We are still considering what kind of products we should handle, but we hope to introduce products related to Japan. We are still considering what kind of products we should handle, but we hope to introduce products related to Japan.
Also, although this is for overseas companies, we are considering supporting companies that want to launching businesses in Japan, i.e., supporting start-up Japan business. We will update on the details at a later date.
What does the Kishida administration think about national defense and security?
Japan’s geopolitical position makes national defense and security policies issues of equal importance to the economy. These issues should not be decided while caring about criticism on social media or news coverage.
Below is a summary of recent actions by neighboring countries.
Russia: Invasion of Ukraine and illegal occupation of the Northern Territories
China: Continued territorial sea violations around the Senkaku Islands, setting up illegal police stations overseas
North Korea: Provocative missiles tests and nuclear weapons
South Korea: Continuous anti-Japan policies, illegal occupation of Takeshima, and reopening of settled issues
Taiwan: Continuous political and military pressure from China
Persistent exploitation by China and South Korea of Japanese breeds and products painstakingly developed and cultivated, such as Wagyu beef and grapes
Currently, national defense discussions are becoming more active, partly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Amidst the mixed opinions, some media outlets and celebrities have also made critical comments and published articles opposing these defense discussions. For example, there are opinions blaming Ukraine for Russia’s invasion. It’s the same logic as saying “Japan gets attacked by neighboring countries because it builds military bases.” In other words, it feels like a terrifying theory that says we should stop defending ourselves while accepting attacks from other countries. While these are discussions about Japan’s national defense and security, something feels wrong that Russia, China, North Korea, and South Korea all share the same opinion. It makes us wonder if this is really for Japan’s benefit.
[Translated by this site] The following is an excerpt from the Kishida Cabinet’s Basic Policy.
3. Diplomacy and Security for Protecting the People Centered on the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, we will conduct resolute diplomacy and security based on the world’s “trust” in Japan and the “three resolves” outlined below, strongly promoting a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” (1) The resolve to firmly defend universal values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. (2) The resolve to firmly defend Japan’s territory, territorial waters, airspace, and the lives and property of its citizens. (3) The resolve to confront global scale issues such as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, climate change, contribute to humanity and lead the international community. Regarding China, we will continue dialogue while clearly stating our positions and strongly demanding responsible actions. We will comprehensively resolve North Korea’s abductions, nuclear, and missile issues, aiming for the normalization of diplomatic relations. And we will resolve the issue of the illegal occupation of the Northern Territories, aiming for the conclusion of a Japan-Russia Peace Treaty. 4. Robust Crisis Management In the event of a national crisis such as a major natural disaster or terrorist attack, the government will prioritise protecting the lives and property of the people, and will respond with full force in a flexible and proactive manner, across all government branches. For rapid response, we will prepare thoroughly at all times as “always assuming the worst.”
The opposition parties criticize the governing party’s approach to diversity, but we believe the Liberal Democratic Party(hereinafter called LDP) of Japan actually has a more diverse membership. We understand Prime Minister Kishida is positioned as a liberal within the LDP. However, Prime Minister Kishida’s stance of making concessions simply because South Korea and China are neighboring countries without resolving current issues amounts to him personally giving up Japanese territory and accepting anti-Japan policies. We believe now is the time for the Prime Minister himself to resolve the issues surrounding Japan.
Two of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council are Japan’s neighbors. Russia has invaded Ukraine and continues its attacks against Ukraine currently. China has ignored rulings from the Permanent Court of Arbitration regarding the South China Sea, constructing artificial islands to assert territorial claims, and continues provocative actions against other nations in the East China Sea. Additionally, there are human rights issues and espionage concerns. Regrettably, Japan’s business community appears to prioritize maintaining ties with China, as if supporting China’s actions. Although such companies make propaganda-like statements, they are actually providing China with large sums of money, effectively supporting its military buildup and human rights issues. (We would like to someday conduct a ranking of companies supporting China.)
Ideally, Prime Minister Kishida of neighboring Japan should take the lead and propose that all nations reconfigure their supply chains.
Additionally, it is necessary to accelerate discussions on national defense including constitutional revision for the sake of Japan’s future. One reason those opposed to this discussion (including opposition parties) cite is that Japan will be attacked because we have military bases. This opinion seems to imply that they accept countries attacking Japan simply because Japan has military bases. Why do these people say nothing about neighboring countries expanding their military capabilities ? In other words, even if Japan attacks another country that has its bases, they’ll say it’s the other country’s fault, right ? Another reason from opponents is that while this is a “defense debate”, they claim it means Japan will become a country that initiates wars. Hawks tend to think everyone is a hawk, and doves tend to think everyone is a dove. In other words, perhaps the more belligerent people are to think that way.
People who support this national defense debate understand that even doubling military spending will not change Japan’s policy of exclusively defensive defense. In other words, they understand that even if Japan possesses the capability to attack enemy bases for defense, or even if the Self-Defense Forces are defined as a military, Japan will not initiate war. As an elected party government, we hope they will define clear milestones on this crucial issue and engage in thorough discussions.