The government took the unusual step of publicizing a summary of expert opinion that shows overwhelming support for Japan to possess first strike capability against enemy bases despite growing public misgivings over moves to significantly raise defense spending without any debate to date.
July 8 was a muggy day in the ancient capital of Japan. Shinzo Abe, the most powerful figure in Japanese politics, was delivering a stump speech for a local Liberal Democratic Party candidate in front of the Nara Kintetsu railway station when.
Critics are likely to question giving weight to the opinions of foreign policy and defense experts who once worked in government as discussions on the country's security strategy gain steam.
Many experts, well versed in defense and foreign policy, have backed a controversial plan that would allow Japan to acquire so-called enemy base strike capabilities, government sources said on April 3, but critics are likely to question giving weight to opinions of pundits who worked in the government.
Takeo Akiba, close aide to Suga, named Japan s top national security adviser japantimes.co.jp - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from japantimes.co.jp Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.