I wish the US once and for all would lift Article 9 from the Japanese and allow for them to once again have an offensive military. We have been the strongest of allies now for over 70 years. It’s long overdue
They are their own independent nation. That ended in 1953 (us telling them what to do), after we drafted their Constitution. But don’t worry. Under Abe, yes, Article 9 is defacto being recast, and it is only a matter of time that it will be re-written. There are new realities and Japan cannot rely on the US when to blow its own nose. They have close by fish to fry ASAP. I am sure the President would have it that way. And he said as much in the presidential debates (to the shock of many). But it is going that direction.