Facing neighbouring security threats, Japan wants to reevaluate its pacifist policies and ramp up its military.

Members of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force troops participate to the annual military parade of Japanese Self Defence Force (JSDF) at the Ground Self Defence Force's Asaka training ground in Tokyo, Japan, 27 October 2013. (EPA/FRANCK ROBICHON)

Is the era of Japanese pacifism coming to an end? Amid increasing regional security threats, Japan wants to establish a stronger military that’s not only limited to self-defence. But what does that mean to Japanese citizens and the post-World War II peace culture associated with the country? We’ll also look at responses to Japan’s shift toward conservative politics. Join the conversation at 19:30 GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Yoichiro Sato

Professor, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Manabu Sato

Professor of Politcal Science, University of Okinawa

Yoshioka Tatsuya @peace_boat

Co-founder, Peace Boat

peaceboat.org

Shihoko Goto @TheWilsonCenter

North East Asia expert, Wilson Center

wilsoncenter.org

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.