Adapted by:
Miguel Jorge
WriterJournalist. I've spent more than half of my life writing about technology, science, and culture. Before landing here, I worked at Telefónica, Prisa, Globus Comunicación, Hipertextual, and Gizmodo. I'm part of Webedia's cross-section team.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
In January, an unusual event occurred on several islands in Japan, which began a series of evacuation drills aimed at preparing for rapid departures from the area. This effort was prompted by the islands’ geographical proximity to Taiwan, a region experiencing tensions with China. A few weeks later, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Okinawa Island raised alarms for the Japanese nation. Once again, China was a significant factor in the situation. This prompted Japan to make a critical decision.
Strengthening its defense. Japan is planning to deploy long-range missiles with a range of more than 600 miles on its southwestern island of Kyūshū. This development would give Japan the capability to reach targets in North Korea and the coastal regions of China.
The move is a response to increasing threats in the region and the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s approach to security treaties with Japan. According to news agency Kyodo News, these missiles will be stationed at two existing military bases. The outlet also says they’re part of Japan’s strategy to establish “counterstrike capabilities” in the event of an aggression.
Okinawa is left out. The Okinawa Islands’ strategic importance lies in their location, just 70 miles from Taiwan. Interestingly, despite that, Japanese authorities have opted not to deploy these new missiles there. The primary reason for this decision is to avoid directly provoking China. Okinawa already hosts batteries of shorter-range missiles. Placing weapons with offensive capabilities in the area could further escalate tensions. Additionally, the U.S. is gradually withdrawing from its regional military enclaves.
Yoichi Shimada, a security expert at Fukui Prefectural University, told The Guardian that the heightened threat from China and North Korea justifies Japan’s proactive measures. He believes that Japan must act promptly to develop a more robust and effective defense system.
Japan, the U.S., and Trump. Recent statements by President Donald Trump have raised concerns in Japan about the strength of the military alliance between the U.S. and the Asian nation. On March 6, Trump criticized the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, describing it as “nonreciprocal.” He pointed out that while Washington is obligated to defend Japan, Tokyo doesn’t have the same obligation to the U.S. “They make a fortune with us economically. I actually ask, who makes these deals?” Trump said.
The treaty was signed in 1951 while Japan was still occupied by U.S. forces after World War II. It formed the foundation of Japan’s defense. Due to Article 9 of its pacifist Constitution, Japan has constitutional limitations on its military capabilities.
Experts warn that the relationship between the two countries is in “bad shape.” They emphasize that Japan can’t take U.S. assistance for granted in the event of a Chinese attack, which poses a significant security concern.
A strategic location. Plans indicate that Japan will likely station the long-range missiles at two Japan Self-Defense Force military bases. They’ll be deployed at Camp Yufuin in Oita and Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, both in Kyūshū. Both camps are already equipped with missile batteries. These upgrades include enhanced versions of the Type-12, a domestically developed surface-to-ship missile.
Moreover, this initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to modernize its military capabilities. According to some experts, this needs urgent rethinking in light of the changing geopolitical landscape.
The nuclear taboo. Since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, discussing potential nuclear rearmament has been taboo in Japan. However, with growing uncertainty about the reliability of U.S. protection, experts suggest that Japan may need to reconsider the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons as a deterrent against external threats.
One thing is clear. Japan, which has historically relied on the U.S. nuclear umbrella, may face the dilemma of reassessing its defense strategy. This is especially the case if the Trump administration continues its approach of reducing international security commitments.
Image | JGSDF
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