Japan has been both cautious and passive about evolving its security policy for a long time. Japan has a well-known history of being forced to change its policies by gaiatsu (foreign pressure) from the United States. Even though gaiatsu hasn't disappeared, we are now heading into a new era in which it is the Japanese people themselves -- rapidly embracing realistic security policies instead of utopian pacifism -- who are urging the government to take bold steps against the backdrop of a severe security environment.
During the Japan-U.S. summit held on May 23, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida informed U.S. President Joe Biden of his intent to substantially increase Japan's defense spending.
