TOKYO, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Japan is gradually shifting away from its long-held "exclusively defense-oriented policy" and moving toward a "combat-ready" military system, a former Self-Defense Forces (SDF) officer and veteran military journalist said.
Makoto Konishi made the remarks at a lecture held in Tokyo on Saturday, where he outlined significant recent changes in Japan's defense posture in terms of institutions, budget and deployment.
Konishi reviewed Japan's growing military presence in the country's southwestern islands and noted that such deployments have been pushed forward despite public opposition. He also pointed to the steady rise in defense spending and ongoing efforts by the government to revise its three national security documents.
These developments are no longer simply about enhancing defensive capabilities; they represent a comprehensive shift toward building a war-ready system, Konishi said, adding that "this process will not only heighten public anxiety but also put Japan on a dangerous path."
He further criticized the Japanese government's long-standing practice of hyping up external security threats to justify military expansion. According to Konishi, Japan's current policies are closely aligned with U.S. strategic efforts targeting major powers in the region, a move he warned would inevitably escalate regional tensions.
Reports by Kyodo News on Friday said that the Japanese government plans to revise the implementation guidelines for the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" within the month. Konishi said such revisions would further relax restrictions on arms exports.
"A series of moves by the current government inevitably raises doubts about whether Japan's so-called 'pacifist constitution' still holds in practice," he added. ■