The Militarisation of Japan and the Ethics of Survival Strategies

Abstract Recently there has been media speculation about Japan’s move away from pacifism towards a more active role in global conflict, focusing on the war in Ukraine. The lack of military infrastructure and research and development in Japan since World War II have also had a profound impact on a lack of preparedness for COVID 19 vaccines, as the infrastructure needed was often linked to military development. We discuss how such changes have resulted in a desire for a buildup of military development including vaccine development in Japan. These changes, should they take place, will signify a shift away from the post-war period as Japan develops a new global role.