Japan's Security Research Articles

Dampak Sengketa Kepulauan Senkaku antara Jepang - Cina Terhadap Stabilitas Keamanan Jepang

The Senkaku Islands are rich in oil and gas resources, which has led Japan and Cina to claim each other that the Senkaku Islands belong to them. The impact of the dispute on Japan's security stability makes the senkaku islands and Japanese territories threatened and insecure because Cina conducts military operations by arming fishermen to become "maritime militias" and Cina has also increased their air activities, conducted training for their pilots and even created and enforcing air defense zones so that Japan's security stability becomes insecure and causes the Japanese state to be wary of attacks given by Cina because Cina sends military forces to Japan's territory which makes the Japanese region less secure while it has an impact on the economy and relations between Japan and the United States. Cina is going bad. The Japanese government's passive attitude that has been applied so far has turned into a proactive one by strengthening the military and surveillance system with advanced technology. To improve its national security, Japan increased their military budget and created military bases to deal with possible invasions from Cina in certain places around the Senkaku Islands.This study uses qualitative methods with descriptive explanatory data collection techniques. Techniques for data collection were carried out using literature studies obtained from journals, articles and books. The author will analyze the data with Process Tracing which will track a conflict process that can occur and explain the data according to the framework of each country's thinking because Japan and Cina mutually claim the Senkaku island belongs to each other and are a threat to the security of the Japanese region. The author uses the concept of National Security in analyzing the dispute between the senkaku islands of Japan and Cina as well as threats to the security stability of the Japanese region. Keywords: Dispute, Japan, Cina, Senkaku Island, UNCAFE, National Security.

An Analyze on Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) First Amendment Protocol Toward Japan-ASEAN Cooperation

This research aims to identify and analyze Japan's interests in the first amendment protocol to the ASEAN – Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) agreement using the study of political economy and international diplomacy. Japan's need for natural resources cannot be met alone. Therefore, Japan needs to cooperate with other countries that produce all-natural resources and cheap labor to meet their needs. This Japanese-owned motive invites questions. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method with data collection through a literature study. This study indicates that they have economic and political interests in AJCEP cooperation, but even though Japan is politically and economically superior, ASEAN and Japan continue to work together for Japan's security and politics between Japan and ASEAN.

About the New Concept of National Security of Japan

The article analyzes new moments in Japan's national security policy introduced by the documents which have been adopted by the Japanese cabinet in December 2022 — National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines and Medium Term Defense Program. The main attention is paid to the depiction of the external security environment, and above all to the assessment of China and Russia as the countries of greatest concern from the point of view of security policy. Noting that the documents do not use the term "threat" in China's assessment, the author concludes that Japan takes a more cautious position than the United States, trying not to be drawn into a confrontation between superpowers. As for Russia, the greatest alarmism is expressed not in relation to its policy as such, but in relation to its potential blocking with China on an anti—Japanese basis — the main "nightmare" for Tokyo. The article considers the issue of the "counter-offensive" missile potential provided for by the new strategy, which would allow Japan to strike at the enemy from a remote distance in the event of a direct threat to its security. The acquisition of such a potential has become particularly relevant for Japan in connection with the development of missile technologies of neighboring "hostile" countries — the DPRK and the PRC, as well as the general progress of missile weapons in the world, including the hypersonic ones. As part of the new approach, it is planned to create an integrated air and missile defense system that combines the capabilities of intercepting enemy missiles and counterattacking on strategic and military enemy targets. An important change in the security policy will also be the acute increase in defense spending declared by the documents under review. The biggest problem lies in the unresolved issue of the financial sources of the defense budget, which must ensure the implementation of the adopted strategy.

