On Jan. 3rd, 2012, Michael Auslin reported for the Wall Street Journal on Japan's new stance on national defense. Auslin notes that a series of cyberattacks may have driven Japan to leave its peace first policy and pursue a decidedly stronger stance. Citing the cyberattacks on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Japanese parliament, and Fujitsu Ltd., the article explains that Japan "has been rudely awakened to the dangers of an increasingly volatile region."
How has Japan responded? Yesterday's news that the Japanese are building a hack-back virus seems to say that they want to fight back against cyberattacks. Moreover, the article cites the relaxation of weapons export laws and the purchase of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (a US fighter jet with stealth capabilities) as evidence that Japan is leaving its peace constitution.
The rest of the WSJ article can be found here.
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