Could Japan's Military Policy Change?

Following World War II, Japan's constitution was developed to prevent future military conquests by the Japanese. However, recent provocations by China and North Korea have caused the Japanese to reconsider the 70-year-old ban on a military (Reuters, May 15, 2014). "Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for a review of legal limits on the military's ability to fight overseas on Thursday, signaling a potential landmark change in a security policy long constrained by the pacifist, post-war constitution." Today, the U.S. favors Japan developing the ability to defend itself in the region (ibid.). However, critics warn that even small changes in policy could open the door to more sweeping reforms (ibid.). 

Bible prophecies describe an end-time conflict between a European power and "kings of the East" who will converge on Jerusalem with a mighty army (Daniel 11:40-41; Revelation 9:13-16; 16:12). Japan, China, Russia and other eastern nations could fulfill these ancient prophecies. A change in Japan's military policy could lead to the formation of this pan-Asian military force.

For more on this timely subject, read our article, "Five Prophetic Signs for the Middle East."