After all, under the Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation agreement, Japan's Self-Defense Forces would be allowed to engage for the first time in detailed planning with U.S. forces to meet a range of contingencies, including non-combat support, in the event of conflict in the East Asian region.

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Such a step would allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to launch a pre-emptive missile strike at an enemy's military target when an imminent attack on Japan from that specific site is confirmed, officials for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said.

WSJ: Japan's Military Moves Toward Pre-Emptive Strike Capability

Article nine of the constitution forbids Japan's military -- the Self-Defense Forces -- from waging war overseas.

CNN: Japan ground troops set to leave

While the Japan Coast Guard is responsible for protecting Japan's coastlines, the defense minister can order the Self-Defense Forces to be deployed for maritime security operations if the situation is considered beyond the coast guard's capabilities.

WSJ: Japan on Alert Over Unidentified Submarines

After decades leading the opposition, Japan's Socialist Party, with its unrealistic calls for abolishing the Self-Defense Forces, has faded.

FORBES: On The Cover/Top Stories

At the heart of the debate is whether Japan should change Article 9, under which the nation has no armed forces beyond a self-defense force.

WSJ: Most Japanese Want Constitution Revised

That Japan and here I mean not just the Japan Democratic Party (DPJ) Noda cabinet, but also the ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) and self-defense forces (SDF) bureaucracies, and, particularly, the factions within the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (DPJ) and nationalists allied with former Tokyo major Ishihara Shintaro did not expect a ferocious response from China, including shows of naval force and threats of occupation, is not credible.

FORBES: Is Japan Risking War to Save the U.S.-Japan Alliance?