The Rising Storm: Japan’s Journey from Demilitarization to Rebuilding Its Military

Japan has realized the best defense is a great offense, and the recent geopolitical shift has convinced Tokyo to militarize once again. Facing threats from Russia, North Korea, and China, Japan will not be deterred by its rivals, and the technological powerhouse will display its much-feared military capabilities once more if provoked into conflict.

Reader Submission: Japan Stations Troops on Ishigaki Island, Fortifies Defense Against China

The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has stationed around 570 personnel with Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile (SSM) systems at a new garrison on Ishigaki Island, which is strategically located close to Taiwan and the disputed Senkaku Islands, as part of Japan’s response to China’s increasing aggression.