ABSTRACT
Defense is the most contentious issue in postwar Japanese politics. The aversion of the public and opposition parties to military matters and government attempts to develop defense capabilities within the context of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty resulted in numerous political conflicts during the 1950s and 1960s. Despite lingering tension over defense, by the mid-1970s controversy had diminished and a greater degree of consensus had been formed. The establishment of greater consensus was a significant development and has structured debate over the defense forces and security treaty ever since.
