Welcome to Issues in Japan.
The Kochi-Kai, the political faction currently led by Prime Minister Kishida, has been the main force behind the "Lightly Armed, Economy-Oriented" policy since the end of World War II.
Professor Emeritus Tadae Takubo of Kyorin University has bitterly criticized this in his speeches.
This time I would like tentatively to introduce some of the contents of Mr. Takubo's speech, according to the Weekly newsletter "Weekly Seiron" March 14, 2022 issue.
Putin, Russian president who invaded Ukraine was so evil that Europe united.
The best example of this is Germany.
Like Japan, Germany was not happy when it came to military affairs.
When everyone agreed to provide weapons to Ukraine, only Germany said that they would send 5,000 defensive helmets to Ukraine.
The New York Times reported, "This is exactly the kind of attitude
we must say that they are an ally of Russia."
As soon as Russian troops entered Ukraine, however, Germany drastically changed.
In the Bundestag, Chancellor Scholz announced that he would increase military spending to more than 2% of the gross domestic product.
On energy policy, he made it clear that he would suspend approval of "Nord Stream 2," a new gas pipeline project connecting Germany and Russia.
There was stormy applause from the floor of the Bundestag.
It's unthinkable for such a war-hating country.
The history of Europe shows that when they are in danger, they rise to the occasion.
Germany accomplished a 180-degree turnaround.
What has Japan done?
I think it is sleeping.
