Tokyo, March 31: Japan’s Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that, for the first time, long-range counter-strike capable missiles have been deployed at two bases of the Ground Self-Defense Force. This decision has sparked protests across the nation.
According to Xinhua, the deployment of these missiles at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan marks a significant shift from the country’s long-standing defense-oriented policy, which has been in place under its pacifist constitution.
Camp Kengun has been equipped with an upgraded version of the Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile, capable of being launched from land. This missile can travel nearly 1,000 kilometers, exceeding Japan’s territorial limits, and is widely regarded as having offensive capabilities.
Meanwhile, a training unit at Camp Fuji has been outfitted with hypervelocity glide projectiles. Designed to protect the islands, this deployed model has a striking range of several hundred kilometers, with plans to upgrade its range to nearly 2,000 kilometers.
According to Kyodo News, the ability to strike enemy positions means that Japan could launch a preemptive attack if it believes it is under threat. However, analysts have warned that misjudgments could violate international law, as such actions may be interpreted as a preemptive strike.
Atsushi Koketsu, an emeritus professor at Yamaguchi University, told Xinhua that the government presents this capability as a means of deterrence, but it clearly falls outside the scope of self-defense.
On Tuesday, local residents in Kumamoto protested near Camp Kengun, holding signs that read, “Oppose deployment, no need for missiles.”
Reports indicate that protesters expressed concerns that this deployment could make the area a potential military target. They have repeatedly called on the Ministry of Defense to hold public briefings, but none have occurred so far.
Additionally, on Monday, over 12 civilian representatives met with officials from the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo. They urged the government to halt military expansion measures, including the missile deployment in Kumamoto. Participants criticized officials for providing vague responses and often avoiding transparency.
Civilian representative Kuzirai stated that the government’s responses follow a “routine pattern” and now often cite “confidentiality” to evade questions. He also criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi’s policy of strengthening and enriching Japan, labeling it as a large-scale military expansion without adequate public accountability.
Another representative, Akira Saito, noted that officials’ responses have been very limited. He emphasized the need to strengthen their voices through direct questioning of Takaiichi in parliament and through civic movements moving forward.
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