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If I understand correctly- the pacifism of article 9 is broadly popular and part of their national identity now.

It is an inspiring idea to give up weapons, even if it hasn't worked in practice.

The idea is noble, certainly, but foolish in practice as evidenced by their actually having armed forces disguised as self defence forces. Now, of course to keep up appearances, it does hamstring them --but as further evidenced by this "helicopter destroyer" it's more of appearances --it's like whaling but calling the whaling "cetacean research" rather than just whaling.

Most countries refer to their arms spending as ‘defense spending’. Japan seems to go through further contortions but it’s not like everyone else is that different.

I am Japanese, and I don’t feel that not all our society agrees with whole article 9 thing anymore. North Korea has been too much threat for sure... real missiles flew over our houses few times in last 6 months..

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