The '60s are over and the protests have subsided, but you can still spot the occasional political demonstration. This semi-armored vehicle with the loudspeakers is one of a convoy of what seems like dozens of tank-like buses cruising the streets of Tokyo telling us about their ideas. Not limited to one ideology, the people behind the speakers were not shy, either. One of the speakers was urging a rewrite of the Japanese constitution and defense guidelines. As it stands, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (though they are number four in the world when it comes to funding) are hamstrung when in comes to actually engaging in any battle. (Ed's note on June 17, 2000: Japan's military is now the second most funded in the world, after only the USA.) On this same day, I read in the newspaper that there are no guidelines for coordination between the SDF and Maritime Self-Defense Forces in the event of an invasion by sea. Military spending will probably increase shortly. North Korean authorities recently test fired a long range missile, and US satellites determined that it actually flew over the northern part of Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean. Japan is now considering pumping money into the US Theater Missile Defense system, whereby satellites detect missile launch plumes, track the missiles against deep space, and target some kind of weapon to knock them out--hopefully before their destruction can cause collateral damage on friendly territory. On the same evening as this protest, Beverly Hills 90210 would be interrupted for an emergency news broadcast. Two suspicious boats had been spotted in Japanese territorial waters and it was thought that they could be North Korean spy vessels, either gathering electronic intelligence or getting ready to deposit intelligence agents. The Maritime Self-Defense Forces would pursue them and the prime minister would unprecedentedly allow the MSDF to fire warning shots and drop warning bombs to try and stop the vessels, who disobeyed orders to stop. However, the converted fishing boats somehow outran the Japanese navy. The government is now considering new rules of engagement whereby the MSDF will be allowed to target their cannons at such ships. The limitations: they can shoot the propellers, steering system, bow and engine, but must not hurt human beings or sink the ship. Personnel will receive thorough training to improve their aim on the high seas. All I have to say is... hurry up and write those manuals! |
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Copyright © 1999 by Ed Kaspar |