Has Japan Finally Become a Reliable Partner? A Look at the Evolution of Japan's Security Policy

The Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS) and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) are pleased to announce the next event in the Community Conversations seminar series focused on the Misawa Community! This event will feature professor and author, Dr. Keiji Nakatsuji of Ritsumeikan University, who will lead us in a journey through the evolution of Japan's security policy.

The Eisenhower administration was worried about Japan’s neutralism even during the 1950s. In addition, the powerful feelings of pacifism within Japan kept the Japanese military budget low. Such a policy was allowed to continue because the US was powerful, and it did not have to expect any military contribution by Japan. As a result, in 1978, Japan and the US crafted defense guidelines to defend Japanese territories but they barely discussed what to do with neighboring areas. Such times of contented acceptance of Japan’s passivity ended many decades ago and the US now expects Japan to share responsibilities, especially for regional security. This talk by Dr. Nakatsuji will explore and clarify the current state of Japan-US security collaboration and discuss the evolution of Japan’s security policy. We look forward to seeing you there.

*Please kindly note that this is an in-person event taking place in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture. It will not be streamed online.

Upcoming Seminar Series:
・Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 17:30－19:45 JST @Yokosuka, Kanagawa
"China's Quest for Control of the Cognitive Domain and Grey Zone Situations"

・Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 18:30－20:15 JST @Sasebo, Nagasaki
"The Japan-U.S. Alliance and the Senkaku Islands: A Source of Conflict or Strategically Important?"

Event listing on YCAPS website
https://www.ycaps.org/spf-misawa-reliable-japan