Japan: Preparing for War | ARTE.tv Documentary 

As a Japanese woman, I’m so happy to hear that many people love Japan and Japanese culture🎉🎉🎉

As a Taiwanese, sincerely from the bottom of my heart thank you.

❤ Japan 🇯🇵 from USA 🇺🇸 God Bless the people of Japan 🙏 ♥️

Japan has come along way since ww2. Now they are one of the most respected countries, even in the eyes of previous enemies. I hope japan prospers.

I was stationed on Okinawa and I can say without a doubt the vast majority of service members love Japan and Japanese culture and view them as a crucial ally.

“It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war.”

Helped train the Japanese Self-defense Force while in Okinawa and I looooved working with these guys and also loved the Okinawan and Japanese people, they put their heart into everything they do and they are laser-mothereffing-focused. It's really impressive to see how much they've grown since working in that AO. Makes me very proud.

stay strong Japan

I’m glad Japan and Germany are on the good side this time.

Each nation has the right to defend itself within its boundaries.

We fought against each other, but now I am super happy to call Japan an ally! Ive respected and been fascinated with Japanese history and culture for years now.

Japan has the responsibility to protect their free people at all times. About time they're doing something about it. Respect from Finland. 🇫🇮🤝🇯🇵

As a Japanese, I find this documentary very interesting. Thank you for making it. It is difficult to explain the situation in Japan to people overseas, but I think this will help.

私は日本人です。アメリカ大好き💕🇯🇵❤🇺🇸

Protestors are so naive. Country with no defense, no army, no weapon, will be up for the taking... Just like Ukraine. Be humble when the US military are protecting the country.

I respect Japan and hope we stay good friends. USA

Japan is no joke, not to be underestimated 🇯🇵

Wow, as a Japanese citizen, it is unbelievable for me that over 800k people in a week watched a documentary about the Japanese current military situation, not about the culture or other catchy stuff. Experiencing war seemed unrealistic. Instead, natural disasters were our biggest threat. We had prepared as much as we could to deal with those. We never thought of making nuclear shelters. It seems like we have got into a completely new era.

Excellent reporting. This is just what thoughtful people need to understand the state of the world today.

Japan is such a beautiful place and culture, glad we are all allies now.

I never worked with Japanese Defense forces, but from the interviews and training these men are incredibly well-disciplined and professional. No false bravado, just confidence. Those are hallmarks of outstanding soldiers. Most certainly they have an amazing military tradition. This is the nation that has made it a habit to shock world powers. In the Middle Ages they defied the Mongols. In the early 1900's, they trounced the Russians. In World War II, they were the first navy to execute what we now think of as modern carrier doctrine. I'd argue that there are few nations that have as long and as proud a military history as Japan. And to those pacifists that don't want war: that sentiment is understandable. However, whether you want war or not, war will find you. This is the one truth that you can see at every turn in recorded history. You cannot avoid war by disarming, all you do is make yourself a target to those that have armed and have bad intentions. History shows us time and time and time again that those who disarm in the vain hope that it will bring peace are inevitably victimized by those that armed. The best guarantor of peace is through military might.

This was such a balanced perspective. You really gave each side time to share their opinions, and even explored their reasoning without bias. Great documentary.

Japan is a beautiful country. Not only the sceneries, the technology, and the food, but also they have a beautiful culture and friendly people. I'm a New Zealander, born in the Philippines, and lived in Japan for few years in the past. Japanese people love peace, they don't like war, only the leaders who made a bad decision in the past (thanks to the stupidity and arrogance of one of their past leaders). Now they face a new challenge, a stubborn nuclear-mad North Korea, and an aggressive China, so It's just fair to prepare and defend themselves. Not only them, but the whole world should prepare and not disregard the growing threat of totalitarianism and dictator regimes, who just bully and oppress smaller and weaker nations, and unlawfully grab any territory they want, and no respect for human rights. I hope nations, who love peace and stability, should join together to fight this egoistic, self-centered nations. Ganbatte Nihon. Good luck Japan!

