ABSTRACT

One of the most critical elements in the discussions is the strength and capability of the Japanese Self-Defense Force. The Soviet military buildup has made the Northern Territories issue much less of a symbolic matter and increasingly a strategic question for Japan. The Japanese are increasingly realizing that Japan's strategic location makes it of critical importance to the Soviet Union in the event of any East-West conflict. Opponents of Japan's military buildup retort by pointing out that since Japan's Gross National Product is 1.5 times that of West Germany, twice that of France, and 2.5 times greater than that of Great Britain, the amount in cash is actually larger in the case of Japan as compared to these countries. Further, the critics contend, Japan's military outlays are increased 1.6 to 1.7 times when computed according to North Atlantic Treaty Organization standards.