Japan marks 70 years of Self Defence Forces

Japan's Self Defence Forces (SDF) marked their 70th anniversary with a ceremonial parade at Camp Asaka near Tokyo, where Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba conducted a troop inspection alongside Defence Minister Gen Nakatani.

During the ceremony, Ishiba, a former Defence Minister known for his passionate interest in military matters, emphasized Japan's commitment to strengthening its military capabilities and deepening its alliance with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump. He highlighted growing security concerns, particularly citing airspace violations by Chinese and Russian warplanes, China's increasing military presence near Japanese coasts, and North Korean missile activities.

The Prime Minister, who took office on October 1 replacing Fumio Kishida, declared the security environment around Japan and internationally has "significantly worsened." He pledged to continue the military buildup plan outlined in the 2022 security strategy, which notably includes developing counter-strike capabilities with long-range cruise missiles—a departure from Japan's traditional self-defense-only principle.

Despite his strong stance on defense, Ishiba's governing coalition faces challenges following recent parliamentary election losses, potentially complicating the implementation of planned policies and budgets. Nevertheless, he emphasized the importance of the Japan-US alliance as crucial for national security, referencing a recent telephone conversation with Trump.

This military focus marks a significant shift from Japan's post-World War II priorities, which had emphasized economic recovery over defense under its war-renouncing constitution. Ishiba's commitment includes strengthening the command system to improve coordination between Japanese and US forces, reflecting Japan's evolving defense posture in response to regional security challenges.