Changing Security Policies in Postwar Japan: The Political Biography of Japanese Defense Minister Sakata Michita

(Hardback)

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This book is the English translation of a recent biography of Sakata Michita, one of Japans leading, yet unassuming, politicians in the postwar era, who was even considered a serious contender for the premiership. While he did not become prime minister himself, he did serve as Justice Minister, Education Minister, Welfare Minister, Defense Minister, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Whats more, he served an incredible seventeen uninterrupted terms as a member of the Lower House, from 1946-1990, one of the longest in Japanese history. Sakata was appointed Director General of the Japan Defense Agency (i.e., Minister of Defense) in December 1974 during a challenging time in U.S.-Japan relations in the wake of the resignations of U.S. President Richard M. Nixon and Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei, for separate scandals. As Japans only ally, the relationship with the United States was crucial for the latter country, and it was up to Sakata to manage alliance relations during this period. He was not a security expert, yet used his political experience, studious nature, sincerity, and likeability among his staff, subordinates, colleagues, and personnel to make a lasting impression on his nations forces, and on Japans alliance partner. He succeeded in developing the first-ever National Defense Program Outline and the Basic Defense Force Concept among other initiatives during the crisis-filled 1970s. Furthermore, he developed a close policy dialogue with the United States which eventually led to the original U.S.-Japan Guidelines for Defense Cooperation. He did all this despite being a novice in defense matters. Furthermore, he is the longest consecutive serving defense minister in Japanese history, taking highly principled stances during his time.

Reviews

Robert D. Eldridge deserves utmost thanks of those interested in Japans defense policy by translating Sase Masamoris detailed biography of Japanese Defense Minister Michita Sakata. Sase Masamoris clear explanations of Sakatas undeterred role in creating Japans Basic Defense Force Concept, writing a landmark Defense White Paper, and producing the National Defense Program Guidelines as defense minister during a tumultuous period in Japanese politics are nothing short of professional and scholarly magnificence. -- James E. Auer, Vanderbilt University
Robert D. Eldridge could not have chosen a better book to translate. This is top-notch biography and excellent history. It will become required reading for anyone interested in Japan's Cold War-era security policies. -- Peter Mauch, Western Sydney University

Author Bio

Masamori Sase is professor emeritus at the National Defense Academy of Japan and visiting scholar at Takushoku University. Robert D. Eldridge is former associate professor of Japanese political and diplomatic history at Osaka University. Graham B. Leonard earned a PhD in international public policy from Osaka University.