ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the status and driving ideas of Japanese air power. It sketches the present-day as well as future utility of air power and examines the characteristics of effective air power employment from the perspective of Japan’s present and future grand strategy. In this context, the chapter emphasises integrating military power as well as forming an integrated strategic culture. The central issue for Japan is to define its national objectives clearly. The chapter contents that it makes no sense to discuss the future of Japan’s military power and air power without considering such questions as the direction in which Japan as a nation is heading and what roles Japan is willing to play in the international arena. Thus, Japan needs to define its grand strategy and make known when, for what, and how the nation will use military power, and air power in particular – that is, to establish the ‘Japanese way in warfare’. This goes beyond any purely military approach to Japan’s foreign and defence policy and should be based upon the nation’s geopolitical conditions and history. Furthermore, it must be informed by Japan’s cultural values and the attitude of the Japanese population toward war and peace.
