Japan: Defense Forces Evolving Faster Than Political Debate

Japanese Ground Self Defense Force units and Hokkaido police held their first joint exercises Nov. 18, training to defend against an armed infiltration. The exercise is part of the gradual shift in the role and mission of Japan's defense forces — a shift brought about by the end of the Cold War and accelerated by recent changes in the security situation. But as the defense forces adjust their tactics and structure, the political will for such changes still lags behind.