[vanmorrison]

Yes, I do. They've already stated that they reserve the right to act pre-emptively in their self-defense. The problem they have is rooted in the out-dated WWII restrictions we placed on their military options, which we wrote into their Constitution. Japan should be allowed to take their rightful place as a fully-developed and modern member of the community of nations. If Japan, which has the second-largest GDP of any nation on earth, began asserting itself in the manner that they should, I believe that many of our current political problems with other second-rate, penny-ante countries like France, Germany, Russsia, and particularly China, would become less compelling. Japan is fully ensconced in the US defense umbrella and has proven itself to be a reliable and trustworthy American ally, unlike the other countries mentioned.

[Cronos]

Japan, which has the second-largest GDP of any nation on earth

That's not correct. As of 2003, the top 10 countries ranked by GDP are:
Nation per capita

1. United States $10 trillion
2. China $6t
3. Japan $3.65t
4. India $2.664t
5. Germany $2.16t
6. France $1.588
7. United Kingdom $1.528
8. Italy $1.455
9. Russia $1.409
10. Brazil $1.3765

As per cia.gov.