Japan Focus introduces writings about Japan and Japan in the world, primarily by Japanese authors. The emphasis is on issues of war/peace/terror, and on social conflicts and social movements.They are found on this ZNet page:https://www.zmag.org/asiawatch/asiawatch.htmRecent articles include:McCormack: War in Korea? Feb 23, 2003 Takashima: N. Korean Abductions Feb … [Read more...] about -Japan and Asia: Introducing JAPAN FOCUS
-The 2002 Defense Ministry White Paper: Full speed ahead to the national warfare state
by Hisao MaedaFormer Defense Ministry analyst Maeda Hisao warns of the emergence of a national warfare state and the further decimation of the provisions of Japan's peace constitution. He targets for criticism two Koizumi administration documents: The Defense White Paper of summer 2002 and the War Contingency Bills currently tabled for debate in the legislature. Maeda … [Read more...] about -The 2002 Defense Ministry White Paper: Full speed ahead to the national warfare state
-Japan: 51st state? (Interview with rightwing party politician)
This brief interview with a ranking Japanese politician offers surprising insight into the U.S.-Japan relationship. In it, Kyuma Fumio, acting chairman of the governing Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council, admits that the Bush regime's arguments for invading Iraq are unconvincing. But in the same breath, he insists that Japan must at least "show understanding" … [Read more...] about -Japan: 51st state? (Interview with rightwing party politician)
-Sunshine, Containment, War: Korean Options
by Gavan McCormack1. "Sunshine"The recent outpourings of analysis and comment on the "Korean problem" around the world are characterized by righteous indignation and denunciation. They tend to be shaped, consciously or unconsciously, by an "imperial" frame of reference, insisting that Pyongyang submit to the will of the "international community" when what is really meant is … [Read more...] about -Sunshine, Containment, War: Korean Options
-Plan could kill millions in 48 hours. Why don’t Americans Care?
by Geov ParrishExactly a month ago Pentagon planner Harlan Ullman, in a CBS-TV interview, publicly revealed for the first time the Pentagon's "Shock and Awe" plan for its assault upon Iraq, should (or when) George W. Bush orders it.Ullman's information was subsequently confirmed by a number of sources; it's for real. Here is what I wrote about it in my column of January … [Read more...] about -Plan could kill millions in 48 hours. Why don’t Americans Care?