Preventing the Philippines from pivoting toward China: The role of the US–Japan security alliance

Shortly after becoming the Philippines’ 16th president in mid-2016, Rodrigo Roa Duterte had unraveled his predecessor's agenda of standing up to China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. He distanced his country from its long-time treaty ally and gravitated toward China which is resolute in reconfiguring the global commons in the Asia-Pacific region. He also set aside the 2016 UNCLOS decision on the South China Sea dispute favorable to the Philippines. His appeasement toward China contrasted sharply with the late President Benigno Aquino III's balancing strategy. President Duterte reoriented Philippine policy alarmed both the US and Japan. Consequently, Washington and Tokyo shored up their respective security ties with the Philippine military. The effort was aimed to prevent the Philippines from being pulled into China's orbit. Moreover, the US is the hub while Japan and the Philippines are spokes in the San Francisco System of alliances. This article concludes that the 1950 San Francisco Peace Conference not only established the series of US bilateral alliances in Asia, but also laid down the foundation of regional order and security which outlives the Cold War, and prevailed way beyond the second decade of the 21st century.

Japan's Security Policy Evolution: The Interaction between Think Tank Proposals and Government Implementation

executive summary: This essay spotlights interactions between private think tanks' security policy proposals and the development of the Japanese government's security policies since 1995, identifies items on the current security policy agenda, and suggests the future direction of Japan's security policy. main argument Japan's defense and security policy is steadily moving in a pragmatic and proactive direction toward becoming a "normal country" through "passive realism," although the direction and speed of change is not dramatic or linear. Interactions between think tanks' policy recommendations and the government's realization of them since 1995 illustrate in part this development process. For example, following a committee's suggestions to revitalize the Japan-U.S. alliance to deal with contingencies on the Korean Peninsula, the Japanese government adopted a related law after it agreed upon the 1997 Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation with its U.S. counterpart. The Abe cabinets implemented many ambitious policies suggested in think tank proposals, including permitting the exercise of the right of collective defense, creating the National Security Council, and establishing the National Security Strategy. Currently, the Japanese government is conducting a series of conversations with security experts to revise the National Security Strategy and the ruling LDP has announced a general policy proposal. The proposal recommends that the Kishida cabinet initiate the development of an indigenous counterstrike capability and increase the defense budget toward 2% of GDP. Past interactions between policy think tanks and the Japanese government suggest that the government will continue to take steps toward becoming a so-called normal country, although such steps could be gradual and incremental. policy implications • Japan should continue to implement a realistic security policy agenda, which will contribute not only to its survival but to regional stability in the new era following the post–Cold War. • The U.S. should encourage and cooperate with Japan's proactive development of its realistic and pragmatic security policy since it will be important both to regional stability and to a sustainable U.S. security strategy in the face of threats from an assertive Russia and China. • Japan and the U.S. should collaborate on research and development in defense and dual-use technology, which are critical for Japan's sustainable development of its defense capability and industrial base.

Effect of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity in Japan

The study sought to examine the effect of climate change on agricultural productivity in Japan. The study adopted the cross-section research design. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The respondents included farmers and officials in Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The study indicated the negative and significant correlation between agricultural productivity and climate change. Climate change was found to be satisfactory in explaining agricultural productivity in Japan. The results indicated that climate change is a good predictor of agricultural productivity. The regression results showed that climate change is negatively and significantly related to agricultural productivity. The results implied that when the climate change deteriorates by one unit, the agricultural productivity will reduce by 0.327 units holding other factors constant. The effect of climate change is frequent wildfires, more extended periods of drought in some regions and an increase in the number, duration and intensity of tropical storms. The study recommended there is a need to focus on planet-friendly investments. Individuals can spur change through savings and investments by choosing financial institutions that do not invest in carbon-polluting industries. The government needs to accomplish sensitization program awareness on cause, influence, reduction and adjustment to environmental change. The government needs to additionally urge the adoption of smart agriculture where farmers do not count on rain feed agriculture but on scientific agriculture. It should provide farmers with drought-resistant seeds and livestock to improve production and ensure food security in Japan. Technological development can decrease the unfavorable effects of weather irregularity and might affect global adaptation efforts favoring various nations. There should be an emphasis on more tree planting in the country. Keywords:  Climate Change, Agricultural Productivity, Japan

Japan in the South China Sea: Restricted yet Strategic?

