I think that US would like to, somehow, roll back that pressure on Japanese constitution, in order to have Japan participating more active in military affairs. But, it is not going to be easy. If it ever happens, Japan will have to start increasing their defense budget, and that is never popular....

 

DG

 

I believe that the Japanese have rolled back the restriction on offensive operations a little already by contributing a ship to the anti-piracy patrols.

 

Frankly, they no longer have the population profile (to many retired elder) necessary for effective power projection against any of the local nations.

It's about time Japan steps up to take care of it's own security.  The will never be the bully on the block again, China is the one to worry about.

 

Besides they have such a low birthrate that they don't have the manpower to build an army capable of much in that region anymore 

Samurai Warrior Code Vanished long ago.  In 20-30 years Japan will have 25% less population than it does now.  (90Million down from 120Million) unless they change their culture rapidly they won't have much of a population at all. They won't be conquering anyone.  You need a lesson in history it seems.  Japan held Korea for a LONG time.  They then expanded from there slowly.  Long before they went all out attack.  Now for a dose of reality.  For starters Korea won't be pushed over and neither will the Chinese.  Who arguably have just as much technology and more manpower. 

 

Yes, remember Pearl Harbor.  It won't be the Japanese doing it though.