Japan's new Ministry of Defence

[Rollo]

Article 9 of the US imposed constition of Japan prevents the country from having a military force. Through creative use of legal fiction, Japan has had a Self Defence Force now for quite some time.

Now it appears that for the first time since 1945, this Defence Force has been upgraded to a full Ministry of the Government.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6182087.stm

Nearly 2 years ago, Colin Powell expressed fears that if Article 9 wasn't removed then Japan applying for a seat on the UN Security Council would be a difficult process.

Now obviously the question of Japan's military should be left to the people of Japan, but can we really hold the people who live there now responsible for the events of 60 and 70 years ago considering most of them weren't even alive? Even Germany has had conscription for its Bundeswehr since 1956.

[Mark]

Should Japan be allowed to have a military? Yes, of course, just the same as any other country.

[Storm]

What's stopping them from removing that article 9? USA?

[courageous]

What's stopping them from removing that article 9? USA?

Good point, but contary to the recent foreign policy of certain english speaking countries, the best way of getting things done is by debate & consensus.

[jens]

Japan has the same kind of circumstance as Germany: shame for their history and therefore are trying to avoid (or do not dare to do) anything that might make them look militant again.