This article aims to answer how Japan responds to China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea amidst the limitations of its power projection. Japan's security posture is like 'destined' to have a pacifist character, making Japan only equipped with defensive capabilities that tend to be minimal. At the same time, China also continues to use its influence to aggressively occupy the South China Sea and create threats to Japan. For this reason, the narrative analysis method is used to analyze a series of phenomena based on the framework of Walt's threat balance theory. The results of the study explain that Japan's considerations for balancing against China instead of joining in through understanding the level of threat and the prerequisites for China's alliance are quite balanced. Therefore, the external balancing strategy with the United States and Southeast Asian countries seems to be Japan's strategic move against China. Keywords: alliance, balancing, China, Japan, South China Sea

Some results of the food strategy of Russia, China and Japan

The article presents a comparative macroeconomic analysis of the results of agricultural policy in the field of food security in Russia, China and Japan. Russia is significantly more provided with agricultural land — a factor of basic importance in food production than its eastern neighbors — China and Japan. In terms of gross agricultural production, China is the leader, especially in cereals and legumes, fruits, berries, citrus fruits and grapes, vegetables and melons, as well as eggs. For these products, China has full self-sufficiency, but at the same time it lacks its own production for potatoes, meat and milk. Japan is not provided with its own fruits, berries, citrus fruits and grapes, vegetables and melons, as well as meat and milk. Russia also lacks its own production of these products, with the exception of meat, with which it is fully provided. The average Russian citizen does not fully consume vegetables and melons, as well as milk and dairy products, for which there is a low level of self-sufficiency and economic accessibility in the country. The food strategies of the studied states testify to the importance of food supply in the system of national security and improving the quality of life of the population, combining their interests in organizing large agricultural organizations, state support for the development of agriculture with its full financial support, the formation of an economically sound agricultural policy for the development of agriculture as the basis of social stability, equating its products with the most important strategic resources.

US's response to 'Rise of China': Assessing India and Japan's security Challenges and Dilemmas

US's response to 'Rise of China': Assessing India and Japan's security Challenges and Dilemmas

Overview of novels of domestic legislation in the field of cyber security (on the example of the Cyber Security Strategy of Ukraine for 2021 – 2025)

The provisions of the updated Cyber Security Strategy of Ukraine are analyzed. The effectiveness of the Cyber Security Strategy of Ukraine in 2016 has been determined. The issue of organizational and legal bases of cyber security is studied. The components of the national cyber security system are considered. The practical component of the Cyber Security Strategy of Ukraine and the priority tasks of the security and defense sector are detailed. The strategic principles of cyber security in Japan are highlighted. The prospects of implementation of the Cyber Security Strategy of Ukraine in the conditions of modern geopolitical confrontation are generalized.

Climate Security and Policy Options in Japan

Climate security has been discussed in both academia and policy documents in the West. A key point that surfaces from these discussions is that the cooperation of non-military organizations is essential for effective responses to climate change-related threats. This overlaps considerably with debates on security in Japan, where the use of force is constitutionally restricted. Therefore, it is possible to localize the concept of climate security to the genealogy of Japan’s security policy that, in the 1980s and 1990s, sought a non-traditional security strategy that did not rely solely on military power in the name of “comprehensive security,” “environmental security,” and “human security.” In Japan, the perspective of climate security is rare. However, the introduction of a unique climate security concept into security policy enables the maintenance of national security and environmental conservation. Additionally, struggling with climate change alongside neighboring countries contributes to mutual confidence building and stability in international relations in Northeast Asia. To achieve this objective, we first show that climate security includes many kinds of security concerns by surveying previous studies and comparing Western countries’ climate security policies. Second, we follow the evolution of Japan’s security policy from 1980 to 2021. Finally, we review Japanese climate security policies and propose policy options.

