The New Face of Japanese Military

                                                           The New Face of Japanese Military
                                                                        By David Raja Marpaung 

Japanese government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe allocate defense spending reached 42 billion US dollars, equivalent to almost Rp 530 trillion for 2015. This amount is the largest since the Japan stand. Japan's new Defense Minister, Gen. Nakatani said the largest defense budget was necessary to confront 'changed circumstances' around Japan. 

The increase in the budget this fantastic amount can not be separated from a potential conflict of Japan and China are involved in territorial disputes, especially in the group Senkaku Islands, according to the naming Japan, or Diaoyu, according to the Chinese version. In addition, North Korea factor that often missile test is also a consideration of Japan raised its defense budget 

Although definitive, Japan does not have military institutions that are offensive (given since their defeat in World War II, the Japanese military protection of the United States), but Japan is now included in the top 10 countries in the world that has the greatest military power. According to the Global Firepower, the order of the State with the greatest military force in 2015 are the United States, Russia, China, India, Britain, France, Germany, Turkey, South Korea, and finally Japan. 

Japan's Defence White Paper 
Defence White Paper just released the Government of Japan became the attention of many people because it clearly puts China as the source ofthreat. Japanese Defense Ministry insists that Japan is facing a deteriorating security environment due to increased military activity in the region conducted its neighbors, and therefore Japan should improve its security capabilities. Changes in the strategic environment,rapid advances and technological power of the Chinese military, missile and nuclear programs of North Korea are all factors that encourage the efforts of amendments to the Constitution of Japan. 

Changes in the interpretation of the Constitution of Japan has extended the right of self-defense of Japan allowing the Japanese military to carry out actions that have been banned under Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. With this reinterpretation, Japanese forces would be possible to engage maintain ally under attack. This reinterpretation also enable Japan to play a greater role in the alliance with the United States (US) which has been very limited. 

Abe government's decision to lift its embargo on arms which they apply will also be influential. Japan has implemented an embargo prohibiting the country to sell weapons to other countries since 1976. With the lifting of the ban on arms exports, Japan is now able to transfer weapons systems and military technology to their foreign counterparts and may also conduct joint development of weapons systems , This of course can be used by the Government of Indonesia, when it is able to see the jelly this policy as an opportunity to strengthen the ability of technology and military arms.