Political opponents have criticized Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as a weak leader who easily gives in to foreign demands to avoid confrontation in territorial disputes. Others have long suggested that deep down, the prime minister was a defense hawk who wanted to see a greater role for the Japanese military.

At a lavish naval ceremony on Sunday, Mr. Noda - a son of a lifelong Self-Defense Forces soldier - delivered a speech in front of hundreds of Japanese troops that offered a glimpse of that hawkish side.

Surprising...