Japan's Expanding Military Reach

Since the end of WWII, Japan’s constitution has limited its military action to self-defense. However, “Japan’s cabinet has approved a landmark change in security policy, paving the way for its military to fight overseas… a reinterpretation of the law will now allow ‘collective self-defense’—using force to defend allies under attack” (BBC, July 1, 2014). The Japanese President assured “It will be strictly a defensive measure to defend our people. We will not resort to the use of force in order to defend foreign forces” (ibid.). 

Although the USA, a long-time ally of Japan, is in favor of this change, regional neighbors China and South Korea are not. China has accused Japan of “remilitarising” while South Korea says it will “not tolerate” the action (ibid.). Japan’s recent actions could add to the rising tensions, while potentially distancing Japan from U.S. influence. These recent changes could also allow Japan to take the offensive in the future… even joining the great army of “kings from the east” that will descend on Jerusalem at the end of the age (Revelation 16:12).

For more about Japan, read our commentary “Japan—and the United States and Great Britain in Prophecy.”