I’ve been looking for a new series since China’s Reckoning and finally found something I think you’ll enjoy. To tide you over before Part 2, you can watch the Nebula-exclusive bonus video for just $15/year with CusiosityStream + Nebula: curiositystream.com/polymatter Hope you enjoy. -Evan
I'm gonna guess the real reason is there's no political will, and its political suicide to try to push for those policies so all politicians play it safe and try not to rock the boat, in order to stay in office for as long as possible.
the biggest elephant of the room of this "pacifist paradox" is the United States. a lot of other comments already said it but japan defence policy hinges on their alliance with US and the military bases that US keeps in japan, also a lot of japanese defence tech benefits from US tech cooperation. so calling japan a US protectorate isn't farfetched. but IMO that has been good for japan, since it freed them from the burden of mantaining a huge military-industrial complex.
Unless I missed it in the video, if another country attacks Japan, the treaty Japan has with the U.S means that the U.S immediately takes control of Japan's SDF and coordinates its defense. It's the strongest treaty between two nations on the planet. An attack on Japan is the same is if you attacked California - you'd find yourself at war with the United States. The treaty is called, "Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security" and has been in place since 1960.
This and the fact they can't go to war so it's all defense forces which is why their navy is super strong, don't have to protect an island if they can't even get onto said island needing protection.
@@dragonstormdipro1013 It’s doesn’t matter. Chakra is no match against India’s most powerful warriors: Aries Mu and Virgo Shaka. Aries Mu is a Kashmir Alchemist and Virgo Shaka is Anti-nihilistic Buddhist.
After WWII, the US (GHQ) was afraid that Japan would have a military again. So GHQ banned Japan from having an army, war, and engagement in the Constitution. This is why it is called the "Japan Self-Defense Force" instead of the "Japanese Military".
we all know that. The problem is that they are rearming and spending a lot more on their military than they should be, breaking the constitution by claiming 'self defence'. China and Korea specifically suffered most of it and SE Asia (specifically the Phillipines, Indonesia and Vietnam) aren't exactly happy about this. The Japanese committed the worst atrocities during WW2 and never properly apologised for it, even censoring it in the media and in education, outright denial of the comfort women in Korea and the Rape of Nanking in China where 300000 died. Thats a big problem, the question of: "were they really sorry? are they allowed to do that?" Mind you, they are the 13th strongest military in the world, so much for "Self Defence" and recently Japan was allowed to go on overseas mission and deployments not too long ago. Welp thats my take on the situation.
According to them, Japan was just visiting friends in neighboring countries. and outa nowhere the US just decided to nuke em... Yes its mind-blowing just how only a tiny fraction of Japanese know about what to place. I dont think they felt sorry. Now i believe Germany did, they were quick to denounce the formal government.
@@fukkitful The two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were just nuclear tests. For the United States at that time, it was necessary to see how much damage nuclear weapons could do to humans. Therefore, it is said that they did not use conventional bombs, but only atomic bombs to check the performance of the bombs.
@@miks_w8945 As for the apology, please refer to the official statement of Japanese government officials. (If I post the URL, my comment will be deleted.) As you said, some criticize the Japan Self-Defense Force for violating the Constitution. However, it goes without saying that every nation has the right and duty to protect its citizens. Japan is threatened by its neighbors, China, Russia, and North Korea, and their armies and weapons are very powerful. In such an environment, Japan is forced to have a strong military as a means of defense. Nevertheless, it still does not have the power to rival that of China or Russia, and in the event of war, it is inevitable that many Japanese will die.
@@きつねかわいい i have seen the official statement it still isnt a proper apology... its not explicit enough and theyve avoided mentioning certain things and btw dont know if you know but the constitution explicitly states that Japan must not have an army and that the US will be responsible for Japan's defense. It also doesn't explain why Japan censors so many things regarding WW2 especially about comfort women in china korea and the phillipines and certain massacres, completely leaving it out of textbooks. If you are japanese, your schools dont teach it well like other asian and western countries.
The fact Japan’s commercial vehicle industry is so potent speaks to their capability to switch their industry for war in a moment’s notice. That is by in large how the US pivoted during WW2. Also not to mention the US military presence and the recently formed asian alliance between India, the US, Japan, and Australia. Also, as someone mentioned the Japanese Navy is a better indicator of their current strength than their army.
“The simplest measure of military readiness is expenditure. It stands to reason that the more a nation spends the more prepared it is likely to be.” I’d like to see a comparison of “expenditures vs. effective expenditures.” For example, the US has received huge criticism for spending huge on high profile R&D only to cancel (littoral combat ship, Zumwalt, etc)
I don't know the micro details, but I think Saudia Arabia is an example of an ineffective expenditure. They have one of the world largest military budgets, but according to my understanding their army isn't as strong in comparison.
@@weaselwolf8425 hello i think f35s going to town in syrian air space by the IAF israel air force. They use them night and day. So for none of them have ever been shot down by russian installed Anti air systems installed in syria. ( not arguing just saying ).cheers! =)
George Lucas was right to give the Trade Federation Japanese accents. They’re gonna be forced to make a droid army to defend themselves. Or mechas piloted by teenagers. Whichever comes first.
Japan is a nation born out of their almost miraculous ability to adapt and overcome. I believe they will be fine. They are a Great Power in their own right. Economically, technologically, culturally, Japan ranks near the very top in terms of their influence. The Japanese auto industry alone proves Japan is plenty capable. Their engineers have done incredible things. Surely with some help from its powerful allies it can quickly catch up.
