Since the 1950’s, Koreans living between the two neighboring countries, North and South Korea, have experienced the after-effects of the Korean War. The United States played a major role in this war, upping the tensions between the two nations and their allies. As such, Japan felt the direct repercussions of the war as they acted as a close ally of both North Korea and South Korea.
Recent hostility has arisen between North Korea and South Korea, in relation to another war that may have broken out. Today, the criticism of North Korea’s alleged threats to Japan have been in the media. North Korea has long been classified as a rogue nation, with its leader Kim Jong-un at its helm. When reports began to emerge of North Korea testing missiles and making what was believed to be threats to both Japan and the United States, people began to worry. With North Korea threatening Japan and its actions escalating, officials from both countries as well as from other nations began to pay attention to the situation.
The international community has called for North Korea to cease its nuclear and missile tests. This would decrease the chances of a war breaking out between the two countries. However, when North Korea suggests that it is willing to launch missile attacks against Japan, citizens and governments around the world become increasingly concerned.
The debate about whether North Korea threatened Japan continues. Many experts suggest that the president of North Korea is using scare tactics; if the threat of nuclear war were real, Japan would be incredibly vulnerable due to its size and population.
Though any sign of aggression towards Japan is discouraging, North Korea’s threats may not be as real as they seem. The words of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have been known to be unpredictable and unreliable in the past. North Korea’s demonstrated willingness to repeat threatening verbal rhetoric, however, suggests that their nuclear activities and missile launches are a legitimate advantage they are trying to gain in the region.
Although North Korea has not yet acted upon its threats, the unpredictable nature of its political system makes it hard to fully determine its measures for increasing tension with other countries. Additionally, the relationship between Kim Jong-un and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is one that has been lukewarm at best, potentially further escalating tensions.
Impact on Japan
Despite the uncertain possibilities for war, Japan is taking precautions to protect its citizens and its territory. Japan has recently created various initiatives to respond to Pyongyang’s provocations, such as deploying anti-ballistic missile defense systems and modifying its current laws to allow for the use of force in some cases.
On the other hand, Japan is attempting to resolve this issue diplomatically. The Japanese government has proposed a UN resolution to prevent North Korea from making threats and employing coercive tactics, and the prime minister of Japan have engaged in dialogues with other countries to build better ties with North Korea. Furthermore, Abe has planned a meeting with Kim Jong-un to negotiate a reconciliatory resolution.
Overall, despite the attempts to settle a peaceful resolution, the international stakeholders remain cautious and observant of North Korea’s provocative actions. North Korea’s aggression towards Japan could potentially escalate, potentially furthering tensions in the region as a whole.
International Support
Many countries around the globe have now turned their attention towards Japan’s current situation with North Korea. The United States, for example, has heavily criticized North Korea’s rhetoric and has urged both countries to continue negotiations in order to defuse potential tensions. The UN also condemned North Korea’s threatening language and has called on North Korea to cease its nuclear and missile tests.
To ensure Japan’s safety, the international community must work together to decrease the escalating tensions. China and Russia are key nations in this situation, due to their close relations with North Korea. They can persuade North Korea to cease their nuclear activities and to focus their resources on their economy instead. Other countries can also influence this situation if they focus on increasing diplomatic and economic relations with North Korea.
Nevertheless, it is not only the responsibility of other countries to negotiate with North Korea; Japan must be willing to work with the international community in order to reach a peaceful resolution. As such, Japan could start by reassessing its relations with North Korea, and initiating a dialogue between North Korea’s current leadership. Doing so may help the two countries relate on a more personal level, hopefully leading to a positive resolution.
Japan’s Preparedness
The potential of a war has sparked fear among citizens of Japan. The government is doing a good job thus far in communicating the dangerous situation with North Korea that Japan is currently facing, while simultaneously attempting to ease the tension by focusing on diplomatic talks. Despite the potential of an attack, experts have suggested that Japan should remain prepared and alert at all times. Japan has created various initiatives, such as raising its military defense and building evacuation shelters, in order to protect its citizens should the worst occur.
The Japanese Prime Minister has also urged citizens to remain attentive during any potential crisis. Japan has history of respecting the warnings of their leaders and working together to face danger as a team. Citizens of Japan are urged to stay informed during times of heightened tension and listen closely to their leaders’ very specific instructions during any crisis situation.
Given the situation, however, Japan also needs to increase its proactive initiatives against North Korea if it hopes to protect itself in the future. It is not only enough to wait and respond to North Korea’s potential threats— Japan must take a more aggressive stance in order to reduce the risk of an attack.
Community Reactions
Given the heated tension between North Korea and Japan, many people have taken it upon themselves to express their stances on the issue. Most people throughout the many countries around the world have spoken out in favor of a peaceful resolution, expressing concern over North Korea’s potential to attack. Furthermore, citizens throughout Japan have become increasingly fearful, believing that their government has not been doing enough to protect their safety.
Though many people on the global stage are concerned about this worsening situation, the stakes are especially high for those living in Japan. They are the people who could directly suffer the consequences of war. The international community must not only express concern over North Korea’s actions, but must also work together to reach a peaceful resolution.
Economic Challenges
Any potential military action against Japan could have disastrous economic effects. The Japanese economy has improved over recent decades, and any war could severely disrupt and weaken its global standing. Japan’s commerce and tourism industry, in particular, could suffer significant losses in the event of a war. The potential of a North Korean attack has already caused many investors to become wary of investing in the Japanese stock market, a movement that could further weaken Japan’s economy if it persists.
Additionally, certain industries in Japan have already begun to suffer as a result of North Korea’s aggression. For example, exports between Japan and North Korea have decreased significantly in recent years, primarily due to the political standoffs between the two countries. This has caused a strain on the Japanese economy, with multiple businesses having to close down or change the direction of their operations.
The economic consequences of a potential war between Japan and North Korea could be devastating for the Japanese economy. Japan should be prepared for any drastic changes to the market in order to minimize the economic damage should the two countries go to war.
International Pressure
Sanctions from the international community are proving to be an effective tool in influencing North Korea’s actions. International authorities have placed stringent economic pressures on North Korea in order to discourage any possible military action against Japan. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if these sanctions will be enough to stop North Korea from attacking its neighboring country.
Furthermore, the United Nations is continuing to pressure North Korea to back down on its military threats against Japan. The UN has sent its representatives to both North Korea and Japan in order to encourage talks and the resolution of the conflict. However, North Korea’s current leadership does not always act in accordance to the wishes of the UN, meaning that it may be difficult to achieve peace without some form of economic incentive.
Ultimately, in order to de-escalate North Korea’s aggression towards Japan, both the private and public sectors need to continue to put pressure on North Korea and its leaders. The international community must remain vigilant and prepared, and must strive towards achieving a long-term and sustainable solution to this geopolitical issue.
