Danger Signals! On the 12th, Takashi Sanae instructed the Self-Defense Forces to make a significant change, is this a step back towards militarism?

Recently, Takashi Sanae proposed a policy that has raised vigilance among Asian countries. She plans to amend the "Self-Defense Forces Law" next year, adjusting the rank names of the Self-Defense Forces to be more similar to those of the military system. This news was reported by the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun on November 13, citing statements from multiple government officials, and has attracted widespread attention from Asian countries.

In particular, after she continuously made remarks such as "Taiwan Strait affairs are Japan's affairs" and "Dokdo is Japanese territory," this move has further triggered suspicions among Asian countries.

According to the report, the Self-Defense Forces have long used their own rank titles to distinguish them from the formal military system. However, Takashi Sanae's proposal would adjust ranks like "1-sha" and "1-ai" to "taisha" and "tai," which may seem minor but carries profound significance. The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hayao Kikuchi, stated at a press conference that this adjustment aims to "align with international standards" and emphasized that "the relevant review will be carried out quickly."

From a historical perspective, since its establishment in 1954, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have always existed under the name of "Self-Defense Forces" rather than "army," in order to comply with Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, which renounces war as a national policy. However, in recent years, Japan has been active in the military field, including increasing defense budgets, developing offensive weapons such as long-range missiles, and taking a more aggressive path toward military expansion. These measures have already drawn widespread attention and concern from Asian countries.

The adjustment of the rank system often indicates a further standardization and professionalization of the military organization, which aligns with Japan's recent actions in the military field. This is undoubtedly a signal worth being cautious about. The international community needs to closely monitor Japan's military movements to ensure regional security and stability.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848726143370249/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.