Japan is currently a nation suffering from a lack of acceptance of the many realities facing them today. The population issue, the suicide rate, and the oppressive groupthink mentalities are examples of internal problems that really add a lot of question marks to Japan's future. Externally, they are within first strike distance of an ever more belligerent Communist China and it's puppet North Korea. Added to that, the geopolitics of East Asia and the Western Pacific are in flux. It really is only a matter of time before a conflict begins. China specifically cannot continue on its current course and not cause war, and there is little reason anymore to believe they do not want war. Japan sits in the middle of all of this and cannot seriously expect the US to be able to protect them, no matter how much the US may want to, from significant enough damage to totally derail Japan for the foreseeable future. Effectively, Japan has its head in the sand. The few in Japanese politics who voice these things are seen as warmongers. And in some cases they may be, which is why anyone should have mixed feelings about a fully militarized Japan. But I really don't see an alternative for them if they actually value their existence over the coming several decades. The time of nuclear deterrence is coming to an end soon. It cannot prevent major global war forever, and Japan sits near the epicenter of the what is likely the first major global conflict since WWII. The time for catching up is almost gone.
So we're just gonna ignore the fact that Japan would probably still be in the warring states era today if it hadn't been for the Dutch, the Polish, and America?
@@wakkaseta8351 they like to conveniently forget the western technological advancement brought upon japan only possible due to America forcing them to open up lol
When he referenced that time where North Korea fired a missile over an island (Okinawa) in 2017 I was there. Was stationed in Okinawa and the next day was told about the missile launch.
@@Jaytip91 u act like japan was the only country that committed war crimes and japan is actually a pacifist and a better country than its neighboring countries that are disturbing peace in that area. Yea japan might have been aggressive 70 years ago but that was the age of colonization okay? Might stop blaming japan all the time and look at what’s happening now
@@Jaytip91 lmao. To answer your question, probably many. And when was that? Which was country is worse right now? Um China. What is china doing in those concentration camps? What is china doing to neighboring countries? Um yea that’s what I thought. What is japan doing that’s harming the peace right now? Yea
@@Jaytip91 u seriously asking that? How pro China can you be. Ur comments make sense now smh. Just look at what they are doing to Taiwan, japan, Philippines, India etc. Going into other countries’ EEZ for example. Yea the answer is clear. China makes more harm than good. U agree with this statement right?
Japans army seems to have the same as my nation. We once had somewhat forced conscription but when it was stoped the army spending and strength decreased. Around 3 years ago it was reinstated and the spending was increased. The country has been getting Russian submarines in their water for years so it makes sense to try and grow the defense.
That was due to lack of competition, the only navies at the time operating carriers were Britain, obviously Japan, the USA and France. France was broke after ww1 and had a couple aircraft carriers which were pretty crap, some cruisers were bigger than them and they could only carry around 30 planes, so yeah the IJN would naturally be better as they had an emphasis on their navy and France really didn't in comparison. British carriers were generally superior to Japanese ones, despite having an armoured flight deck, which made them almost invulnerable to air attacks at the cost of space for planes, they still usually could carry a similar amount or sometimes more planes than their Japanese counterparts and the carriers generally had similar operational ranges. Especially towards the end of the war the royal navy carriers were easily superior to IJN carriers. American Carriers were easily superior to Japanese carriers having the longest operational ranges of any carriers and being able to hold almost twice the number of planes that Japanese carriers could in some instances, American carriers also usually operated more advanced planes than the IJN carriers did and American carriers were just technologically superior. So all in all Japanese carriers got third place out of 4 not exactly that impressive when you put it into that retrospective
As a Japanese, I agree with this video. Japan was fifth in the global firepower rankings in 2021, but it is clearly overrated. I don't think the JSDF is stronger than the Turkish and Israeli forces. Japanese media also refers to our defense system, which is often unnecessarily expensive and flawed.East Asian neighbors are much more powerful.
I am an indian and if you ask for my input, the japanese navy is still more strong than other south east asian countries navy that face a credible challenge from china, South korea for example. But S-korean land army is no joke, they are better trained and have better preparedness as they have been training for land based invasion for a long time. But given the japanese economy and their scientific capabilities, if the govt of japan allows it, japan can mount a strong army within i say 3 to 4 years or so.
They don't consider only military power, impact on world too, Japanese industries are core of worlds tech !! They have put indian air force above china, But I don't think that rankings too fair, china have 5th gen fighter whatever will be quality, but they will improve with time, Indian 5th gen fighter is under development, trails will start from next year !!! China have hypersonic missile,. But I don't india lag hypersonic missile like Us ,, Cause already indian Astra mark 1 can nearly goes upto 4.8 mach !! Indian defence industry is developing 20no Astra mark 3 missiles for trails this year, and they are hypersonic which will surpass world class mateor missile both in range and speed.. Bramhos 2 hypersonic missioe trials are delayed due to ukraine-russia war !!
Japanese government has a program inviting foreign born japanese descendants to come back to the motherland. My friend is the grandson of one of the Japanese soldiers who decided to stay back in Indonesia to help fight returning Dutch soldiers after WW2 ended (I believe 5,000 of them did so). They always get invitations to "return" to Japan despite being Indonesian citizens. If they decide to return, housing is provided and monthly allowance is guaranteed until they find a job, and the whole immediate family is encouraged to come as well. His dad did so alone but he was in Japan only to work for a few years. My friend is an AVP in a tech startup here, so he's still thinking about it.
Why are we worried about a country being unprepared for war and not more worried about countries whose entire business model is perpetuating war? You know, the senseless sacrificing of working class or poor working class bodies.
"Why Japan isn't ready for war". This is stupid. Japan doesn't need to be ready for a war. If they are attacked, the USA has to defend them. Plus, they're an island (so navy), and can build up easily.
I really like your multi-part documentaries. As Japan's population shrinks, there should be a surplus of capital to go around. Assuming they can implement more free-market ideas, I think Japan will have a Technologic boom in the future which could be a force multiplier. Also as an Island, their Navy is everything. Navies are nothing but Equipment and Technology. You don't need manpower for a navy, unlike an army, as an army does not need equipment, unlike a navy. Japan's heritage and Navy will be their greatest strength.
Why would they need such population when a literal anime girl with cat ears can take out an entire military division using magic explosion? Not mentioning they have giant robots and plasma laser cannon. This video is misleading, Japan is more than ready for war.
I'm glad there are still taiwanese who want to reclaim the mainland and expel communist terrorists, instead of those cringe greenies who want nothing to do with china and deny their chinese heritage.
