Part 8/9:
Despite the strategic necessity, public support for increasing military spending remains a contentious issue in Japan. While 29% of the population approved of heightened defense spending in 2018, that number grew to 40% in 2023, highlighting a shift in public perception regarding national security needs.
Japan's pivot to a more assertive military stance reflects broader geopolitical changes affecting the East Asian region. As tensions continue to escalate, the success of Japan's new military initiatives could redefine power dynamics in Asia, sending ripples throughout global security landscapes.