Investigating Japan’s Military Policy

For centuries, Japan has remained close to an isolationist and defensive military posture, only returning to its militaristic and aggressive policies during times of great turbulence and chaos in the region – such as during times of war and civil unrest. Tracing the intricate history of Japanese military policy can be a complicated and daunting endeavor, though it does provide insight into Japan's current military stance in the 21st century and a greater understanding of the nation's past strategies.

History of Japan's Military Policy

The samurai warriors first entered the scene of Japan's military history during the 12th and 13th centuries, when some clans united in military alliances to create what could be considered Japan’s first centralized government. These alliances eventually led the establishment of powerful military organizations known as the Shogunates. By the beginning of the 15th century, the Shogunates unified the entire country and brought about a long era of peace and prosperity in Japan. This period is known as the Edo period and it lasted until the middle of the 19th century with no major militancy.

In the mid-19th century, the Edo period ended with the commencement of the Meiji restoration, a period in Japan's history that marked the end of feudalism, as well as the emergence of a much more powerful nation, militarily and economically. As Japan grew in sheer power and prestige, its military policy shifted from a defensive posture to an aggressively expansionist one. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Japan went to war with both China and Russia and acquired substantial territories during the Second World War.
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However, after the war’s conclusion in 1945, the nation was faced with two important developments: the written 1947 American-authored Constitution which forbid the use of military forces in any war, and the establishment of an autonomous union of nations known as the United Nations in the same year. The result was the development of a defensive military posture, which has been largely unchanged since, in spite of occasional provocative moves.

Japan’s Current Military Stance

In today's world, the Japanese military consists almost exclusively of the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces, operating within the limits of the Constitution. Even though in the 21st century Japan has not been involved in any major conflict, the nation maintains a strong military presence with around 250,000 active personnel. It also maintains a considerable financial contribution to the United Nations, which supports the idea of a non-militaristic posture.
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The Japanese military’s main weapon is deterrence. It is an important part of the country’s defensive military policy and its primary objective is to discourage aggression from other countries. As a result, Japan has invested heavily in high-tech weapons systems and training programs designed to discourage other countries from invading its territorial waters.

Additionally, Japan has developed strong ties to the United States through its security treaty. This alliance grants the US access to some of its military bases in the country and allows the US to supply Japanese forces with military equipment.

Japan's Future in Military Policy

Although it is difficult to predict the future of Japanese military policy, it is clear that Japan will continue to rely on its belief of deterrence as its primary weapon. This is evident in the nation’s recent purchase of expensive anti-ship and anti-missile technology as well as its annual increase in defense spending. However, in an increasingly unstable and conflict-ridden world, it is likely that Japan will continue to rely on its alliance with the United States for its military needs.

In conclusion, despite its long history of a defensive military posture, Japan has taken an increasingly proactive role in its security policy and shows no intention of turning away from its alliance with the United States. As the nation’s power and influence grow, it will be interesting to see how Japan continues to shape its military policy and how this will affect the future of the global security landscape.