Japan Is Rebuilding Its Military For The First Time Since WWII | VICE on HBO

Summary

This video explores Japan's shift towards militarization, driven by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, amidst historical tensions with China. It features survival gaming, military exercises, and debates on constitutional changes. The documentary highlights Japan's growing military budget, the controversy over the 'Izumo' helicopter carrier, and escalating territorial disputes with China over the Senkaku Islands. It also discusses the potential for conflict and the US-Japan alliance's role in regional security.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The video script describes a survival gaming spot in Tokyo designed to resemble a war zone, hinting at a shift in Japanese culture towards a more militaristic mindset.
• 🏔 The script suggests that Japan's historical pacifism, enforced by the US post-WWII, is changing with the Japanese parliament approving policies to allow military action overseas.
• 🗼 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is portrayed as a driving force behind Japan's push towards militarization, despite public protests and concerns about constitutional violations.
• 🚢 Japan's military budget is at an all-time high, with new capabilities showcased, including the Izumo, a ship that resembles an aircraft carrier despite being classified as a helicopter carrier.
• 🚩 The script highlights the territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands between Japan and China, which is a focal point of growing tensions.
• 🇯🇵 There is a rise of ultra-nationalism in Japan, with groups like Nippon Kaigi advocating for a more aggressive military stance, including potential constitutional changes.
• 🛳️ The Japanese Self-Defense Forces are expanding their capabilities, including naval power, which is seen as a show of strength towards China.
• 🚨 The script mentions the Japanese Coast Guard's aggressive actions to prevent civilian boats from reaching the disputed islands, indicating heightened sensitivity and potential for conflict.
• 🌎 The US-Japan alliance is underscored as a key factor in Japan's security, with the US legally bound to defend Japan, which could draw the US into any conflict.
• ✈️ Japanese fighters are on high alert, regularly scrambling in response to Chinese aircraft, illustrating the tense and potentially volatile situation in the region.

Q & A

What is the survival gaming spot in Tokyo designed to resemble?

The survival gaming spot in Tokyo is designed to resemble a war zone.

Why might Japan's proximity to potential conflict be changing?

Japan's proximity to potential conflict might be changing due to the Japanese parliament approving a policy to allow its military to defend allies in other nations, potentially leading to troop deployments overseas.

What is the historical context behind Japan's pacifist constitution?

Japan's pacifist constitution was adopted after World War II when Japan was defeated and found guilty of war crimes by the Allies, leading the U.S. to force them to adopt a constitution that renounces war and bans offensive military capabilities.

What is the controversy surrounding Japan's new military policy?

The controversy is that the new policy allows Japan to defend allies in other nations, which is seen by some as a shift away from their pacifist constitution and a move towards militarization.

Who are the ultra-nationalists called 'Nippon Kaigi' and what do they advocate for?

Nippon Kaigi is a growing group of ultra-nationalists who have gained influence in Japan's government. They advocate for changing the constitution to allow for attack-capable forces.

What is the significance of Japan's 2017 military budget?

Japan's 2017 military budget is its biggest ever, indicating an expansion of military capabilities and a demonstration of their intent to strengthen their self-defense forces.

Why is the 'Izumo' ship controversial?

The 'Izumo' ship is controversial because it resembles a conventional aircraft carrier, which Japan is constitutionally banned from having. Critics argue that classifying it as a helicopter carrier is a violation of Japan's pacifist commitments.

What is the situation regarding the disputed Senkaku Islands?

The Senkaku Islands are the subject of an intensifying standoff between Japan and China, with nationalists from both countries frequently visiting the islands to assert their territorial claims.

What is the role of the Japanese Coast Guard in the disputed territories?

The Japanese Coast Guard plays a role in preventing civilian boats from reaching the disputed territories to avoid potential conflicts. They have been known to physically block boats and cite old fishing regulations to justify their actions.

What are the global implications if Japan were to engage in conflict?

If Japan engages in conflict, it would have major global consequences due to the post-war agreements that legally bind the U.S. to defend Japan.

How does Japan's military respond to Chinese planes in contested airspace?

Japanese fighters regularly patrol contested airspace, including over the Senkaku Islands, and are scrambled in response to Chinese planes. They maintain a tense waiting game, ready to engage if necessary, but adhering to a policy of not firing unless fired upon first.