Damn. I’m a grown man. But when that Japanese school girl started crying, that hit hard. I literally shed a tear. Powerful stuff.

I’m glad Australia and Japan have a good relationship to this day with each other’s help we can defend our waters ❤️ 🇦🇺🇯🇵

Thank goodness Japan is preparing for war. Japan is a great alli and she has many friends that will rush to Japan's defense should anyone attack Japan. 🇯🇵🇭🇲🇬🇧🇺🇸🇰🇷🇳🇿🇨🇦

結構いいドキュメンタリーだね 平和が一番

Japan has been and will continue to be a crucial ally. Nothing but respect for the Japanese people from the USA

I’ve trained with the JDF a multitude of times. Once in 2019 in the pacific doing amphibious landing. They were not well trained and seemed to be amateur. Over the last recent years the JDF has become Leaps and bounds closer to actual world class war fighters. Looking forward to train with them again in the near future 2022 they seemed to be getting the hang of things. Hats off to these men

Look at the movement, even in mundane training. Look at the gear, the attitude towards the ultimate goal. Veteran military personnel, myself included, understands a formidable enemy when they see it. Japan is not fking around. These guys are no joke.

The Japanese are fierce fighters and have a beautiful culture and country. I’m glad after 75 years we’re close allies

THANKS FOR THIS AMAZING DOCUMENTARY

Nothing but respect for Japan and the Japanese people. It's an honor to call you friend and ally. Greetings and respect from the US.

Many Americans, especially the youth, have a lot of interest in Japanese culture. As an American who served in the Armed Forces, I can say without a doubt the US considers Japan a great Allie and friend. I know that there has been a lot of tension over the years between Japanese citizens and the US military personnel stationed on Okinawa, but just wanted to say most of us have a lot of respect for you and your military. I think it is completely reasonable that Japan’s military expands and continues to modernize with the current geopolitical situation and strange world we live in in the 21st century.

Very good doc💪

Fantastic, very very professional. Props to them.

I was stationed in Japan from 1965 to 1970. I befriended many Japanese people including a number of Japanese veterans. I learned the way of the samurai warrior. I can tell you that if China ever invades Japan and awakens the ancient Japanese warrior spirit, That China will be in a war with the most adversarial enemy it could ever face.

As an American, I love the Japanese people , their culture and way of life. I'm glad they are taking a stand to properly defend themselves.

I am a Japanese high school student. Support this document. Japanese media can't report these things, and adults can't tell us the truth. I'm proud of the Self-Defense Forces, but when it comes to combat, it's clear that we can't demonstrate our abilities because of the constitution. i think i have to realize it soon

Just fantastic documentary! Well done! I am a new subscriber now for sure! Thank you

22:18 100% correct on that. Violence isn’t always the answer, but sometimes it is necessary.

The interesting thing is though the Americans wrote Japan's pacifist constitution, it was the Japanese themselves who voted to keep it and preventing it from reforming. Regardless I support Japan's right to deterrence against external threats.

This is a very great documentary showing both sides of opinions without adding any judgement or opinions.

The us may have beat the Japanese in ww2 but boy did we get a up close look at their determination and bravery if they take that samurai courage and put it to the right side of a proper conflict, I wouldn’t want anyone else on my side of the battle. They are beyond impressive people

I live in Japan but I'm a foreigner. If someone will attack I will do my best to defend this country that has given me so much. Even if I can't be part of any army legally. That said, I hope and pray for peace.

Go Japan! We support you 🇵🇭

As a South Korean, I strongly wish that Japan and South Korea can overcome their historical disputes and forge a genuine alliance to face the looming threats.

Japan has such an amazing culture.

3:04 Love how he says "I cant openly name threats" then immediately goes on to do so anyway

Many Japanese people are positive about defense spending and the US military. This is because there are many people who understand the reality that even if the constitution states that a country is not to be aggressed, it cannot be prevented from being aggressed. In particular, they are aware of China, North Korea, and Russia as neighboring countries. On the other hand, many Japanese people have no interest in politics, voter turnout is very low, and it cannot be denied that even though it is their own business, it is someone else's problem.

