Japan’s defense posture evolution draws growing public support

Thisanka Siripala

As Japan’s defense posture evolves in response to regional security challenges, including through a reshaping of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and the addition of counterstrike capabilities, public support is growing for the country’s expanding capabilities.

The JSDF historically has enjoyed strong public support for effective responses to natural disasters, Yuki Tatsumi, director of the Japan Program at the Stimson Center, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, told FORUM. Japan is prone to earthquakes, typhoons and landslides, and the forces’ life-saving contributions to relief efforts have helped move public opinion toward building defense capacity.

In addition to escalating tensions with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) over Beijing’s aggressive maritime and aerial activities, Japan faces growing threats from North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, including missile tests near its territory. Simultaneously, increased Chinese military activity around the Taiwan Strait has complicated Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen ties with self-governed Taiwan, which the PRC threatens to annex by force.

With Prime Minister Fumio Kishida calling the challenges a “turning point in modern Japanese history,” and the risk of conflict edging closer to home, the Japanese public increasingly sees the need for a stronger JSDF, Tatsumi said. “Younger generations are, in general, more realistic about Japan’s geopolitical situation and tend to be more receptive towards a more robust JSDF overall,” she said.

Two polls in 2022 highlighted the trend toward greater public support. In a survey by Nikkei Research, 49% of respondents backed expanded participation in the longtime Japan-United States alliance, an increase over previous years. Meanwhile, in a poll by media group NHK, 52% of respondents favored increased defense spending, with only 7% in favor of reducing spending.

To enhance public trust and rally support, the JSDF holds engagement and outreach initiatives, such as demonstrations by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Blue Impulse aerobatic team.

“It’s extremely popular, and each pilot has his or her own followers,” Tatsumi said. “The annual Fuji live-fire exercise, which is one of the largest live-fire demonstrations, is also very popular and has been streamed live since the [COVID-19] pandemic.”

Japan also aims to expand its role in regional deterrence by strengthening its alliance with the U.S. through modernized defense capabilities and faster integrated command responses. By 2027, Tokyo plans to double defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product, including acquiring counterstrike capabilities such as U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and developing longer-range surface-to-ship missiles. Additionally, it is upgrading its air fleet with F-35A and F-35B stealth fighters, among other enhancements.

Thisanka Siripala is a FORUM contributor reporting from Tokyo.