Japan’s Foreign Policy on the Truth of China and North Korea Issues

This study explores Japan’s foreign policy in response to external threats, particularly from China and North Korea. It focuses on Japan's strategic adjustments to China’s rising military capabilities and North Korea’s continued ballistic missile launches, especially those seen in 2021. By utilizing national interest and foreign policy theories, the article examines how Japan has evolved its defense posture in light of these growing regional challenges. Central to this evolution is the concept of "proactive pacifism," which reflects Japan’s shift from a strictly pacifist stance towards a more assertive yet constitutionally constrained security approach. The research underscores how Japan’s historical context and identity, shaped by post-WWII pacifism, now intersect with emerging security imperatives. It also highlights the impact of Japan’s alliance with the United States and the recalibration of its defense strategies to adapt to the increasingly volatile security environment in East Asia. Overall, the paper illustrates Japan’s transition towards a more dynamic foreign policy while maintaining its legal and normative commitments to peace.