist constitution, in exchange for maintaining a large military presence in the country. There are more than eighty U.S. military facilities in Japan. More U.S. service members are permanently stationed in Japan than in any other foreign country.
Is the US obligated to defend Japan?
If a country plans to attack Japan the aggressor must be prepared to defend not only the SDFs defense capabilities but also the massive US military force available to defend Japan. Incident of Japanese armed attack.
Which country has no army?
French Polynesia Many small and large islands make up French Polynesia which is located in the Southern Ocean and the most famous island of Tahiti. French Polynesia has a population of 100000. But there is no limit.