I’d argue that laws can indeed help the falling population. Specifically laws which strictly enforce working hours and work conditions that allow young people to have the energy to raise a family without expecting the woman to quit her career.
We can see on stat it doesn't help, countries with the lowest working hours and best welfare are still deeply in decline. Actually Japan now has working hours below developed countries average and it doesn't help.
@@hochmeisterjer That's because Japanese society and culture is, to a lot of people, too complex and intricate to understand, resulting in them being singled out for extremely minor issues (karoshi and suicide being an example, despite having a lower suicide rate than the US and South Korea). Having to dumb down your ancient cultural practices, which will affect society, just so you can import a crap ton of low-skilled, low-educated individuals from third world countries is *not* fair. If I was Japan, I'd rather watch the population slowly die out than watch it become a shell of its former self. However, the population decline will solve itself eventually, with some estimating it to be around 2050 or, in the worst case scenario, 90-100~ million people remaining, so there's no need to take drastic measure. Multiculturalism isn't for every country or culture and should not be lauded as the be all, end all because it's worked a handful of times.
@@TheDarkArcherz I agree, I'm just saying the issue with Japan's aging population isn't unique to the country. It is the same with every developed nation. Whats unique about Japan is its decision not to remedy it. They have the full power to solve the issue if they wished, but they have other priorities.
Great introduction to the domestic issues that constrain the JSDF. I was wondering if and when you’d bring up Article 9 and the US Alliance but I’m assuming that’s part two and I can’t wait to see you analyze it!
I dont really think the population decline in Japan is much of a big deal in terms of defending its self. You have South Korea and Taiwan, who both have far lower birth rates compared to Japan that are doing well. Yes I understand that Korea has conscription(majority goes to the army as infantry), but Japan’s main defensive strategy is at the sea and air. The JSDF doesnt need foot soldiers that will only serve for couple of years. It needs volunteers thats willing to commit a life time in the military in specific fields that requires years of training and Japan isnt having much problem with that.
Memories of the Imperial Empire of Japan, are not quite past living memory of its victims, in the Pacific region. Nor yet the Japanese, who's second world war memory's, are equally filled with horror and loss. Staying out of conflict and vast sums on military, has served Japan, and eased fears of its neighbours.
Japan had a massive "peace dividend" after 1945 (able to focus more on "bread" instead of "guns"). If it didn't have US protection, it might be poorer in bread and maybe even with inferior weaponry anyway like the Soviets and others.
in an alternate universe Japan has developed star wars esk droids to supplement their lack of humans in military imagining their usage as something akin to templin institute's take on the first order having organic officers where beneficial and droids literally everywhere else
That cliff hanger hurt more than the final episodes of the 3rd seasons of Netflix's Dynasty and Final Space. Glad I'm part of the notification squad, I'm on the edge of my seat!
59 year old soldier: “sir North Korea is invading us”. General: “load the cannons!” Soldier: : “we don’t have any ammo” General: “what do we have?” Soldier: “Hentai” General: “load up the hentai see how they like that!!!”
The only reason japan managed to conquer so much land during WW2 is because japan was the only industrialized asian nation at the time because they were the first to adopt european technology. All their enemies they were fighting were underequipped and did not have any tanks, aircraft, or artillery. Once the allies started arming these people, they started winning battles against japan. Nowadays, japan would have trouble invading even the smallest asian nations.
To be fair. Its geograpgic position makes it much easier to defend its territory than, let's say, South Korea for example. And the limited equipment it has is geared towards self defense. They barely have any offensive weaponry.
Japan could convert to full war production mode including weaponizing nukes very fast. They have the know how, industrial and technological capabilities.
The real reason why Japan arms manufacturers are not allow to export the weapon is due to USA. Not due to Pacifism. Japan is more advance in electronic, their weapons may compete against the US arms manufacturers and win. Make no mistake. USA only support "free market" if nobody can compete against them. Look at what they do to Huawei.
Many People don’t understand the concept of pacifism. Many countries would say that Switzerland is the post pacifistic country, but the are also one of the most heavily armed nation. In WW2 you could compare Belgium and Switzerland. Belgium was immediately crushed, because they didn’t have an army. Switzerland on the other hand build a LOT of bunkers, made every man go to mandatory military service, and it treated everyone as an enemy. The did trade with the Germans, but they also traded with the allies. Every outside airplane that violated the Swiss airspace was shot down, no matter if from the Axis or the Allies.
Plenty of countries had bunkers in addition to actually contributing to the war. Switzerland was just unimportant enough to get easily invaded, bombed, or blockaded to starvation like the others (or it may have secretly been an Axis ally, who knows).
This topic is definitely a tough one. War is clearly bad and a lot of Asia fell victim to Imperial Japan. Japanese Imperialism is far more recent than European colonialism and in a lot of ways was far more brutal and inhumane. And while Japan has apologized, it does also send mixed messages. However it could also be considered unreasonable to defang a nation when a threat is coming at it. Now that isn't to say to buy completely into US propaganda and see China and North Korea as the greatest enemies to freedom and democracy. Still, both countries are acting aggressively even more than the US, which is saying something given the United States's history with military power. The fact that almost every other nation in Asia has more soldiers in their army, still legally maintain conscription, and in some cases have nuclear weapons and is outspending Japan in its military budget but views any changes in Japan's defense policy as it returning to its Imperial ways can be considered ridiculous. Still, it's hard to point this out since the victims of Japan are still alive, albeit very old. Japan does have a terrible history that should be remembered so it never happens again. I honestly doubt any country in Asia nowadays could be as horrible as Japan once was. Maybe North Korea, but I can't say China would be so horrible. And I have to admit either nation invading Japan is a bit much. The justification would not be there and I doubt the reward of such a campaign would be worth the price. Still, it seems hypocritical for Russia, South Korea, China, and North Korea to criticize Japan for even the smallest changes when China and Russia have their own aircraft carriers, all but South Korea have nuclear weapons, South Korea is experimenting with nuclear weapons, and most if not all of them have military conscription. Japan already has a population that keeps the government in check with how it tries to change the constitution. Even if Japan has no problem with its helicopter carriers becoming light aircraft carriers, I see no way the current population will allow conscription, nuclear weapons, or entering a war between China, Taiwan, and the US to happen.
