Don’t expect any fireworks when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets US President Donald Trump in Washington on March 19. Compared to Britain, Spain, France and the United States’ other erstwhile allies ー large and small (except for the Poles and a couple others) ー Japan looks like the most stalwart ally the US has.
At long last, it is taking its defense seriously: Increasing defense spending. Building ships and submarines, and acquiring long-range missiles. It’s improving terms of service for Japan Self-Defense Force personnel. Helping the Philippines with its defense and building destroyers for Australia, and holding complex exercises with American and other militaries.
The Japanese are even prodding the Americans to turn US Forces Japan into an actual warfighting command ー to go along with the JSDF’s recently opened Joint Operations Command.
That aims to address Japan’s longstanding inability to conduct “joint” operations ー either between JSDF services or with the Americans. And in a clear sign Japan is on target, the Chinese are complaining mightily.
But if the Trump-Takaichi meeting is just a pro forma lovefest reaffirming the “ironclad” US-Japan alliance, it will be a lost opportunity to set the alliance on a better course ー as storm clouds approach in Northeast Asia.
China intends to teach the Japanese a lesson when the time is right. Without US military support, Tokyo will be hard-pressed.
So Takaichi ought to come to Washington with an offer of direct military support for US operations around Iran. That should also keep in mind that 70% of Japan’s energy imports come via the Strait of Hormuz, and 90%+ comes from the Middle East.
Best in the world
Japan’s help might include:
Minesweeping – Japan’s navy is the world’s best in this field. And it sent minesweepers to the Persian Gulf in 1991 after the Gulf War.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force might also help protect shipping in the Gulf region, and its Aegis destroyers are well-suited.
Other help might include aerial refueling, air and naval transport, and patrol and ISR operations.
This is important. Sit it out (no matter the excuses) and don’t expect Americans in Youngstown, Ohio, or elsewhere in America’s middle “flyover country” to send their sons and daughters to fight and die in a far-away war for Japan.
This may seem like asking a lot of Japan.
Other help Japan is best at
Besides taking defense more seriously than America’s other friends, Japan has also been the largest foreign investor in the US for many years. It supports over half a million manufacturing jobs. And Japanese companies are good employers.
A Japanese company also stepped up to rescue US Steel and thousands of jobs in 2025 – while absorbing distasteful racial insults.
And when Mr Trump wielded tariffs to reset the global trading order, Japan agreed to Trump’s demand for US$550 billion in investment without throwing a fit.
Keep in mind that Japan got perhaps $50 billion in free defense each year for 70 years from the US security shield. That’s money that went for national healthcare and industrial investment instead of defense.
But investment is one thing, and risking your life alongside someone else is another.
‘Tell Us What You Need and Don’t Back Down’
The US needs to clearly tell Japan what it needs in the Iran fight, and by when.
In 1970, Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka gave the US the best advice it’s ever gotten about dealing with Japan. “Tell us what you need and don’t back down.”
The US too often has thought of reasons why the Japanese can’t do something. “Too sensitive,” “Pacifist constitution,” “There’s an election coming up.” In other words, it’s never a good time for Japan to do what America needs it to do.
US officials and commanders need to get over this and speak clearly. At the same time, Japan should tell the Americans what it needs.
Real friends
America is discovering who its real friends are. And it’s not the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Canada, Australia or Germany. They aren’t exactly falling over themselves to help out with their shrunken militaries. And in Spain and the UK’s cases, they are trying to sabotage the US effort.
Japan must hurry and get to the Gulf while it’s still dangerous. And not dither over legalities until the matter is overtaken by events. Any competent lawyer can produce legal justifications under existing Japanese law.
When the time comes to fend off China in Northeast Asia, Americans will remember who came forward when they needed help in the Middle East.
This article was first published on JAPAN Forward and is republished with the author’s permission. Find his articles on JAPAN Forward.
Grant Newsham is a retired US Marine officer and former US diplomat. He was the first US Marine liaison officer to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and was instrumental in promoting the JSDF’s initial moves towards an amphibious capability. He is the author of the book “When China Attacks: A Warning To America.“