By J. Berkshire Miller
Although its focus remains the economy, Japan’s government has taken the first steps in reforming its security infrastructure.
With the upper house election approaching in Japan, there has been movement in the ruling party of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to conquer long-held national security goals such as creating a National Security Council that reports directly to the Prime Minister’s office. On June 7, Abe’s Cabinet approved a draft bill for submission to the Japanese Diet to formalize the reforms. This is seen a natural complement and predecessor to Abe’s greater goal of amending Japan’s constitution to allow the Self Defense Forces to have the ability to engage in collective self-defense and contribute to international peacekeeping efforts.
Creating an NSC in Japan is not a new concept. In fact, during Abe’s first tenure as prime minister in 2006-7, he pushed for a U.S.-style centralized body that would be based in the prime minster’s office – much like the White House’s National Security Council. At that time, Abe made a point to take on the bureaucracy’s role in national security issues. Shortly after taking office in 2006, Abe’s former chief cabinet secretary and ally, Yasuhiza Shiozaki insisted that, “The Prime Minister's Office should be strengthened as the control center for the whole state. The office will put forward policies based on strategic thinking."
Read the full story at The Diplomat