Japan is essentially an occupied country. US military has a massive presence there, including military bases, troops and ships. Ironically this has given it defacto military protection from any opposition, similar to Germany, which has allowed it to focus on it's economy after WW2 turning it into one of the worlds biggest economies. If the US removed it's military you'd see a huge change overnight in building a defensive military.
japan also as america at its aide. after the fight they gave us last time and the lasting friendship it grew into. we had better be willing to send every ounce of our military might to aide in their defense if theyre ever invaded.
i don't doubt that the US can defend japan militarily, but what about politically? what if something similar to poland during ww2 or what happens to south vietnam during the vietnamese war happens to japan?
If you ever joined military exchange with Japan, you'd know that their "defence" technologies is beyond your imagination. How this video underestimated their prowess on terms of "pacifist".
10:50 I think you have a slight misconception about their tanks they are so small not because they are built in a sterile environment. they are so small because they need to be transported all over Japan via their Rail network, and the sacrifice is extra space for injured. They know what they are doing, they just have different priorities.
Japan low R&D for military also part of the reason why their vehicles industry quickly catch up with US after war and even beat them in many sector like cars, heavy machinery, automation, shipbuilding (non-military), HSR. Japan best engineer and scientist work in those industry while best in US work with Pentagon and NASA. Germany also spend less than other developed countries for military also strong in same industry as Japan.
Spoiler it's Article 9 in the MacArthur constitution. Also, it's the opposition of the majority of voters to changing this anti-war pacifist article, and even without it, the slow pace of any action by contemporary Japanese government.
Gdp in PPP must be used to determine the economic status of a country. And here it is gdp in PPP of 2019 per country as follows: 1. China $26,656,766 2. US $22,675,271 3. India $10,207,290 4. Japan$ 5,585,786
Let's take into account that Japan has a massive debt compared to their GDP, so they have other priorities to spend their money on as they need to be careful.
I’ve been looking for a new series since China’s Reckoning and finally found something I think you’ll enjoy. To tide you over before Part 2, you can watch the Nebula-exclusive bonus video for just $15/year with CusiosityStream + Nebula: curiositystream.com/polymatter Hope you enjoy. -Evan
You are literally sponsering a war criminal nation that praises people like SS in Yakshuni Shrine
Bruh the cliffhangers i just can't get used to them
I'm gonna guess the real reason is there's no political will, and its political suicide to try to push for those policies so all politicians play it safe and try not to rock the boat, in order to stay in office for as long as possible.
This video needs Traditional Chinese and Japanese subtitles....
i have a nebula sub but i like watching stuff on youtube rather than nebula
"Why Japan isn't ready for war"
Because they literally aren't allowed to be lmao
for good reason!
yes agreed and for bullshit reason
Because Japan is permanently cucked by the US.
@@chancndga4334 Smoking that 1945 pack 🚬🚬
@@kimilsung2608 pfft lmao yes i do know histories just i love imperial japan and it's ancestors
This is a super smart video. Thanks for making it.
Why aren't you verified?
Chad Johnny Harris watches PolyMatter
It's the propaganda guy !!! 🥳🥳
How's Cyprus going?
Ice cream machine
the biggest elephant of the room of this "pacifist paradox" is the United States. a lot of other comments already said it but japan defence policy hinges on their alliance with US and the military bases that US keeps in japan, also a lot of japanese defence tech benefits from US tech cooperation. so calling japan a US protectorate isn't farfetched. but IMO that has been good for japan, since it freed them from the burden of mantaining a huge military-industrial complex.
I would say that they are a protected state
Unless I missed it in the video, if another country attacks Japan, the treaty Japan has with the U.S means that the U.S immediately takes control of Japan's SDF and coordinates its defense. It's the strongest treaty between two nations on the planet. An attack on Japan is the same is if you attacked California - you'd find yourself at war with the United States. The treaty is called, "Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security" and has been in place since 1960.
This and the fact they can't go to war so it's all defense forces which is why their navy is super strong, don't have to protect an island if they can't even get onto said island needing protection.
@@zidbits1528 That's incredibly interesting.
It not a burden for big powers, it's a tool to use in geopolitics..
Of course they're not ready, they know the world isnt ready for giant mecha battles & chakra-infused H2H combat...
Chakra is more of an Indian concept
@@dragonstormdipro1013
It’s doesn’t matter. Chakra is no match against India’s most powerful warriors: Aries Mu and Virgo Shaka. Aries Mu is a Kashmir Alchemist and Virgo Shaka is Anti-nihilistic Buddhist.
"Demon lord approaches"
"We have a Goku."
After WWII, the US (GHQ) was afraid that Japan would have a military again.
So GHQ banned Japan from having an army, war, and engagement in the Constitution.
This is why it is called the "Japan Self-Defense Force" instead of the "Japanese Military".
we all know that. The problem is that they are rearming and spending a lot more on their military than they should be, breaking the constitution by claiming 'self defence'. China and Korea specifically suffered most of it and SE Asia (specifically the Phillipines, Indonesia and Vietnam) aren't exactly happy about this. The Japanese committed the worst atrocities during WW2 and never properly apologised for it, even censoring it in the media and in education, outright denial of the comfort women in Korea and the Rape of Nanking in China where 300000 died. Thats a big problem, the question of: "were they really sorry? are they allowed to do that?" Mind you, they are the 13th strongest military in the world, so much for "Self Defence" and recently Japan was allowed to go on overseas mission and deployments not too long ago. Welp thats my take on the situation.
According to them, Japan was just visiting friends in neighboring countries. and outa nowhere the US just decided to nuke em... Yes its mind-blowing just how only a tiny fraction of Japanese know about what to place. I dont think they felt sorry. Now i believe Germany did, they were quick to denounce the formal government.