Enhancement of Durabililty in Charge-Discharge Cycle Test of Less-Volatile and High Energy Density Lithium Ion Battery

1. Introduction: Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are used in the variety of fields including vehicles, stationary energy storage, and portable devices. Since the conventional LIBs contain volatile and flammable electrolyte liquid, they potentially have a risk on safety relevant to the electrolyte, e.g. ignition of electrolyte leaked from the mechanically crashed or short-circuited batteries. To overcome the safety issue, we have been developing a “less volatile electrolyte” with a volatilization temperature higher than 100 °C, and incorporating the electrolyte into the cells consisting of Si-based anode and Ni-Co-Mn oxide (NCM) cathode for realizing the high energy density of 300 Wh/kg [1]. The electrolyte used in the previous research consisted of equimolar mixture of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(LiTFSA) and tetraglyme(G4) as main solvent with a high volatilization temperature, propylene carbonate (PC) as low viscos solvent to enhance ionic conductivity, vinylene carbonate(VC) and tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6) as additives to form passivation layer on anode and cathode surface [2]. A issue to be solved for the less volatile LIB was improvement in durability during charge-discharge test. We have analyzed the formation and growth mechanism of solid-electrolyte interphase forming on the graphite-based anode and revealed that the G4 and PC successively decomposed on the electrode surface to lower the capacity during the charge-discharge cycle test. Based on the analysis, we aim to modify the composition of the electrolyte constituents to enhance the durability. In this research, the effect of sulfolane(SL)-based electrolyte, which has been extensively investigated in Dokko et al. [3], on the capacity retention during charge-discharge test of less volatile LIB with Si-based anode and NMC-based cathode.2. Experimental: As for SL-based less volatile electrolyte, the mixed solution of Li(SL)3TFSA, butylene carbonate(BC), VC, and TBAPF6, was prepared. The thermal properties of the electrolyte was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis(TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). For investigating cycle durability, the laminated cell composed of Si-graphite anode and high-Ni content NCM cathode are fabricated. The apparent area of the both electrodes was ca 10 cm2, and the designed energy amount was ca. 0.1Wh. The SL-based electrolyte solution was added into the laminated cell. In the cycle test, constant current charge corresponding to 0.5 CA was applied for the cell up to 4.2V, while constant voltage charge was successively conducted until the current decreased to 0.05 CA. The fully-charged cell was discharged at 0.5 CA to 2.5 V. At every 20 cycles, the rated capacity was obtained from discharge curve where from 4.2 V to 2.5 V at the discharge current of 0.05 CA. To discuss the degradation mechanism of the laminated cell, the microstructure of the anode after the 100 cycle was analyzed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM).3. Results and Discussions: In TGA, the volatilization temperature of the SL-based electrolyte was 140 °C, which was higher than the G4-based electrolyte (105 °C). Also, DSC revealed that the heat generation originating from the oxidative reaction of the SL-based electrolyte with a charged cathode was quite lower than that of the G4-based electrolyte [4]. Figure 1 shows the capacity retention of the laminated cell depending on the cycle number. In the figure, Cell-G4 contained Li(G4)TFSA-45%PC-3%VC-2.5%TBAPF6 as the electrolyte, and Cell-SL1 and Cell-SL2 did Li(SL)3TFSA-20%BC-3%VC-2.5%TBAPF6 and Li(SL)3TFSA-20%BC-6%VC-2.5%TBAPF6, respectively. The capacity of Cell-SL1 is higher than that of Cell-G4 until 60 cycles, however, it rapidly decreased after 60 cycles. FE-SEM revealed that the microstructure of anode in Cell-SL1 was likely to be deteriorated, which probably resulted from the volume change of the anode during the cycle. We also found that the microstructure deterioration can be suppressed by increase the concentration of VC additive, which enhanced the capacity retention in Fig.1(Cell-SL2). These results indicated that the SL-based electrolyte is a promising candidate to ensure the sufficient durability of the less-volatile LIB with a high energy density.Acknowledgement: The part of this research was financially supported by Innovative Science and Technology Initiative for Security(JPJ004596), Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) of Japan.

