Japan Must Find Its Own Path to Victory

このページを日本語で読む

On March 3, I attended a study meeting held in Tokyo titled "The Road to Japan's Revival." It was organized by the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals (JINF), chaired by Yoshiko Sakurai. With the world sliding into an era of open conflict, I was eager to hear how Japan plans to overcome its national security challenges.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi delivered the keynote address alongside Sakurai and other speakers. Each offered their own perspective on how Japan should navigate the security challenges ahead.

A Meeting on Japan's Future

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a sudden, large-scale military strike on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and several top officials. Though Iran's military suffered a devastating blow, it struck back with ballistic missiles and drones, and the fighting quickly spread across the Middle East.

The JINF study meeting took place against this backdrop of escalating conflict. Even so, it was clear that the central concern in the room was China. Like Iran, China has been rapidly expanding its military. Analysts warn that it is methodically laying the groundwork for a military invasion of Taiwan as early as 2027.

Minister Koizumi never mentioned China by name. Yet his message was unmistakable when he said, "Japan will strengthen its own defense capabilities. We must not allow aggressors to believe they can succeed."

Tribute to the Self-Defense Forces

Koizumi also spoke about the planned revision of three key security documents, including the National Security Strategy, under the Takaichi administration. He was emphatic that "discussions must proceed without constraints or limitations," and declared that "accelerating the pace and intensity of those revisions is my mission."

*Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at a Japan Institute for National Fundamentals meeting held in Tokyo on March 3. (©JAPAN Forward by Yasuo Naito)*

The Defense Minister closed his remarks with a tribute to Self-Defense Force members, the men and women who carry out dangerous duties without complaint, serving the nation in quiet dedication. He called for building a society that genuinely respects and values the Japan Self-Defense Forces, and the room responded with loud, sustained applause.

Since its defeat in World War II, Japan has long lived under the shadow of that loss. Now, as an era of raw power politics reasserts itself across the globe, Japan is beginning to stir. Opening up genuine, unconstrained debate on defense is essential. So too is pressing forward with a meaningful revision of its security strategy — one aimed at building a stronger, more prosperous nation. Together, these steps would mark the true beginning of Japan's renewal. That, at least, was the impression the meeting left on me.

Geothermal Power Through the Lens of a Famous Hot Spring City

Challenges Beyond Security

Japan's challenges extend well beyond geopolitical risk. The country must also contend with the ever-present threat of major earthquakes, a rapidly aging population, and declining number of births.

And yet, seen from another angle, there is reason for quiet confidence. Japan has already done something remarkable: it rose from the ashes of defeat to become a thriving democracy and a modern, advanced nation. That same resilience, tested and proven through hardship, gives Japan the capacity to contribute meaningfully to global security — and to help make the world a more peaceful and stable place.

Sharing these stories is exactly what JAPAN Forward was created to do. Its mission is to present this side of Japan to the world and to grow the circle of countries and people who see Japan as a friend and partner.

One such story is the untapped energy potential lying beneath Japan's own soil.

The following article by JAPAN Forward explores the promise of geothermal energy, reported on location in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture.

Geothermal Power Through the Lens of a Famous Hot Spring City

Geothermal Potential

Japan sits atop one of the most volcanically active regions on earth, and locked beneath its surface is geothermal energy equivalent in output to 23 nuclear reactors. This makes Japan the world's third-largest geothermal resource base, behind only the United States and Indonesia.

Unlike solar or wind power, geothermal energy is unaffected by the weather and can continue operating even after a major earthquake. This makes it one of the most reliable energy sources currently available.

*A panel discussion was held at the study meeting. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

It also produces no greenhouse gas emissions and requires no energy imports from other nations. On paper, it seems almost too good to be true — and in one respect, it is. Tapping heat sources in locations that are both geologically viable and practically accessible remains technically difficult and expensive.

But if next-generation technologies can eventually unlock geothermal development regardless of location, Japan could find itself transformed into a major energy resource power in its own right.

The article, produced in cooperation with local and national governments, brought to international audiences both the promise of geothermal energy and the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Beppu's famous hot springs. JAPAN Forward also produced a short accompanying video, under five minutes, capturing the beautiful city and the power that lies beneath.

The time has come to stop searching for reasons why things cannot be done and instead focus on what we can do. Japan must now walk its own path to victory — one different from that of the United States, China, or Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine.

Watch for the next issue on April 15.

JAPAN Forward is a media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to advance the future of Japan and its role in the world. For inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.