@@fukkitful
The two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were just nuclear tests. For the United States at that time, it was necessary to see how much damage nuclear weapons could do to humans. Therefore, it is said that they did not use conventional bombs, but only atomic bombs to check the performance of the bombs.
@@miks_w8945
As for the apology, please refer to the official statement of Japanese government officials.
(If I post the URL, my comment will be deleted.)
As you said, some criticize the Japan Self-Defense Force for violating the Constitution.
However, it goes without saying that every nation has the right and duty to protect its citizens.
Japan is threatened by its neighbors, China, Russia, and North Korea, and their armies and weapons are very powerful. In such an environment, Japan is forced to have a strong military as a means of defense. Nevertheless, it still does not have the power to rival that of China or Russia, and in the event of war, it is inevitable that many Japanese will die.
@@きつねかわいい i have seen the official statement it still isnt a proper apology... its not explicit enough and theyve avoided mentioning certain things and btw dont know if you know but the constitution explicitly states that Japan must not have an army and that the US will be responsible for Japan's defense. It also doesn't explain why Japan censors so many things regarding WW2 especially about comfort women in china korea and the phillipines and certain massacres, completely leaving it out of textbooks. If you are japanese, your schools dont teach it well like other asian and western countries.
The fact Japan’s commercial vehicle industry is so potent speaks to their capability to switch their industry for war in a moment’s notice. That is by in large how the US pivoted during WW2. Also not to mention the US military presence and the recently formed asian alliance between India, the US, Japan, and Australia. Also, as someone mentioned the Japanese Navy is a better indicator of their current strength than their army.
@Kijestic Productions Because of more components and materials coming from abroad rather than at home?
@@gustavju4686 well military technology is much more complex nowadays
As James May once said, "To win at cars, you must first lose at war".
“The simplest measure of military readiness is expenditure. It stands to reason that the more a nation spends the more prepared it is likely to be.” I’d like to see a comparison of “expenditures vs. effective expenditures.” For example, the US has received huge criticism for spending huge on high profile R&D only to cancel (littoral combat ship, Zumwalt, etc)
I don't know the micro details, but I think Saudia Arabia is an example of an ineffective expenditure. They have one of the world largest military budgets, but according to my understanding their army isn't as strong in comparison.
The F-35, yada yada yada. In all honesty many of these are just testbeds, overly expensive at that, but yeah.
@@weaselwolf8425 hello i think f35s going to town in syrian air space by the IAF israel air force. They use them night and day. So for none of them have ever been shot down by russian installed Anti air systems installed in syria. ( not arguing just saying ).cheers! =)
@@pingjuaneza2547 Well the F-15 still holds the throne but yes the F-35 isn't a piece of shit like many claim it is.
US navy is dumb as a boat of coal. My leadership yelled at me because I constantly criticised how dumb Big Navy was. I do agree with your point.
George Lucas was right to give the Trade Federation Japanese accents. They’re gonna be forced to make a droid army to defend themselves. Or mechas piloted by teenagers. Whichever comes first.
Japan is a nation born out of their almost miraculous ability to adapt and overcome. I believe they will be fine. They are a Great Power in their own right. Economically, technologically, culturally, Japan ranks near the very top in terms of their influence. The Japanese auto industry alone proves Japan is plenty capable. Their engineers have done incredible things. Surely with some help from its powerful allies it can quickly catch up.
Japan is currently a nation suffering from a lack of acceptance of the many realities facing them today. The population issue, the suicide rate, and the oppressive groupthink mentalities are examples of internal problems that really add a lot of question marks to Japan's future. Externally, they are within first strike distance of an ever more belligerent Communist China and it's puppet North Korea.
Added to that, the geopolitics of East Asia and the Western Pacific are in flux. It really is only a matter of time before a conflict begins. China specifically cannot continue on its current course and not cause war, and there is little reason anymore to believe they do not want war. Japan sits in the middle of all of this and cannot seriously expect the US to be able to protect them, no matter how much the US may want to, from significant enough damage to totally derail Japan for the foreseeable future.
Effectively, Japan has its head in the sand. The few in Japanese politics who voice these things are seen as warmongers. And in some cases they may be, which is why anyone should have mixed feelings about a fully militarized Japan. But I really don't see an alternative for them if they actually value their existence over the coming several decades.
The time of nuclear deterrence is coming to an end soon. It cannot prevent major global war forever, and Japan sits near the epicenter of the what is likely the first major global conflict since WWII. The time for catching up is almost gone.
cronge op
@@Kelnx that is a sad thought
So we're just gonna ignore the fact that Japan would probably still be in the warring states era today if it hadn't been for the Dutch, the Polish, and America?
@@wakkaseta8351 they like to conveniently forget the western technological advancement brought upon japan only possible due to America forcing them to open up lol
When he referenced that time where North Korea fired a missile over an island (Okinawa) in 2017 I was there. Was stationed in Okinawa and the next day was told about the missile launch.
The reason is "next time"?! I was sure it was gonna be because of "last time" (i.e. WWII)
Japan is like an old assassin who vowed never draw swords again.
@@Jaytip91 lmao what?
@@Jaytip91 u act like japan was the only country that committed war crimes and japan is actually a pacifist and a better country than its neighboring countries that are disturbing peace in that area. Yea japan might have been aggressive 70 years ago but that was the age of colonization okay? Might stop blaming japan all the time and look at what’s happening now
@@baygeebob7536 lmao supporting a war crime
@@Jaytip91 lmao. To answer your question, probably many. And when was that? Which was country is worse right now? Um China. What is china doing in those concentration camps? What is china doing to neighboring countries? Um yea that’s what I thought. What is japan doing that’s harming the peace right now? Yea
@@Jaytip91 u seriously asking that? How pro China can you be. Ur comments make sense now smh. Just look at what they are doing to Taiwan, japan, Philippines, India etc. Going into other countries’ EEZ for example. Yea the answer is clear. China makes more harm than good. U agree with this statement right?
