New mission parameters pose challenges to both China and Japan’s peacekeeping engagement.

Japan's prime minister outlines his plan for revising Japan's constitution by 2020.

Developing retaliatory capabilities will face political and financial headwinds in Japan.

A GSDF unit joining UN peacekeepers in South Sudan could be the first authorized to use force beyond self defense.

Yet another hostage-taking incident in the Middle East is sparking debates in Japan.

"Only in Japan is unilateral pacifism considered by so many to be viable national policy."

Japan's defense policy is indeed gearing for change, but the changes are limited and rooted in the US-Japan alliance.

The 70th anniversary of the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a focal point for opponents of defense reform.