... and with Big Ole' China breathing down Japan's neck, meantime. What you have speculated is entirely possible. "Old" Japan would be pulling together and taking this threat very seriously; do you happen to know how "new" Japan is taking the threat? New Japan, meaning, the "everything is Rock 'n' Roll" Japan? What is the mood of the "everyday" people; and not those in official capacity, pls?
some of the most anti-DPRK people you hear and talk to in Japan are precisely young people, in their teens and twenties, if the internet is any judge of things. it would be a rough going. they would eventually get their act together and i believe most Japanese young people would defend their family and loved ones, it would be just an issue of how quickly 'PC' and their 'heiwa boke' (peace mindset) could be shaken, they could be awaken from their slumber, and mobilize and take action