Japan: starts adjusting a few gears to start up the military equipments
The US: *BOOOOOOOOM*
@@bree30pa *BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
Japan: Crank up those gears cuz the empire is coming back!
US of A: You ready for a "third times the charm"
Japan: The wha- *bright flash*
"Japan has no aircraft carriers"
Back in WW2, the IJN Aircraft Carriers are among the biggest and best in the world.
Japans army seems to have the same as my nation. We once had somewhat forced conscription but when it was stoped the army spending and strength decreased. Around 3 years ago it was reinstated and the spending was increased. The country has been getting Russian submarines in their water for years so it makes sense to try and grow the defense.
That was due to lack of competition, the only navies at the time operating carriers were Britain, obviously Japan, the USA and France.
France was broke after ww1 and had a couple aircraft carriers which were pretty crap, some cruisers were bigger than them and they could only carry around 30 planes, so yeah the IJN would naturally be better as they had an emphasis on their navy and France really didn't in comparison.
British carriers were generally superior to Japanese ones, despite having an armoured flight deck, which made them almost invulnerable to air attacks at the cost of space for planes, they still usually could carry a similar amount or sometimes more planes than their Japanese counterparts and the carriers generally had similar operational ranges. Especially towards the end of the war the royal navy carriers were easily superior to IJN carriers.
American Carriers were easily superior to Japanese carriers having the longest operational ranges of any carriers and being able to hold almost twice the number of planes that Japanese carriers could in some instances, American carriers also usually operated more advanced planes than the IJN carriers did and American carriers were just technologically superior.
So all in all Japanese carriers got third place out of 4 not exactly that impressive when you put it into that retrospective
@@Battyj Germany Had an aircraft Carrier too so 3 Out of 5
@@Youcanatme it was never put into service or fully completed so it doesn't count
@@Battyj nah It still counts
As a Japanese, I agree with this video. Japan was fifth in the global firepower rankings in 2021, but it is clearly overrated. I don't think the JSDF is stronger than the Turkish and Israeli forces. Japanese media also refers to our defense system, which is often unnecessarily expensive and flawed.East Asian neighbors are much more powerful.
I am an indian and if you ask for my input, the japanese navy is still more strong than other south east asian countries navy that face a credible challenge from china, South korea for example. But S-korean land army is no joke, they are better trained and have better preparedness as they have been training for land based invasion for a long time. But given the japanese economy and their scientific capabilities, if the govt of japan allows it, japan can mount a strong army within i say 3 to 4 years or so.
Japan doesn’t necessarily need a strong military because any nation that attacks Japan will get nukes to hell by the United States
@@TusharSharma-cy9xo Compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist China IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late
They don't consider only military power, impact on world too,
Japanese industries are core of worlds tech !!
They have put indian air force above china,
But I don't think that rankings too fair, china have 5th gen fighter whatever will be quality, but they will improve with time,
Indian 5th gen fighter is under development, trails will start from next year !!!
China have hypersonic missile,. But I don't india lag hypersonic missile like Us ,,
Cause already indian Astra mark 1 can nearly goes upto 4.8 mach !!
Indian defence industry is developing 20no Astra mark 3 missiles for trails this year, and they are hypersonic which will surpass world class mateor missile both in range and speed..
Bramhos 2 hypersonic missioe trials are delayed due to ukraine-russia war !!
This dude doesn't know about the secret Defensive Gundam Project lmao.
Keyword: "secret"
@@tonkotsuramen8453 Compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist China IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late
I watch 5 minutes of ads to support this guys channel! Keep up your great work man!
The katakana text in the thumbnail ポリマタ― reads porimataa. (Polymatter)
Very nice detail
japan: remilitarizes and builds weapons of mass destruction
china and north korea: chuckles im in danger!
Is it weird that whenever I hear Japanese Military, all that comes in my mind is
Kantai Collection, Panzer girls and Atago and Taihou?
I only know about imperial japan
Yes
But Japan has the most powerful weapon of all.
The anime release deterrence.
The world will starve if it stops.
Japanese government has a program inviting foreign born japanese descendants to come back to the motherland. My friend is the grandson of one of the Japanese soldiers who decided to stay back in Indonesia to help fight returning Dutch soldiers after WW2 ended (I believe 5,000 of them did so). They always get invitations to "return" to Japan despite being Indonesian citizens. If they decide to return, housing is provided and monthly allowance is guaranteed until they find a job, and the whole immediate family is encouraged to come as well. His dad did so alone but he was in Japan only to work for a few years. My friend is an AVP in a tech startup here, so he's still thinking about it.
Nobody:
Literally every single japanese pre WW2: _i'll never forgive the japanese!_
Why are we worried about a country being unprepared for war and not more worried about countries whose entire business model is perpetuating war? You know, the senseless sacrificing of working class or poor working class bodies.
Bring this to the top of the page folks.
They have the power of anime, everyone else loses
"Why Japan isn't ready for war".
This is stupid. Japan doesn't need to be ready for a war. If they are attacked, the USA has to defend them. Plus, they're an island (so navy), and can build up easily.
Yeah its just a very American view on modern army's
"Soldiers are made of humans." So like a human Megazord/ Voltron situation instead of with machines?
I really like your multi-part documentaries. As Japan's population shrinks, there should be a surplus of capital to go around. Assuming they can implement more free-market ideas, I think Japan will have a Technologic boom in the future which could be a force multiplier. Also as an Island, their Navy is everything. Navies are nothing but Equipment and Technology. You don't need manpower for a navy, unlike an army, as an army does not need equipment, unlike a navy. Japan's heritage and Navy will be their greatest strength.
"The best defence is a good offense"
Napoleon.
@Blake Johnson based
@Blake Johnson based
Great video! Slight editing error at 0:35, where you added an extra "1" to Japan's number of active troops.
Why would they need such population when a literal anime girl with cat ears can take out an entire military division using magic explosion? Not mentioning they have giant robots and plasma laser cannon.
This video is misleading, Japan is more than ready for war.
