Why is Japan Fortifying its Small Islands, and why is it such a big deal? | Foreign Correspondent

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Published 2023-02-16
After decades of peace, Japan is now confronting the possibility of war. With concerns over a resurgent Russia, North Korea and crucially, a more powerful China in the region, Japan is embarking on its biggest military spend since the Second World War. Subscribe: ab.co/3yqPOZ5

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On Foreign Correspondent, reporter James Oaten has gained unique access to the Japanese military as it fortifies its remote southwest islands with new military bases. The popular tourist destination of Ishigaki, an island that is closer to Taiwan than Tokyo will soon be home to hundreds of soldiers, stockpiles of ammunition and missiles that could one day strike mainland China. The local farming and fishing community is divided over the base, and what it means for their idyllic way of life. The population paid a high price in the dying days of World War 2, fuelling fears that they will once again become a target.

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All Comments (21)
  • The sad thing about reality that most civilians don't understand is that peace cannot be achieved without a show of force, and it's a fact that there is nothing around it or something in between. That Japanese guy perfectly says it: "While it's not good to have too much, having nothing at all is a lot worse."
  • @JoryRFerrell
    Pacifism is about not engaging in unnecessary, offensive violence. Being a pacifist shouldn't lead you to not defend yourself. The citizens against the military bases should consider that.
  • ブラジル日系人として日本が自分の領土を守れるよう願っています。
  • For Japan's neighbors China, Russia and North Korea, Japan is a gatekeeper at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean. When a great war breaks out, Japan will have to fight regardless of its own wishes. It's just that there is such a reality, and it should be irrelevant to Japanese militarism.
  • @andyjames2082
    If the Japanese have a defence base on their island, it becomes a target, if they don't, it becomes an easy target. I wish none of this was the case but, it's been happening for ever 😪
  • @sporehux8344
    Such a good reporter, not backing people into a corner or judging them on their positions, letting people talk without trying to steer the conversations with an agenda.
  • @joeblack4414
    As a Taiwanese, it is well understood that our location places us in a strategic position along the first island chains in the Pacific Ocean. As such, we have made preparations to ensure our readiness for any potential scenarios that may arise.
  • Young mother on the beach with her baby - "We can't protect our own lives if we don't defend ourselves". So true. Japan is in a very perilous position between China, Russia and North Korea. They are doing the right thing by strengthening their military, and that includes offensive capabilities (for example to launch counter-attacks). Total support for the SDF from Australia. I hope they do more.
  • @bigboy7927
    Weakness causes wars, strength prevents aggression.
  • @lmaoasian2518
    Go japan, supporting from the philippines 🇵🇭 🇯🇵
  • @hanwon895
    I am Taiwanese. The purpose of China's invasion of Taiwan is to build Taiwan into a military base for future wars against Japan and the United States, and to serve as a springboard for China to break through the first island chain defense line. Taiwan and Japan are strategically located as a community with a shared future. It is necessary for the two countries to cooperate in the military and establish a military alliance.
  • "this next war, if it happens everyone will be the losers i think" how very true
  • @phill2065
    Sadly for the grandmas, it doesn’t matter if military bases are constructed or not, because in the event of a war, a degree destruction and suffering is almost certainly guaranteed…
  • @patapata2023
    わたしは日本人ですが沖縄の島々の基地建設に賛成です。 それは必要なことです。
  • @stp915
    You can do it , JAPAN 💪🏼💪🏼🦾🦾 ✊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 We Support you, from INDIA 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳❤🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵 We shall Stand with Japan till the END of CHINA 🇨🇳🤯🤯🤯🇨🇳
  • 自分が銃を持っていようが持っていまいが相手に害意があれば撃たれるもの。しかし自分も銃を持っていて反撃する気があることを示せば相手は躊躇する。割に合わないと思わせることが重要 残念だけれど平和とはそういうものだと思う。
  • @vikasdadoo
    There is an old saying... "Those who want freedom prepare for war while in peace"
  • @sifalio
    I have been to Ishigaki, Iriomote, Miyakojima and Okinawa. They are absolutely beautiful islands and the people are warm and friendly. Wishing them all the very best.
  • @SM-cz4dn
    自衛隊、彼らが日本を守ってくれているがそれと同時に異国のために戦う勇敢な兵士、アメリカ軍の協力により平和が保たれている ありがとう
  • Japan arming itself will not create a conflict, as China is already hellbent on taking over the whole of the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Phillipine Sea and yes, even the Sea of Japan. Japan is doing what is clearly necessary to protect the free world and it's own interests. Thank God Japan has citizens still willing to join the ranks as soldiers, sailors and airmen. Respect to Japan.🇯🇵