What is Japan's national interest? A debate put off for 77 years

New security strategy offers opportunity to reassess what needs protecting

20221221N Shinjuku

Japan has taken a step toward bolstering defenses, to protect national interests, including the well-being of citizens.  © Reuters

NAOYA YOSHINO, Nikkei political editor

TOKYO -- Japan's new National Security Strategy, adopted last week, defines the country's national interests in a rare attempt by a government that has largely avoided the topic since the end of World War II. 

The document summarized its national interests into three main points. 

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