After all, under the Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation agreement, Japan's Self-Defense Forces would be allowed to engage for the first time in detailed planning with U.S. forces to meet a range of contingencies, including non-combat support, in the event of conflict in the East Asian region.

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Such a step would allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to launch a pre-emptive missile strike at an enemy's military target when an imminent attack on Japan from that specific site is confirmed, officials for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said.

WSJ: Japan's Military Moves Toward Pre-Emptive Strike Capability

Article nine of the constitution forbids Japan's military -- the Self-Defense Forces -- from waging war overseas.

CNN: Japan ground troops set to leave

While the Japan Coast Guard is responsible for protecting Japan's coastlines, the defense minister can order the Self Defense Forces to be deployed for maritime security operations if the situation is considered beyond the coast guard's capabilities.

WSJ: Japan on Alert Over Submarines Near Its Territorial Waters

While the Japan Coast Guard is responsible for protecting Japan's coastlines, the defense minister can order the Self-Defense Forces to be deployed for maritime security operations if the situation is considered beyond the coast guard's capabilities.

WSJ: Japan on Alert Over Unidentified Submarines

After decades leading the opposition, Japan's Socialist Party, with its unrealistic calls for abolishing the Self-Defense Forces, has faded.

FORBES: On The Cover/Top Stories

Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said he had told the Self Defense Forces to strengthen security at all of its military facilities in Japan.

WSJ: World Cheers Bin Laden Killing, Prepares for Strikes

At the heart of the debate is whether Japan should change Article 9, under which the nation has no armed forces beyond a self-defense force.

WSJ: Most Japanese Want Constitution Revised

That Japan and here I mean not just the Japan Democratic Party (DPJ) Noda cabinet, but also the ministry of foreign affairs (MOFA) and self-defense forces (SDF) bureaucracies, and, particularly, the factions within the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party (DPJ) and nationalists allied with former Tokyo major Ishihara Shintaro did not expect a ferocious response from China, including shows of naval force and threats of occupation, is not credible.

FORBES: Is Japan Risking War to Save the U.S.-Japan Alliance?