Japan’s Defence Minister: Rethinking Pacifism Is ‘Critical’ to Avoid War

Japan must reconsider its post-World War Two pacifist stance, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has told the BBC, calling a military buildup “critical” to preventing future conflict. Koizumi argued that the country’s current defense posture is no longer sufficient to guarantee peace in a rapidly changing security environment. He did not specify new policies but emphasized that Japan needs to take stronger steps to protect itself. The remarks mark a significant shift in tone for a nation whose constitution renounces war.