Nothing but the utmost respect for Japan. I really hope they get the ability to have an official army again. Very disciplined people, great culture.

I am a US vet, I would have loved to train with these guys and let them know the lessons we learned in the last 20 years of war. I saw some silly shit off the bat in this clip that would go out the window when it stops being an exercise to impress officers and it starts being about not dying.

Go Japan, we will fight side-by-side. We love you from Philippines. ❤

Was stationed on Oki and Sasebo Naval base for a bit, all I have is love for the Japanese people and their military. They we're always very friendly, but don't mistake friendliness for weakness, and extremely disciplined from my point of view. Nihon to Nihon kano ni iku!

I Love Japan

Protect Japan at all costs.

That girl. The one who got emotional after she imagined being alone without a family - after hearing from a witness of the U.S. nuclear attack who lost his family - she should know that she (and the friend who extended her hand to her) - are the future of humanity. It will not be easy and we have to stay united - but you are proof that we are in good hands.

I understand the protests against US bases in Japan. And like that one lady saying we don’t need fences, we don’t do it to keep local and friendly civilians out, we do it to protect you. The fences are to prevent unnecessary chances of civilian risks under high intensity military operations that we hold. Not just that but it’s there to prevent sabotage should there be Chinese loyalists or spy’s. Trust me, we love the locals. I absolutely love the food too. The Japanese are incredibly lovely people that desire nothing but peace and quiet.

Thank you

In front of my old man's house in Tucson lived an old breed marine vet, his name was John "Chuck" Chuckleford. He'd been my grampa's friend since like the 70's and was always at my gramp's. I honestly LOVED and still cherich his WWII stories (one of my childhood's best treasures). Something I'll always remember is the fear in those old blue eyes EVERY time he spoke about the japanese imperial army. He felt big respect and fear of bushido discipline, the way he described it. Somehow the image of the two guys running with bushes on camo on 1:07 gave me deep chills, I had to pause for a moment. An image similar to that is what Chuck saw. He passed away close to 15 years ago, a true friend and hero. RIP Chuck. SEMPER FI.

I really wish to visit Japan before any conflict occurs in Asia. Hope for peace.

Love❤ to Japan from Imphal,Manipur.

It's so interesting, most videos I have seen from Japan are in the larger cities, and its always felt so wildly different and foreign to me. But the fishermen here remind me of every working class father in the smaller midwest American city I grew up in. They way they carry themselves, the cadence of their voices, their expressions, etc. All so familiar. Seems like the cultural differences are even smaller than the difference between a rural person and a city person in the same country.

GO JAPAN!! ❤ from PHILIPPINES! 💯🇵🇭🇯🇵

Japan has an amazing warrior tradition. I welcome our ally regaining their strength and asserting themselves again

amazing! GO JAPAN! it's about time. the world needs you!

When reading the stories of Japans ferocity in battle during WW2, I cant help but have respect for their strength. We should be glad that we have such an intelligent, strong, and determined ally in the region. As much as it would be nice that everyone was peaceful so that we Americans didn't need to be in Japan, that is unfortunately not the case. Working together to defend each other is a reasonable approach. Long live Japan and the United States.

Chance favors a prepared mind , that's what one should do .

It is important to prepare to defend our country. But it is more important to avoid any war.

Kudos

good documentary

I'm very happy for Japan. As a Mexican, I know very well how does it feel to not being able to defend yourself against aggressors, specially how a normal citizen is so hopeless when their government cannot defend the country you live in. Japanese people are one of the few most fascinating societies in the world, one of the few really civilized ones too, so I want them to be able to defend themselves against the bully China has become. The same goes to the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. If they don't want to become Chinese puppet states, they need to invest in their military because of how inflexible and oppressive China is in the region. I wish the best to them, and a lot of strength for what's to come.

