Challenges many of the preconcieved notions on Japanese defence and security policies and the policy making process in Japan.

Introduction; Part 1 Part I; Chapter 1 Militarization: a critical approach; Chapter 2 Demilitarization: the impact of peace thought; Part 2 Part II; Chapter 3 Militarization in the cold war 1980s; Chapter 4 The Gulf War and 'international contribution' in the post cold war 1990s; Chapter 5 Persistence and change in mass attitudes; Part 3 Part III; Chapter 6 Militarization and language; Chapter 7 Demilitarization and language; Conclusion;