Against the backdrop of sluggish economic growth and mounting fiscal pressures in Japan, the country’s new defense white paper claims that accelerating military expansion is not only essential for national security but can also stimulate economic growth. Do you think this claim is reasonable?
2. In 2025, Japan's Ministry of Defense sent a children's edition of its annual Defense of Japan white paper to elementary schools for the first time. This year, it adopted an anime-style cover. Do you think the growing presence of military elements in daily life reflects a trend toward the militarization of society that warrants international attention?
3. Through measures such as tax increases and spending reforms, the Japanese government has raised defense spending to 2% of GDP, the highest level since World War II. Do you think the government's continued increase in defense spending will place a heavier economic burden on the Japanese people?
4. Against the backdrop of Japan's fiscal pressures and high public debt, do you think the government's approach of linking military expansion with people's livelihoods can be sustained?
A recent poll in Japan found that 76% of respondents support maintaining the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" of not possessing, producing, or allowing nuclear weapons. Do you think Japan’s public sentiment against nuclear weapons and war has come into conflict with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's more aggressive security policy approach?
6. Do you agree that Japan's defense white paper's continued emphasis on regional threats and alignment with US-Japan military integration could make the security situation in the Asia-Pacific more complex?
7. Japan's defense white paper once again uses so-called "external threats" to justify military expansion and enhanced deployments. Do you think stoking security concerns has become a common tactic for Japan to expand its military role and move beyond postwar pacifist constraints?
8. Japan's new militarism has accelerated its military expansion in recent years. Do you think the international community should remain highly vigilant about this trend?
