Japan's only foreign policy is to quietly set aside its pride so as not to offend major powers like the United States and China.
Even if North Korea were to launch missiles towards Japan, countries other than South Korea and the United States would remain largely indifferent.
Even if North Korean missiles were to hit Japan directly, it would be considered a "Japan-specific incident," and the world would express its "regret" without taking any significant action.
In essence, all Western countries, to which Japan belongs, are nations of "freedom and democracy."
Therefore, sacrificing their own citizens to come to Japan's aid is unthinkable.
Even the United States, the home of "freedom and democracy," would not intervene in a "Japan-specific incident" against the will of the American people.
In fact, it's possible that Americans or Europeans have no intention of shedding blood for Asians.
Recent Japanese tend to overestimate American military and economic power due to their defeat in the Pacific War and the economic battles of the 1990s.
On the other hand, they tend to underestimate African, Middle Eastern, Asian countries, as well as Russia and China.
It's a troubling situation.
Perhaps within the next 10 years, the United States will find it increasingly difficult to compete with China in terms of economic and military power. If they dawdle, India might surpass them.
In such a scenario, resourceful America might suddenly transform itself into a "pro-China" nation, despite previously flattering China with phrases like "China as number one."
This is the remarkable aspect of a pragmatic "freedom and democracy" nation like the United States.
Japan, which adores America, might be quickly abandoned once the "US-China détente" becomes a reality and is no longer advantageous for the United States.
In the future, Japan must recognize itself as a small nation, set aside its pride, and act meekly to avoid offending the likes of the United States, China, India, and Russia – the superpowers.
It may require the humility and determination reminiscent of post-World War II Japan.
If one dislikes the necessity of such humility, leaving Japan for the United States might be the only option, especially if one possesses the means to do so.
