Farewell to Pacifism: Japan is rearming | DW Documentary
In 1945, under US occupation, the Japanese constitution was created. Toshiko Tanaka, then six years old, had survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. She hoped that this “peace constitution” would prevent wars in the future. But now, Japan is arming itself again.
After 1945, Japan was the only country in the world to commit itself to renouncing war in its constitution. But in the face of increasing dangers, the island nation has now announced a rearmament program. By the end of this decade, Japan could become the third strongest military power in the world. The pacifism born of the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has given way to fear of aggressive neighbors like China, Russia and North Korea.
Under conservative governments and in view of the increasing withdrawal of the once-protective USA, the Japanese armed forces have acquired weapons systems. These include amphibious vehicles, US F-35 fighter jets and two aircraft carriers. There is enough plutonium from civilian use in the country to produce up to a thousand nuclear warheads. Missile systems are also available.
Asia is the key to the future. This documentary shows a new side of Japan and provides insight into the military changes that are taking place there – far from the war in Ukraine. Toshiko Tanaka, one of the last hibakusha, as the survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings are called, fears war once more.
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Video “Farewell to Pacifism: Japan is rearming | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 01/11/2025 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.
Germany and Japan should forever be allied with friendship.
Genocidal Stupidity.
Boris Johnson and Joe Biden have driven the world to the brink of mass extinction.
May God never forgive them.
Japan can't meaningfully rearm themselves. They are in a demographic catastrophe. There are more adult diapers sold n Japan than baby diapers. They aren't having children. If they lost 50,000 military age men in combat, they would go extinct as a culture in a 1,000 years, instead of the estimated 3,000 years now.
Lucifer knows he's out of time.😂😂😂 Jesus Christ, returning soon and very soon. Satan teachers us to hate each other. But Jesus Christ, teachers, us to love one another ❤❤❤ i love Japanese people cars and food.
I really can't accept the reality we're living in today because there is a tremendous military force from China, North Korea, and the Russian Federation. The Japanese people have a right to defend themselves, so do the other nation states from the entire Asia Pacific.
People just don't want to learn!
I don't believe the Chinese leadership is sincere to maintain peace by pointing its nuclear arsenal against the Japanese people. The CCP have operated under "reunification" banner against Taiwan, and Hong Kong has already fallen.
Japan have the right to rearmed.. militaryly
The communist dictatorship in China and North Korea are aligned to destroy Japan in case of outbreak of regional war which cannot be allowed to happen. So, there is this existential threat, where the CCP is flexing its military power to expand its power and influence throughout Asia.
From my understanding, Japan fulfilled its obligation to uphold its constitution of de-militarization after the second world war.
Calling Japan a pacifism nation is a bit of a stretch…
Those pacifist are insane.. they rather give up and watch their families die than fight to defend themselves
Not Japan I will rather say it's USA and Europe
What is the diversity situation in Japan?
Who is trying to avoid war lately? Lines are being drawn and everyone is gearing up. Maybe some dialogue too? At least try not to let it happen. Too much money in the process for people whose kids never have to worry about dying though.
South-East Asians are having PTSD
10:26 chn 16:44 47:06 50:15
I support Japan's rearmament.
Japan has the right as it should be. The uneasy relations to its hostile neighbors is no excuse to stay silent.
ww3 probably: Russia, Iran, NorthKorea, China vs Nato, USA, Japan, SouthKorea, Australia
Only natural. The current tensions in the world have pretty much made pacifism obsolete.
They will not win as they dont have suicidal and fierce army like before.
Could we see this in Switzerland too?
If we cant or are unwilling to learn from our history, we will inevitably go extinct.
Japan could make better weapons than anybody probably
Be careful
This is why America has no problem with Japan but have issues with Europe. We begged Europe to rearm they laughed and ignored us and expected the U.S. to pay for them forever. Japan has taken upon themselves after seeing the rising aggression in their region. Europe is weak and that’s why Trump treats them in that manner.
People build military and become imperialist.
Live through hardships to become pacifists again, till another fear makes them remember. We aren't aggressors, but we wont be push around again also.
Its normal to be surrounded by enemies and wanting to defend yourself.
They have North korean ballistic missiles flying in their air space.
I can't judge them….
People will regret the day they awaken Japanese military spirit.
The word should call itself to order
It's more likely that Japan will join NATO in the future
Think what kind of weapon Japan would make n more reliable than other weapons making country
From the most recent history, other countries should worry about Japan instead !
@2:50 how could she claim to have seen 2 planes in the sky if Hiroshima is 400 km away from Nagasaki
Amazing that Russia has made all the surrounding powers much more dangerous
America is behind all casualties after ww2
Rearming against who? China, Russia or North Korea?
I dont think this is a good idea. Keep your pacifism. You did not have the best of history vis a vis your neighbors. And even distant lands like Philippines and Indonesia. Be neutral and dont be used as tool to self destruction as was the case with the infamous Plaza Accords agreement
Let's hope they are not going to do genocide again.
As the should. They are surrounded by hostile forces. They would be dumb not to fortify themselves.
How sad to see humanity ignore the genocide going on native Palestinians 😢