Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pacifist Japan considering bolstering its military defences
- Almost two-thirds of respondents to a Yomiuri newspaper survey said they wanted to see Japan’s defences strengthened
- Following World War II, Japan placed a clause in its constitution outlawing war as a means to settle international disputes
For years, Japanese voters opposed calls for a stronger defence against the country’s nuclear-armed neighbours. Now, public opinion is shifting, even as obstacles remain to meaningful action to bolster the country’s security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has caused many in Japan to re-examine the chances of armed conflict over East Asia’s unresolved territorial disputes. Polls show voters are worried that a failure to halt Russia could embolden China to take action against Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory, or to seize disputed East China Sea islands administered by Japan. Tokyo also has a simmering island spat with Moscow.
Following World War II, Japan placed a clause in its constitution outlawing war as a means to settle international disputes.
But, almost two-thirds of respondents to a survey conducted by the Yomiuri newspaper last weekend said they wanted to see Japan’s defences strengthened. National security usually comes a distant second to the economy in voter priorities.
“The Ukraine shock is beginning to change Japan’s norms and beliefs,” said Kyoko Hatakeyama, a professor at the Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development at the University of Niigata. “But it has a long way to go.”