For this purpose, Japan has carried out some defense reforms.

The Japanese Diet passed a bill on upgrading the defense agency to a ministry through both houses in November and December 2006 respectively. With an inaugural ceremony held on January 9, 2007, the defense ministry started its operation.

It is seen as a crucial step toward a "normal state", an indication that there has been a change in an important feature of the "peace state" that had kept the status of the defense body on a low level after the last world war.

The position and role of the defense sector have also been raised in the national strategy.

The defense minister took over from the prime minister the authority of the overseas troop dispatch and material assistance to the United States. Complicated deliberation procedures and restrictions have been sharply reduced and the power of decision enhanced in the defense sector.

Meanwhile, Japan has strengthened the systems for coping with an emergency and for taking part in UN peace-keeping operations.

Japan's new defense system is viewed as part of the preparations for militarization and reinvasion.