Japan’s Pivot to The Pacific: Why History Matters

Driven by lessons from World War II and China’s expanding presence, Japan’s strategic orientation is pivoting eastward into the Pacific

By: Takahashi Kosuke

Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost island. Photo from the Japanese Office of Designated Remote Island Ports

Japan is entering a consequential phase in its national security planning. As Tokyo moves toward an early revision of its three core security documents – the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense B…