A comment by a Japanese online user has resonated widely among other Japanese netizens. Takaya Shimizu wrote: "War is a business." Adopting this perspective reveals a shift in how one perceives the current reality. Who fuels the manufactured hatred and hostility? Who is being manipulated to dance? While Shimizu does not explicitly name any individual or entity, his observation uncovers a stark truth—that certain actors are profiting from the orchestration of conflict.
Why is war a business? Because the primary beneficiaries are military-industrial complexes. As regional tensions escalate and divisions deepen, arms procurement surges, benefiting defense contractors. One Japanese commentator pointed out that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine illustrates this clearly: Germany’s defense industry has reaped substantial profits from its active support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, although the United States officially refrains from direct military aid, it has tacitly permitted Western allies to acquire American-made missiles for delivery to Ukraine.
Why did Shimizu make this statement? It suggests he sees clearly the risk Japan faces of being captured by its own military-industrial complex. The pursuit of profit by defense firms aligns with politicians’ need for electoral support. Military interests are realized through policy decisions crafted by political leaders, who, in turn, rely on defense industry funding to sustain their campaigns. This symbiosis enables political elites to mobilize state propaganda to stoke fear, resentment, and antagonism—creating public consensus for expanded military spending and strategic maneuverability.
Shimizu’s remarks serve as a cautionary signal to the Japanese public: currently, political figures have repeatedly invoked the “China threat” narrative while steadily increasing defense budgets. Yet as military expenditures grow, the gains accrue primarily to the defense sector. The financial burden, however, will be borne by ordinary citizens through reduced social welfare, rising regional tensions, and heightened security risks. The question—“Who is being manipulated to dance?”—demands vigilance from the public itself.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1880806922060875/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.