After defeating Japan in World War II, the United States wrote pacifism into Japan’s constitution. For decades, Japan’s political and economic power dwarfed its military, and the United States has provided Japan with its security.
But times are changing, especially as China has adopted a more aggressive foreign policy. Successive Japanese prime ministers have pushed to develop powerful military capabilities that will allow it to play an even greater regional role and push back against China—including with military force.
A stronger Japan could be the kind of ally America needs in this crucial region. Japan’s current prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is pushing forward, but rearmament is going to require Japan’s leaders to hurdle large obstacles—domestic and foreign.
On this episode of Pivotal States, Christopher Chivvis speaks with Yuki Tatsumi, a senior director at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security. They examine the U.S.–Japan alliance, Japan’s military rearmament, the future of Japanese relations with the other major powers of East Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Read some of Yuki’s work:
Can Japan Optimize Its Record Defense Budget?
https://thediplomat.com/2026/10/can-japan-optimize-its-record-defense-budget/
Takaichi Emerged Victorious, Now What?
https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/takaichi-emerged-victorious-now-what/
Take a look at Statecraft’s publications: https://carnegieendowment.org/programs/american-statecraft
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