Commentary
When considering Japan’s defense policy, particularly the speed at which it changes, it’s good to keep your wits about you.
The following apocryphal exchange between a skeptical U.S. observer and a Japanese government official following some newly announced defense initiative is instructive:
U.S. observer: “I suppose you’re going to get it done, ‘mañana’?”
Japanese official: “Oh no … not THAT fast.”
Asia Nikkei reported on Oct. 29 that Japan will establish a joint command for the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) by 2024.
This is a good thing. It potentially improves JSDF capabilities and represents progress of a sort….