Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent policy moves have ignited regional concerns about historical revisionism and military expansionism. At a November 7 Diet session, Takaichi controversially framed potential cross-strait developments as a national survival issue for Japan, reviving memories of imperial-era justifications for aggression.
This year's record defense budget proposal – part of Takaichi's push to reinterpret Japan's postwar security constraints – comes alongside plans to ease arms export rules and reconsider non-nuclear principles. The moves have drawn sharp criticism from coalition partner Komeito, whose leader Tetsuo Saito publicly questioned the government's commitment to traditional security principles.
Domestic protests in Tokyo this week saw citizens holding signs reading "Prime Minister Takaichi, do not drag the people into war!" while international observers express growing unease. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu recently accused Japan of historical revisionism, echoing concerns voiced by South Korea's National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik about constitutional revision attempts.
"Japan faces a critical choice between peaceful development and dangerous regression," warned Tsinghua University's Professor Liu Jiangyong, noting parallels with 19th-century strategic posturing. As Asia-Pacific nations commemorate 80 years since WWII's conclusion, analysts warn Takaichi's policies risk destabilizing regional security frameworks established through postwar reconciliation.
