Tokyo reinterprets its pacifist constitution, expanding defense capabilities and redefining ‘self-defense.’
Article 9 and Pacifism
Article 9 of Japan’s constitution states that the country “forever renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation.” Under this provision, Japan does not maintain an army but has Self-Defense Forces.
Expanding Defense Interpretation
In recent years, successive Liberal Democratic Party prime ministers have pushed the boundaries of what constitutes “self-defense.” In 2015, the Abe government permitted providing assistance to attacked allies if such an attack would pose an existential threat to Japan.
Modernizing Defense Capabilities
The Tokyo government has also relaxed restrictions on weapons exports, begun developing a domestic defense industry, and increased arms purchases from abroad in recent years.