Look how beautiful the landscape is, such calmness and tranquility in clean and clear water. Happy are those who work with Nature. Imagine how peaceful and wonderful it must feel to emerged ones self in such magical naturalness. You have to love how they seemingly live in harmony with Nature. As to all lands, humankind are merely stewards, we take nothing from mother Earth when our physical bodies depart.

Japan is China's kryptonite. They're one of our most important allies ever.

Crazy how the most bitter and hated enemies become close allies over the course of history. It’s a cycle that will never end. Our lifetimes are but a brief moment in history and it’s easy to assume “this is the way things always were / will be”.

As a Marine stationed on Okinawa for 3 years, I can tell you that we will protect Okinawa, Japan and South Korea at all cost. Semper FI

With neighbors like Russia, North Korea and China, beefing up Japan's military strength is probably not an altogether bad idea.

As a Japanese, I believe that Japan should have a stronger military. I think that those who oppose the building of the base in Okinawa have a brain made of tiramisu. Also, there are girls who say they like China. Of course there are many good Chinese people and I have two great Chinese friends. But you have to think about the Chinese government and the Chinese people separately. Chinese fighter jets invade Japanese territory every day and they have always put military pressure on us.

Awesome

I support the expansion of the Japanese armed forces. As a sovereign nation they have the right to be able to defend themselves and at least be prepared should anything happen. We had the opportunity to do some training with them when I was stationed in the Pacific during the late 1980's. They were highly motivated, intelligent, and dedicated group just too small in numbers. Happy to hear they're going to expand, it'll be good for the Japanese people and the Pacific region in general.

13:30 The amount of respect and understanding Japanese hold for older generations is admirable. At the same time, most interviews that I've seen of older Japanese people put their hope and belief onto the younger generations even if they find some of the new ways strange to them. Seniors teach and younglings learn; younglings build an even better world based on all the information and their own experiences and seniors trust the new world to young hands.

I want Japan to be strong.

@21:40 that man speaks nothing but the TRUTH, glad some people still use logic

Only a few people oppose the U.S. military base in Okinawa, and many people living in Okinawa and Japanese understand and support this.

So cool 👍🏻

Go Japan Philippines 🇵🇭 support you

“It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” - Chinese proverb.

Make Japan great again ! 🇯🇵💪

日本人全員に見ていただきたい動画だと思います。

loved this doc piece, it gave good insight into how the japanese people feel about their aggressive neighbors

13:33 As a Japanese, I find this documentary very interesting. Thank you for making it. We need a strong japan in asia.

If the Japanese fight like they run their trains, their enemies are royally fucked.

As a Japanese, I don't see this as a good thing. If you were an American, Southeast Asian, or other foreigner, you would be happy to see Japan as a lid to hold back China for free. But Japan's economy has been in constant recession for 30 years and has one of the poorest youth and lowest birthrates in the developed world. In such a situation, Japan goverment is cutting social security spending and increasing taxes to pay for military spending. This will further increase Japan's declining birthrate. If Japan wants to prepare for war with China seriously, it must first fix its low food self-sufficiency rate and low birthrate, or there will be neither soldiers to fight nor food for soldiers to eat.

Knowing about the Japanese fighting spirit, they are definitely not to be underestimated

The JSDF is not the IJA. Japan has every right to protect itself and its citizens.

Japan is a tiny small country like Israel but they are not afraid of any military conflict they’re small nation with determination to protect themselves against any military aggression

Japan is a gorgeous country and the Japanese people make me proud to be a human. I wish them peace and prosperity.

Dangerous thing to do is to ignore the past, history tends to repeat itself if lessons are not learned from it, please keep that in mind , i am saying this to all of us all over the world.

So good

I wasn’t planning on watching the entire thing , but it got me so invested as a historian I find it fascinating how the people of Japan are very much anti war compared to the past while they are afraid and believe in diplomacy Ignorance can often be bliss. The Government may not share the interest at the people at certain times , but they are doing their best in maintaining security. I grew up learning about the Second World War it’s just so interesting how things have changed drastically the population hasn’t forgotten about the war however their ignorance may be their own downfall I’m not saying be nationalistic, but always be prepared peace is only temporary in this day and age