Discrepancy in Perceptions of Security Policy between the Japanese Government and Public

The Japanese government has been promoting a major shift in its security policy, including strengthening its alliance with the United States and recognizing the right to collective self-defense. However, various public opinion polls reveal a significant gap between the government's policy direction and public opinion.

First, the government enacted the legislation related to security in 2015, recognizing the right to collective self-defense. However, a March 2023 public opinion poll showed that those who evaluated it positively (49%) and those who did not (48%) were almost evenly split. The revised National Security Strategy, Defense Buildup Program, and Defense Plan in 2022 decided on increasing defense spending and acquiring counterstrike capabilities. Yet, this survey also revealed a 50/50 split between those who viewed it positively (48%) and those who did not (48%). Regarding the three non-nuclear principles, 49% responded that they should continue to be upheld in the future.

Meanwhile, when asked whether they would support joint operations with the Chinese military in the future, only 13.3% responded affirmatively. Support for the development of large-scale Aegis destroyers, which the government urges the public to support, was merely 26%, and support for the development of next-generation fighter jets was a mere 13%. This reveals that a majority of the public holds a negative stance towards the military buildup policies actively pursued by the government.

Despite the worsening security environment, a majority of the public expressed support for relatively defensive measures, such as cooperation with allied and friendly countries in the US (58%), strengthening missile defense systems (53%), and utilizing artificial satellites (40%). However, a considerable number oppose the government's offensive security policies, indicating a clear gap between government and public perception.

Examining public awareness of security policy reveals that over half of the respondents (58%) prioritize their national identity as a "peace-loving nation." The current policy direction of "assuming global responsibilities through the US alliance" is a significant departure from the policy of a decade ago. While a majority of the public favors the traditional defense policy approach, the government seeks to expand its role beyond the regional level through military buildup, leading to differences in opinion. The government's shift in security policy appears to be too radical, facing limitations in public acceptance.

In short, it has become evident that there is a significant gap in perceptions between the Japanese government and its citizens regarding key security policies, including the right to collective self-defense, military cooperation with the US, and defense capability enhancement. As the government pushes forward with a major shift in security policy, it appears necessary for it to reflect and persuade public opinion more actively.