JAPAN – MILITARY

On this page:

• Military Information
• Engagement, Security Cooperation and Deterrence
• Military Technology

Military Information

Since the turn of the 20^th Century, Japan’s relationship with its military has gone from a patriotic and celebrated offensive force to one of self-defence in its current form – the Japanese Self Defence Force (JSDF) – which was formed in 1954.

Japan’s military personnel include 250,000 active serving members of the JSDF, with 55,000 in the part time reserve force.  Japan ranked eighth in global military spending in 2019; this is partly due to former Prime Minister Abe’s national security strategy of 2013. With growing regional security pressures from China and North Korea, Japan seems likely to continue to strengthen its military presence in the region, expand upon and upgrade its physical military resources to become a powerful presence, able to defend itself and its neighbours when required.

This clip gives an excellent pictorial overview of how the Japanese Defence forces have transformed since 1950.

For further information on Japan’s Defence Forces, see the resources below:

• Videos:
  1. Will Shinzo Abe Get Support to Re-arm Japan
  2. Japan’s Military Turns to Women to Fill the Ranks
  3. NAVAL POWER 2021/Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force
  4. ‘Army of Samurais’ Japan Self-Defence Force 2020
  5. Japan Self-Defence Forces 2019 
  6. Japan Self Defence Force Annual Live Firing Exercise 2017
  7. Japan Self Defence Force Academy - JSDF (documentary)
  8. Japan Ground Self-Defence Force Training with US Marines
  9. How Powerful is Japan? Japan Military Power 2021
• Podcast
  1. The History of Japan’s Self Defence Force P1
  2. The History of Japan’s Self Defence Force P2
• Articles
  1. Japan’s White Paper – Defence of Japan 2021
  2. An Overview on Japanese Defence Modernisation
  3. Toothless Tiger: Japan’s Self-Defence Forces
  4. 2021 Japan’s Military Strength Facts and Statistics
  5. How Japan Is Upgrading Its Military
  6. The winding road to Japan's military modernisation

Engagement, Security Cooperation and Deterrence

Japan’s former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, invested in the country’s defence force to grow its capability and strengthen its national security.  In support of taking responsibility for its own defence, the Abe administration successfully reinterpreted Article 9 of the Constitution to enable the JSDF to defend its allies in certain circumstances, although actual amendments to Article 9 were unsuccessful prior to his resignation in 2020.

Japan’s security relationship with the US is strengthened by mutual cooperation for peace, stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Japan also wants to leverage support off like-minded regional neighbours also concerned with China’s growing influence, and potential threats from North Korea.

Recent talks with Australia have also led to a Reciprocal Access Agreement between the two countries to strengthen their strategic and security relationships. The RAA came into effect in 2023, highlighted in the video below:

For more information on Japan’s engagement, security cooperation and deterrence, select from the resources below.

• Videos
  1. Japan's Navy and UK Carrier Strike Group, Toward a New Anglo-Japanese Alliance?
  2. The Transformation of Japan’s Security Strategy
  3. The Politics of Japan’s Military Power and East Asian Security
• podcasts
  1. Japan’s Military Export Deals in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region
  2. Japan’s Evolving Security Policy
  3. Japan's Security Renaissance- Re-inventing its National Security Posture
  4. The Development and Future of the US-JPN Military Alliance
• Articles
  1. Key Challenges in Japan’s Defence Policy
  2. Japan’s Security Dilemma: Self-Defence or Threat of Force
  3. Japan – Australia Defence Pact
  4. Japan -Australia Cooperation in the East China Sea
  5. The US- Japan Security Alliance
  6. CSIS – The US-Japan Alliance in 2020 Report
  7. MOFA – Overview of Japan-US Security Relationship
  8. RAND:  Missing in Japan’s Deterrence Debate
  9. Emerging Technologies and Nuclear Deterrence Relationship (Research Report)
  10. NATO and Japan’s Cooperation to Address Security Challenges
  11. Japan and Australia deepen defence ties

Military Technology

In recent years, Japan has invested heavily in technology to advance its Defence Force and strengthen its national security. Japan has engaged with its closest ally, the USA, to develop new equipment, including fighter jets, and currently has a budget of $US 56.7 billion to develop the JSDF, which is detailed in this video:

The video below gives some insight into Japan’s military and technological capabilities:

For more information on Japan’s military technology, see the resources below

• Video
  1. Japan Maritime Self Defence Force - Strength & Readiness
• Articles
  1. Japan’s Quest for Advanced Weapons 
  2. The Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency
  3. Japan’s Defence Industry Faces Challenges as China Threat Looms
  4. Japan’s MoD and the US partnership for fighter jet
  5. Japan greenlights its defence industry

Discussion questions

1. In recent years, Japan has strived to amend Article 9 of its constitution to allow the JSDF greater ability defend the nation and its allies. Should Japan be given the freedom to change Article 9 and become more than just a self-defence force? If so, how might this influence their approach to territorial disputes such as the Senkaku Islands? How might Japan’s neighbours view this from a wartime legacy perspective?
2. Australia and Japan have agreed on a Reciprocal Access Arrangement which will support each country’s national security and strategic intent. How will this pact influence regional security issues, particularly in the South China Sea?
3. Japan has risen to be one of the most technologically advanced militaries in the region, predominantly through US support. Could the rise of Chinese military power lead to an arms race in North Asia? How will this impact Australia’s relationships with nations in the region?
4. Japan is developing an increasingly sophisticated defence manufacturing and export industry. What opportunities might this offer Australia as it chooses to replace critical equipment over the coming decades?

Last Reviewed 09/2024