Can Japan seek military retribution after the latest beheading of their citizens at the hands of ISIS?

Break Break Break......A government spokesman for Japan (their version of the White House Spokesman) just announced (5am Japan time) that they are considering military action and joining America in the fight against ISIS. I wonder if Godzilla and Domo just got the FRAGO?

Maybe Japan hasn't forgotten how to fight.

I'm curious to know how the JSDF personnel feel about this. They signed up under the impression that they wouldn't be going anywhere outside of Japanese sovereign territory, and to now face the very real possibility of being ordered half a world away to fight an enemy that is not a conventional threat to their mainland... It's going to be a big transition in a lot of different ways for these guys.

That would be nice if Japan jumped in. I've trained with their Engineers and they can kick butt.

They should

I think they will bend the rules just like we do.

I cannot believe Japan would send anything other than a few advisers or a few companies at the most.

I worked with the Japanese Community in Dusseldorf the past 2 years, my training partner has a Japanese wife and I pick her/their brain. They are so very courteous, never show emotions and never decide anything other than with conscious thought.

Once the decision is made, they act with such a direct and meaningful manner, like a slow bulldozer, methodical and slow but taking everything with it, nothing stops them and their will is undying.

Japan has a problem, it has no natural resources and must import everything, therefore they must tread ever so lightly, not to mention if the upset the USA, our Navy may just block the cargo routs to the country for a few days, rendering them crippled.

Japan is a very, very proud country, you can bet they are up to something, maybe not today or tomorrow, or maybe we will not even hear about it, but they will get theirs...in my opinion.

If you would like to read more about Japan and the geopolitical situation and forecast for the next 95 years or so, you MUST read George Friedman, then next 100 Years, an incredible book, some parts of the book are a bit "out there" but overall an excellent read on the "world" and such situations.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-100-Years-Forecast/dp/ [login to see]

My humble opinion...Steady on,
Steven

There seems to be two questions that have to be asked and answered...

First, should we trust Japan to rearm themselves to have an expeditionary capability? Why not? We have allowed German that privilege. Are the Japanese any less trustworthy?

Second, should Japan once again take responsibility for their own defense? I think they better. They, like the rest of the world, have languished under the Pax Americana these many decades. Sadly, America appears to have lost the will as well as the ability to maintain it. Maybe it's time for the rest of the world to re-engage and defend themselves.

Yes, I admit that I've provided only half-answers. These questions require much greater thought otherwise we may find ourselves once again suffering the unintended consequences of our own short sightedness.

With all respect to our Japanese friends, they have next to no expeditionary capability. They couldn't do much even if they were inclined.
I would suggest to them they take economic actions. They ought to be able to inflict some pain with that tool.

As much as I would like to see this, it would be a political disaster for the Abe government. After being stationed on the mainland for over a year (near Hiroshima actually), I know the vast majority of the population is still very pacifist. There is a vocal far right wing that wants Japan to confront China, but I cannot see their population supporting a sustained fight against ISIS.