"Mainland China". We Taiwanese also claim the legitimacy of China.
I'm glad there are still taiwanese who want to reclaim the mainland and expel communist terrorists, instead of those cringe greenies who want nothing to do with china and deny their chinese heritage.
I’d argue that laws can indeed help the falling population.
Specifically laws which strictly enforce working hours and work conditions that allow young people to have the energy to raise a family without expecting the woman to quit her career.
Sounds like exactly what China is doing
also Japan is famously hostile to immigration, the tool most western countries use to increase their population.
We can see on stat it doesn't help, countries with the lowest working hours and best welfare are still deeply in decline.
Actually Japan now has working hours below developed countries average and it doesn't help.
@@hochmeisterjer That's because Japanese society and culture is, to a lot of people, too complex and intricate to understand, resulting in them being singled out for extremely minor issues (karoshi and suicide being an example, despite having a lower suicide rate than the US and South Korea). Having to dumb down your ancient cultural practices, which will affect society, just so you can import a crap ton of low-skilled, low-educated individuals from third world countries is *not* fair. If I was Japan, I'd rather watch the population slowly die out than watch it become a shell of its former self. However, the population decline will solve itself eventually, with some estimating it to be around 2050 or, in the worst case scenario, 90-100~ million people remaining, so there's no need to take drastic measure. Multiculturalism isn't for every country or culture and should not be lauded as the be all, end all because it's worked a handful of times.
@@TheDarkArcherz I agree, I'm just saying the issue with Japan's aging population isn't unique to the country. It is the same with every developed nation. Whats unique about Japan is its decision not to remedy it. They have the full power to solve the issue if they wished, but they have other priorities.
Japan is well prepared, they have Gundam and Godzilla.
Great introduction to the domestic issues that constrain the JSDF. I was wondering if and when you’d bring up Article 9 and the US Alliance but I’m assuming that’s part two and I can’t wait to see you analyze it!
I dont really think the population decline in Japan is much of a big deal in terms of defending its self. You have South Korea and Taiwan, who both have far lower birth rates compared to Japan that are doing well. Yes I understand that Korea has conscription(majority goes to the army as infantry), but Japan’s main defensive strategy is at the sea and air. The JSDF doesnt need foot soldiers that will only serve for couple of years. It needs volunteers thats willing to commit a life time in the military in specific fields that requires years of training and Japan isnt having much problem with that.
you know it's economics when you say "solders are made of humans"
Memories of the Imperial Empire of Japan, are not quite past living memory of its victims, in the Pacific region.
Nor yet the Japanese, who's second world war memory's, are equally filled with horror and loss.
Staying out of conflict and vast sums on military, has served Japan, and eased fears of its neighbours.
^China has entered the chat.
Japan had a massive "peace dividend" after 1945 (able to focus more on "bread" instead of "guns"). If it didn't have US protection, it might be poorer in bread and maybe even with inferior weaponry anyway like the Soviets and others.
6:53 "Roads? How boring!"
That defense spending graph presentation was masterfully done!
WTF? Japan HAS a world wide military presence. I see those Toyotas with machine guns mounted on back all over the globe.
japan: oh you see sir... i don't have any power|
China, North Korea, South Korea, and Godzilla: *I UNDERSTAND*
You know who else were huge pacifists, during WWII, that didn't want any more wars?
"and time becomes a loop" -worf stardate 42679.2
in an alternate universe Japan has developed star wars esk droids to supplement their lack of humans in military
imagining their usage as something akin to templin institute's take on the first order having organic officers where beneficial and droids literally everywhere else
Japan and pacifist in the same phrase. Asians must be confused
6:55 the driver of the van surely thought nobody would notice
Japan is like Fire Nation staying away from conflicts as much as possible.
Japan does not need any additional military boost than what it already has
I would love to see this lad talk about AI and technology and how it will shape the future of work and countries
That cliff hanger hurt more than the final episodes of the 3rd seasons of Netflix's Dynasty and Final Space. Glad I'm part of the notification squad, I'm on the edge of my seat!
The 50 Cent Party are rife within these comments. Holy crap, I don't think I've ever seen so many commenting on one video.
It’s normal folks telling folks the reality
I can’t imagine why Japan wouldn’t want nuclear bombs, not a single reason comes to mind. Not even two reasons
59 year old soldier: “sir North Korea is invading us”.
General: “load the cannons!”
Soldier: : “we don’t have any ammo”
General: “what do we have?”
Soldier: “Hentai”
General: “load up the hentai see how they like that!!!”
General: That should distract them til the Americans arrive
@@genghiskhan5701 Soldier: Sir, what kinda Hentai should I load up sir? The classic tentacles or Vanilla?
Lets be real, most countries are not ready for war
The only reason japan managed to conquer so much land during WW2 is because japan was the only industrialized asian nation at the time because they were the first to adopt european technology. All their enemies they were fighting were underequipped and did not have any tanks, aircraft, or artillery. Once the allies started arming these people, they started winning battles against japan. Nowadays, japan would have trouble invading even the smallest asian nations.
@Seven Correos Only because of modern technology, but the playing field in asia has been even now.
To be fair. Its geograpgic position makes it much easier to defend its territory than, let's say, South Korea for example. And the limited equipment it has is geared towards self defense. They barely have any offensive weaponry.
Japan could convert to full war production mode including weaponizing nukes very fast. They have the know how, industrial and technological capabilities.
Man power is a serious handicap
@@bmad1386 that is very true but Japan has colonized China before with much less man power .
interesting line taken by the car towards the bottom of the frame at 6:54
oh man, that PolyMatter text slide...smooth as butter, so satisfying *chefs kiss*
just you wait, japan be launching fully functioning gundam to counter those nukes
Everyone gangsta until Japan builds a modern Yamato
The real reason why Japan arms manufacturers are not allow to export the weapon is due to USA. Not due to Pacifism. Japan is more advance in electronic, their weapons may compete against the US arms manufacturers and win. Make no mistake. USA only support "free market" if nobody can compete against them. Look at what they do to Huawei.
finally a sensible comment
Market liberals get jelous easily lol
Polymatter doing a great video as always!
please drop more videos, this keeps me alive
These fools didn't count all the anime weebs ready to go to war for Japan
This probably seems like a great video to people with literally no knowledge of the past century of Asian history.
