Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the 80th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender, highlighting the ongoing issues of historical revisionism and militarization in Japan, particularly by right-wing factions [1][2][3]. Political Trends - The political landscape in Japan has shifted towards the right, with a noticeable decline in the acknowledgment of Japan's wartime actions. The statements made by past prime ministers have gradually weakened over the years, moving from explicit apologies to attempts to downplay historical grievances [2][3]. - The rise of extreme right-wing parties in Japan's recent elections indicates a growing influence of revisionist history perspectives, which may further entrench militaristic ideologies within the political sphere [3]. Historical Narrative - The current narrative in Japan emphasizes victimhood, particularly regarding the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, while neglecting the country's wartime aggressions against other nations. This selective memory is becoming more prevalent in Japanese society [4][6][7]. - Recent polls show a significant portion of the Japanese population either does not recognize or is unaware of Japan's role in wartime aggression, with only 35% acknowledging it as an invasion [6]. Military Expansion - Japan is moving towards a more militarized stance, with plans to significantly increase defense spending and develop offensive military capabilities. The government aims to raise defense expenditures to approximately 43 trillion yen over the next five years [8]. - The procurement of advanced weaponry, including cruise missiles, indicates a shift from a defensive posture to one that includes offensive capabilities, raising concerns about Japan's military intentions [8][9]. Economic Implications - The potential intertwining of Japan's economy with military production and exports poses significant concerns. The recent decision to export advanced warships marks a notable shift in Japan's post-war defense policy [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, especially as the 80th anniversary of its unconditional surrender approaches, while highlighting the rise of right-wing forces that seek to downplay this history and portray Japan as a victim [1][2]. Group 1: Political Trends - The political landscape in Japan has shifted towards the right, with notable changes in the tone of official statements regarding historical reflection, moving from the strong apologies of the past to a more diluted acknowledgment of wartime actions [2][3]. - The rise of extreme right-wing parties in Japan's recent elections indicates a growing influence of revisionist historical perspectives, which may further entrench these views in the political discourse [3]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Historical Narrative - A recent NHK poll revealed that only 35% of respondents recognized Japan's actions during the war as aggression against Asian countries, with a significant portion of the population either unsure or denying this perspective [4][5]. - The narrative of Japan as a "victim" of war, particularly in the context of the atomic bombings, has overshadowed the acknowledgment of its own wartime aggressions, leading to a skewed historical understanding among the populace [5][6]. Group 3: Military Expansion - Japan's government has been progressively loosening its post-war pacifist stance, with plans to significantly increase defense spending and develop offensive military capabilities, reflecting a shift towards a more militarized posture [6][7]. - The recent decision by Australia to procure upgraded Japanese warships marks a significant step in Japan's military exports, indicating a potential merging of its economy with military production, which raises concerns about the implications of such a trend [7].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's largest live-fire exercise, "Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise 2025," was launched, showcasing advanced weaponry and emphasizing the country's shift towards enhancing its defense capabilities, particularly in terms of offensive capabilities and island defense [1][4][15]. Group 1: Exercise Overview - The exercise involved 3,000 personnel and included various military equipment such as 45 tanks and armored vehicles, 64 artillery pieces, and multiple types of missile launchers, utilizing nearly 77 tons of ammunition [3]. - This year's exercise featured the debut of the "Type 24 General Tactical Vehicle," which has three variants designed for troop transport, fire suppression, and reconnaissance, indicating preparations for rapid island seizure [6]. Group 2: Advanced Weaponry - The "Improved Type 12 Anti-Ship Missile" was highlighted, with a modified launch vehicle design that has a larger launch box and a maximum range exceeding 1,000 kilometers [9][10]. - The hypersonic missile, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, can fly at speeds over Mach 5 and has a range of 900 kilometers, with plans for operational deployment accelerated to next year [12]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The exercise reflects Japan's strategic shift towards enhancing its preemptive strike capabilities, aligning with the new security strategy introduced in late 2022, which emphasizes the development of capabilities for attacking enemy bases [15]. - Japan's focus on long-range firepower and larger operational platforms is expected to impact regional strategic balance and stability negatively [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Japan's largest live-fire exercise, "Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise 2025," highlighting the introduction of advanced weaponry and its implications for regional security dynamics [1][2][4]. Summary by Sections Exercise Overview - The "Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise 2025" involved 3,000 personnel and utilized nearly 77 tons of ammunition, showcasing various military assets including 45 tanks and armored vehicles, 64 artillery pieces, and multiple types of missile launchers [1]. Advanced Weaponry - The exercise featured the debut of the "Improved Type 12 Anti-Ship Missile," which has a maximum range exceeding 1,000 kilometers and employs a multi-faceted stealth design [2]. - The "Hypersonic Missile," developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, can travel at speeds over Mach 5 and has a maximum range of 900 kilometers, with plans for operational deployment accelerated to next year [3]. Strategic Implications - Experts interpret the exercise as a demonstration of Japan's shift towards a more proactive defense strategy, emphasizing the development of preemptive strike capabilities and long-range firepower [6][7]. - The focus on "firepower long-range" and larger operational platforms indicates a more offensive posture, potentially destabilizing regional security and strategic balance [7].

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has launched its largest live-fire exercise, "Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise 2025," which includes advanced missile systems and focuses on island seizure tactics [1] Summary by Categories Exercise Details - The exercise involves 3,000 personnel and includes both daytime and nighttime operations [1] - A total of 45 tanks and armored vehicles, 64 artillery pieces, and various missile launch vehicles are deployed [1] - The exercise utilizes nearly 77 tons of ammunition [1] Advanced Weaponry - The exercise showcases the "improved Type 12 anti-ship missile" and hypersonic missiles for the first time [1] - Various types of armed helicopters, MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft, and drones are also part of the exercise [1]