Re-examination of Japan-China Economic Relations Since the 1980s: From the Viewpoint of Economic Security

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to re-examine the Japan-China economic relationship from the perspective of economic security, which has recently come into the spotlight. It will clarify how China and Japan’s governments and business communities perceived economic security issues, what measures they have taken, and how these measures have affected the economic relationship between them. Research design, data, and methodology: This study first defines economic security and then discusses Japan-China economic relations from the 1980s to the present in chronological order. In doing so, I use a qualitative case study approach, focusing on representative examples from each period. Statistical data from China and Japan’s official sources and the latest reports published by Japan’s major economic institutes were widely used in this study. Results: Although the term “economic security” was not used until recently, Japan-China economic relations since the 1980s have not been free from economic security. In the mid-1980s, China perceived its large trade deficit with Japan as a serious problem for its economic security. In the 2000s, the “China threat theory” emerged in Japan, and in the 2010s, the “China plus one” strategy was proposed to mitigate the vulnerability of supply chains dependent on China. In recent years, with the rapid rise of China in high technology and the increasing confrontation between the U.S. and China, there has been a growing interest in economic security in Japan’s political and business circles. Implications: Japan is currently developing an infrastructure of laws and organizations related to economic security with China in mind, but the importance of Chinese business to Japan has not fundamentally changed. How to maintain Japan’s economic security while maintaining a trade regime that is inclusive of China will be a long-term issue that the Japanese government and business community will have to face.

Зарубежный опыт совершенствования обеспечения продовольственной безопасности, как одной из важнейших основ обеспечения национальной безопасности государства (на примере Японии)

The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the problem of chronic hunger, which has worsened over the past decades in the world, clearly indicates that there is not enough food in the world to feed people. The problem under consideration continues to worsen due to such factors as: the effects of climate change, the unstable world economy, low agricultural production, growing poverty and unstable food prices. Thus, these factors have set new challenges for the world to produce and continuously supply the population with basic foodstuffs. In modern Japan, the problems related to ensuring food security on the basis of a strong interaction between the agro-industrial complex and the state are very active. At the same time, the problem of food security in the land of the rising sun differs from the world one. Since Japanese food security consists in increasing the self-sufficiency coefficient by increasing domestic production in order to meet the demand for both types of food related to traditional Japanese food and imported from abroad. Thus, in addition to understanding the problem of food security in Japan, this paper also focuses on the need to increase self-sufficiency in food.

Everyday Perspectives on Security and Insecurity in Japan: A Survey of Three Women’s Organizations

Abstract The existing research on Japanese security focuses mainly on the nation state and conceives of male elites as the key bearers of relevant knowledge about the phenomenon. This article problematizes these biases by zeroing in on women’s everyday-oriented perspectives, which fall outside the scope of security politics as traditionally conceived. More specifically, it analyzes the rich material provided by a survey of the members of three major Japanese women’s organizations, using a mixed-method approach premised on statistical methods and qualitative content analysis. The results show that the Japanese women in our sample accommodate and reproduce content from dominant elite views about security and insecurity. However, they also challenge and at times ignore these perspectives by identifying a host of other insecurities as more pressing in their daily lives, notably those related to environmental degradation and Japan’s political development.

Fenomena Shoushika: Analisis Kebijakan Pemerintah Jepang Pada Era Kepemimpinan Shinzo Abe

The Shoushika phenomenon is a decrease of children population in Japan. This issue is caused by the continuing decline in the number of births and the rapid growth of the elderly population. Declining populations and aging populations hava a substantial impact on the Japanese economy and security due to the lack of productive age population to fill employment sectors in Japan. Shoushika also affects Japanese identity as a country that has been known for its ethnically and culturally homogenous people. As the Japanese government forced to employ foreign workers, the ethnic and cultural heritage of Japanese society could slowly fade if the trend of increasing immigrant workers continue to grow. This phenomenon is also feared to have an impact to the harmony and national security of Japan as a state. The Japanese government, particularly in Shinzo Abe’s administration, then established a policy that was considered to be able to solve Shoushika phenomenon. However, this policy caused a new problem for the Japanese government itself. Therefore, the Japanese government has to reconsider the solution to this matter.

