jeez, I dunno - seeing the Rising Sun makes me a little nervous myself
The Japanese are in a demographic death spiral. They have simply stopped having children, and, I believe, that they may not even be at replacement levels anymore. More seniors than young people, thus the stunning article a few months ago that the Japanese buy more adult diapers than childrens diapers. I don't think they will have the manpower to challenge anyone in any large way. But, with a ship like this they have a better chance of defending themselves if China decides to get aggressive.