Core Viewpoint - Japan's government, under Prime Minister Kishi Nobuo, is aggressively pursuing military expansion under the guise of "self-defense," with a strong focus on militarization in space [1][2]. Group 1: Space Military Development - Japan's Defense Minister, Koizumi Shinjiro, emphasized the importance of space as a critical area for both military and civilian purposes, indicating a strong intent to enhance space capabilities [2][4]. - The Japanese government plans to reorganize the Air Self-Defense Force into an "Aerospace Self-Defense Force" by the fiscal year 2026, with a dedicated "Space Operations Group" expected to be upgraded by 2025 [2]. - Japan is developing "bodyguard satellites" to strengthen its space defense capabilities and is investing heavily in a project akin to a Japanese version of the "Starlink" low-orbit satellite constellation [6]. Group 2: Military Strategy and Operations - Japan aims to establish a more comprehensive space reconnaissance system using optical infrared imaging satellites and radar reconnaissance satellites to monitor foreign military targets [9]. - Military communication and navigation satellites will support Japan's Self-Defense Forces in deploying to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ensuring intelligence and information support for overseas operations [10]. - The restructured Aerospace Self-Defense Force will conduct joint exercises and training with the U.S. Space Force, extending the U.S.-Japan military alliance into space [11]. Group 3: Regional Military Deployment - Japan is enhancing its military presence in the southwestern region, with recent inspections by Defense Minister Koizumi in Okinawa, focusing on the deployment of ground self-defense forces [12]. - The 15th Brigade stationed in Okinawa is set to expand into a division with nearly 4,000 personnel by 2027, forming a "Okinawa Defense Group" aimed at island defense operations [14]. - The expansion of the 15th Brigade and the deployment of advanced missile systems in the southwestern islands indicate a shift towards offensive military capabilities rather than purely defensive measures [16].