No surprise here. Yet another step toward Japan's re-emergence as an 'active' world power. I'm actually shocked it has taken Japan this long to seriously consider kicking those constitutional restrictions to the curb.

Kim Jong Il's antics combined with China's saber rattling and dramatic increase in defense spending over the last few decades has essentially forced the world's second largest economy to re-examine its foreign policy. The traditional alliances and partnerships that held fast during the Cold War are now subject to change and interpretation. China has become a major trade partner with the US and is a quiet benefactor/reluctant ally of North Korea. US policy making in the post-Cold War era is remarkedly inconsistent and complicated by our large commitment in Iraq and Afghanistan. The idea that Japan can effectively ally with or rely upon South Korea, a nation that still harbors deep resentment to Japan for past transgressions, is remote. With all these variables at work Japan has finally come to the realization it cannot always count on the friendly neighborhood red, white and blue 800lb gorilla to throw its weight around on its behalf.

Not that Japan's military is currently anemic or unprepared. To use an example the JMSDF currently fields a sizeable blue water navy second only to the USN in terms of numbers and effectiveness.

http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/asiapac/japan.htm