0:37 Social Credit Score Test Intensifies
Many People don’t understand the concept of pacifism. Many countries would say that Switzerland is the post pacifistic country, but the are also one of the most heavily armed nation. In WW2 you could compare Belgium and Switzerland. Belgium was immediately crushed, because they didn’t have an army. Switzerland on the other hand build a LOT of bunkers, made every man go to mandatory military service, and it treated everyone as an enemy. The did trade with the Germans, but they also traded with the allies. Every outside airplane that violated the Swiss airspace was shot down, no matter if from the Axis or the Allies.
Plenty of countries had bunkers in addition to actually contributing to the war. Switzerland was just unimportant enough to get easily invaded, bombed, or blockaded to starvation like the others (or it may have secretly been an Axis ally, who knows).
This topic is definitely a tough one. War is clearly bad and a lot of Asia fell victim to Imperial Japan. Japanese Imperialism is far more recent than European colonialism and in a lot of ways was far more brutal and inhumane. And while Japan has apologized, it does also send mixed messages. However it could also be considered unreasonable to defang a nation when a threat is coming at it. Now that isn't to say to buy completely into US propaganda and see China and North Korea as the greatest enemies to freedom and democracy. Still, both countries are acting aggressively even more than the US, which is saying something given the United States's history with military power. The fact that almost every other nation in Asia has more soldiers in their army, still legally maintain conscription, and in some cases have nuclear weapons and is outspending Japan in its military budget but views any changes in Japan's defense policy as it returning to its Imperial ways can be considered ridiculous. Still, it's hard to point this out since the victims of Japan are still alive, albeit very old. Japan does have a terrible history that should be remembered so it never happens again. I honestly doubt any country in Asia nowadays could be as horrible as Japan once was. Maybe North Korea, but I can't say China would be so horrible. And I have to admit either nation invading Japan is a bit much. The justification would not be there and I doubt the reward of such a campaign would be worth the price. Still, it seems hypocritical for Russia, South Korea, China, and North Korea to criticize Japan for even the smallest changes when China and Russia have their own aircraft carriers, all but South Korea have nuclear weapons, South Korea is experimenting with nuclear weapons, and most if not all of them have military conscription. Japan already has a population that keeps the government in check with how it tries to change the constitution. Even if Japan has no problem with its helicopter carriers becoming light aircraft carriers, I see no way the current population will allow conscription, nuclear weapons, or entering a war between China, Taiwan, and the US to happen.
“Soldiers are made of humans” debatable
9:20 "Too many chefs and not enough Indians"
Modi : alright..give em some 2 or 4 million Indian soldiers
Japan is essentially an occupied country. US military has a massive presence there, including military bases, troops and ships. Ironically this has given it defacto military protection from any opposition, similar to Germany, which has allowed it to focus on it's economy after WW2 turning it into one of the worlds biggest economies. If the US removed it's military you'd see a huge change overnight in building a defensive military.
occupation looks different, I can tell you
6:55 the bus taking that shortcut lmao, mad man
"And south korea"
Graph: just shows korea.
Japan's defense strategy is making lots of anime so the world doesn't want it to be invaded.
japan also as america at its aide. after the fight they gave us last time and the lasting friendship it grew into. we had better be willing to send every ounce of our military might to aide in their defense if theyre ever invaded.
that one car at 6:56 just driving over the pier instead of sticking to the road though
Japan: Remilitarized
China: Why do I hear boss music?
i don't doubt that the US can defend japan militarily, but what about politically? what if something similar to poland during ww2 or what happens to south vietnam during the vietnamese war happens to japan?
If you ever joined military exchange with Japan, you'd know that their "defence" technologies is beyond your imagination. How this video underestimated their prowess on terms of "pacifist".
Not yet. But wait until they made a 60 foot functioning gundam
I appreciate Japan's Pacifism... But if you want peace, prepare for war.
japan then: *we have conquered indonesia, we must never surrender!*
japan now: p-please don't invade me a-anon-kun 🥺👉👈
Pacifism intenfisies
Everyone is gangsta until Japan makes Nuclear weapons overnight
10:50 I think you have a slight misconception about their tanks they are so small not because they are built in a sterile environment.
they are so small because they need to be transported all over Japan via their Rail network, and the sacrifice is extra space for injured.
They know what they are doing, they just have different priorities.
Let's see them laugh at Japan when all those Gundams start walking.
Japan low R&D for military also part of the reason why their vehicles industry quickly catch up with US after war and even beat them in many sector like cars, heavy machinery, automation, shipbuilding (non-military), HSR. Japan best engineer and scientist work in those industry while best in US work with Pentagon and NASA. Germany also spend less than other developed countries for military also strong in same industry as Japan.
This video: Japan isn't ready for war.
Japan: hehe
Everybodys gangsta until Japan released their super secret Gundam Defence Force
Spoiler it's Article 9 in the MacArthur constitution. Also, it's the opposition of the majority of voters to changing this anti-war pacifist article, and even without it, the slow pace of any action by contemporary Japanese government.
Gdp in PPP must be used to determine the economic status of a country. And here it is gdp in PPP of 2019 per country as follows:
1. China $26,656,766
2. US $22,675,271
3. India $10,207,290
4. Japan$ 5,585,786
@PolyMatter What You mean by "Too Many Chiefs and not enough Indians". 9:17
Let's take into account that Japan has a massive debt compared to their GDP, so they have other priorities to spend their money on as they need to be careful.
Obviously Japan doesn't want to tell everyone about the metal gears and Gundam hiding in mount fuji
6:52 the car on the waterfront is out of control
speaking of birth rates, is really telling that the US birth rate today is the same as that of china.
Love your videos as always :)
Japanese foreign legion coming soon.