Japan Denies New Militarization Claims Amid Regional Tensions

Japan has responded to criticisms regarding its alleged new militarization by rejecting the characterization as inaccurate. Koizumi stated, "Some of you may have heard the term 'new militarization,' but nothing could be further from the truth."

He highlighted that while some countries possess extensive nuclear arsenals and strategic bombers, Japan lacks both entirely. Koizumi remarked, "Yet people talk about Japan as a country with a 'new militarization tendency.' Isn't that strange?"

Since the end of World War II, Japan has remained committed to international law, including the United Nations Charter, and has continuously worked to preserve and strengthen the free and open international order, Koizumi emphasized.

"Japan's path as a peace-loving nation has been recognized by the region and the international community," he added, affirming that this established fact cannot be undermined by false claims.

Koizumi concluded by stressing that differences in perspectives and tensions between countries require direct and frank dialogue rather than "repeated speeches in the absence of the other party," confirming that "Japan's door is always open for dialogue."

Previously, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu noted that Japan is moving toward militarization, pointing out its possession of medium- and short-range missiles and efforts to arm its naval fleet.

Speaking on the sidelines of the International Security Forum, Shoigu said there is a gradual shift toward increased militarization in Japan, which is slowly moving away from the commitments it made when signing the surrender document, a development he described as concerning.

Shoigu also mentioned that Japan is advancing a bill aimed at establishing what resembles an "Asian NATO."