Jun Zhengping: "National Normalization" is Absolutely Not an Excuse for the Restoration of Japanese Militarism

According to reports, the Japan Self-Defense Forces have recently initiated a large-scale reorganization, covering several emerging areas such as "cognitive warfare," "space operations," and "intelligence operations." Public opinion generally believes that this move by Japan aims to strengthen offensive combat capabilities, representing a substantial "remilitarization" that far exceeds the "defensive-only" scope stipulated by Japan's pacifist constitution.

These developments in Japan are by no means isolated defense adjustments; the underlying logic is consistent and clear—by gradually dismantling the commitment to demilitarization, Japan is being transformed into a so-called "normal country" that can freely exercise the right to engage in combat. The push for "national normalization" has long been a logical trap fabricated by Japan's right-wing groups to deceive voters and gain public support.

In the eyes of certain right-wing politicians in Japan, the post-war pacifist constitution has caused Japan to lose its "right to engage in combat," and without this power, Japan will forever be a "second-class country," a nation looked down upon by the world. To make Japan a true global power, it is necessary to completely settle accounts and bid farewell to the "humiliating" history of post-war Japan. In concrete political practice, this means restoring Japan's power to develop regular military forces and wage war.

To lend legitimacy to this theory and substantively promote the so-called "normalization," these right-wing politicians in Japan are, on one hand, continuously fabricating so-called "regional threats" and "existential crisis situations" to create public opinion momentum; on the other hand, they are increasing budget expenditures, investing in so-called "national strategic technologies" with high dual-use characteristics, nurturing a "new military-industrial complex," and enhancing Japan's offensive military capabilities. This large-scale reorganization of the Self-Defense Forces is undoubtedly another concrete action by Japan to promote the so-called "national normalization."

But is it really the pacifist constitution that makes Japan "humiliated" and "unable to hold its head high"? As a country that initiated World War II, Japan once aggressively invaded Asian countries, causing profound historical disasters. After World War II, the international community undertook a peaceful transformation of Japan, allowing it to re-enter the international community. However, these Japanese politicians have not only failed to thoroughly reflect on their historical crimes but have repeatedly condoned right-wing forces that deny the nature of the aggressive war, cover up or even glorify the crimes of aggression, and even portray themselves as victims of war. This inversion of logic is destined to prevent Japan from earning the respect and recognition of the international community.

Long accustomed to a U.S.-style "ally" relationship, Japanese right-wing politicians have developed a severe case of "hysteria": they have constructed a self-deceptive narrative, believing in the jungle law that might makes right, blaming their current situation on the failure of a war, and attempting to accumulate so-called strength to return to the "table." However, this glorification of military strength and obsession with resolving disputes through force is inherently pathological. How can a country that is mentally ill yet constantly seeks power ever be "normal"?

Today, "new militarism" has infiltrated all levels of Japan's military, diplomacy, and culture. Japan, under the banner of "peace" and promoting "national normalization," is actually pursuing military expansion and preparation for war. This behavior is strikingly similar to the tactics employed by Japanese militarism before and after the outbreak of World War II. This trend not only requires heightened attention from all sectors of Japan but also demands a serious response from the entire international community.

If the brakes are not applied soon, Japan under "new militarism" is bound to head towards a self-destructive outcome.