Suspect AI: Vibraimage, Emotion Recognition Technology and Algorithmic Opacity

Vibraimage is a digital system that quantifies a subject’s mental and emotional state by analysing video footage of the movements of their head. Vibraimage is used by police, nuclear power station operators, airport security and psychiatrists in Russia, China, Japan and South Korea, and has been deployed at two Olympic Games, a FIFA World Cup and a G7 Summit. Yet there is no reliable empirical evidence for its efficacy; indeed, many claims made about its effects seem unprovable. What exactly does vibraimage measure and how has it acquired the power to penetrate the highest profile and most sensitive security infrastructure across Russia and Asia? I first trace the development of the emotion recognition industry, before examining attempts by vibraimage’s developers and affiliates scientifically to legitimate the technology, concluding that the disciplining power and corporate value of vibraimage are generated through its very opacity, in contrast to increasing demands across the social sciences for transparency. I propose the term ‘suspect artificial intelligence (AI)’ to describe the growing number of systems like vibraimage that algorithmically classify suspects/non-suspects, yet are themselves deeply suspect. Popularising this term may help resist such technologies’ reductivist approaches to ‘reading’—and exerting authority over—emotion, intentionality and agency.

Strengthening crisis management, the most urgent task in current China–US and China–Japan security relations

With profound changes in the international situation, China’s security relations with the US and Japan are at a critical moment. These relations have bearing on peace, stability, and development in the Asia–Pacific region. At present, China–US and China–Japan security relations face very high and high security risks, respectively. Enhancing crisis management has become the most important strategic task in both sets of relations. With poor crisis management, security frictions may lead to a military crisis or even open conflict. This would push China–US relations towards inescapable confrontation or even a cold war and cost China–Japan relations another opportunity for improvement, possibly driving the two countries into tense relations. In contrast, effective crisis management will give China and the US a running-in and mutual adaptation period and allow China–Japan relations to continue moving forward. To strengthen crisis management, China, the US, and Japan must raise their crisis management awareness, develop crisis management mechanisms, and strive to resume and strengthen bilateral defense and security dialogues.

Sugarcane Breeding and Supporting Genetics Research in Japan

In Japan, sugarcane cultivation is limited to its Southwest Islands, at the southernmost end of the Japanese Archipelago. These islands have a mostly subtropical climate, but the natural environmental conditions are harsh for sugarcane cultivation because of frequent typhoons, droughts in summer, poor soil fertility, and low temperatures in winter. Although the sugarcane industry has played an essential role in food security in Japan and the local economy of the Southwest Islands, cane production, production area, average unit yields, and number of farmers involved have been decreasing in recent years due to aging farmers, relatively slow mechanization, and adverse natural conditions. To maintain and develop the sugarcane industry and its sustainability, a network of sugarcane researchers is engaged in collaborative efforts to improve sugarcane production in the region. This paper briefly reviews the history and current status of sugarcane production and breeding in Japan, challenges the research teams are addressing, and the methodological approaches applied, including introgression-based, biotechnological, and molecular genetic breeding techniques.

Exploring the China factor in Japan’s foreign and security policy in outer space

ABSTRACT In the new millennium, Japan's strategy for outer space has strengthened with growing concerns about North Korea's launching of ballistic missiles and China's enhanced space capabilities. The main aim of this research is to examine Japan's foreign and security policy in outer space and explore strategic implications in relation to China. The article argues that outer space has assumed an increasingly important position in the Japan-US alliance as Japan is playing an auxiliary role in enhancing the guarantee of the US mission assurance against China's space capabilities. It also contends that Japan has engaged in regional community-building through a multilateral space forum with open and horizontal character, which challenges China's aspiration to lead regional cooperation in outer space. Furthermore, this article offers the prospect of the extension of the quadrilateral security dialogue to the space field and the deepening of community-building through more commitments to human resources development.