For eight decades, pacifism defined Japan's identity. After Japan's defeat in World War II, the allies even wrote it into Japan's constitution. But under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Tokyo is doubling defense spending and deploying long‑range missiles like the Chu-SAM Kai air defense system. There are even discussions about nuclear weapons. Under Takaichi's mentor Shinzo Abe, moves like that were much more controversial. But tensions are rising with China and the risk of a Taiwan conflict