This research examines trends in Japanese national defense policy since the 1950s. The thrust of the examination is that Japan's national interests, as opposed to strategic goals of the United States, have increasingly become the prime determi nants of Japanese national defense policy.
NATIONAL FACTORS WHICH AFFECT POLICY
Japan has a highly educated and a highly skilled labor force. Japan is one of the most technologically advanced coun tries in the world. In many fields, it is the world leader in technology. In no field, is Japan an also ran in technology. Approximately 7O percent of the country's population is of working age (15 to 64 years of age). Labor force growth is less than one percent per year. Unemployment is not a serious problem, and has traditionally not been a significant problem.
Japan's natural resource base is limited. Its domestic crude oil reserves are minimal. Almost all of its crude oil requirements must be imported. Its domestic sources of coal, iron, and all other minerals are also extremely limited. Japan does have significant electrical generating facilities. In this context, however, the country must import most of the fuels required to run the generating facilities.
The country's principal natural resource is its population. The population of approximately 120 million has been stabilized at this level for more than a decade. The high levels of education and training which characterize the popula tion as a whole, together with the number of people, constitute a major natural resource for the country.
Japan's total geographical area (147,470 square miles) approximates the size of the State of California. Less than 14.5 percent (21,135 square miles) of the country's total geo graphical area, however, is suitable for agriculture. The small amount of arable land available prevents Japan from pro ducing all of the foodstuffs required by its population.
Japan is the leading ...