This paper shows where Japan stands at present from a historical perspective. Since 2010 Japan has been turning a corner to militarization,: emasculation of the Three Principles on Arms Exportation 2011 and the new Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology in 2014, the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets in 2013, the Legislations for “Peace and Security”, and the establishment of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency(ATLA) in 2015, besides the “Abenomics” has been wrecked on a rock of deep depression.
The reason Japan has turned to militarization in these few years will be explained by reconsidering Japanese history of growth strategies in these 150 years since the opening ports to the Western Powers in late 1850s. There are two types of growth strategies historically,: investment oriented growth strategy and consumption and life oriented growth strategy. Investment oriented growth strategy unless accompanied with ample domestic consumption should rely upon excessive exportation, militarization and public works just as Fascism and Nazism in 1930s. While consumption and life oriented growth strategy is slow-acting strategy, however supported by broad and deep domestic demand, it can be saved from the dangers of excessive exportation, militarization and public works.
As observed by almost all economists of the world, “Abenomics” can be clearly classified as an investment oriented strategy and cannot escape from its dangers, therefore Japan has been obliged to slip a dangerous slope into general militarization in 2010s.
抄録全体を表示