And the JMSDF is developing important experience and technical abilities further afield, too. As a result, future missions of the JMSDF will evolve from current, limited operations, which are carried out by a few warships, to comprehensive missions by the combined fleet with information guarantee.

The 2009 white paper goes on to strongly condemn North Korea's military policy and aggressiveness. Pyongyang, the paper notes, is now actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, which, coupled with an increased ballistic missile capability, could provide the regime unprecedented power in the region.

North Korea had previously launched ballistic missiles on several occasions and, in the past year, conducted its second nuclear test. Meanwhile, the possibility of North Korea realizing its ambition to deliver a nuclear warhead via a long-range ballistic missile in a short period of time, notes the paper, can hardly be ruled out.

Such endeavors, along with other belligerent activities, according to the document, have not only jeopardized Japanese security, but have endangered peace across North Asia and the world beyond.

North Korea's missile, the paper notes, offers a prime example. Although the missile itself can fly across Japan, it is incapable of a direct strike. Nonetheless, the white paper continues to identify North Korea as Tokyo's principal threat.

The Japanese Government also propagandizes the "North Korea threat" to rally public opinion behind the government's strict sanctions regimen and sea blockade north of the 38th parallel.

TASKS OVERSEAS: A file photo of 3C patrol aircraft. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has ordered Japanese Offshore Self-defense Troops to send two P-3C patrol aircraft to attack pirates off the Somali coast on May 15 (REN ZHENGLAI)

On another important note, the paper reflects Japan's deep-seated suspicion of China's drive toward defense modernization. Analyses and commentary about China's defense policy and technical improvements are highlighted throughout.

This year, more attention is devoted to China's military strength and intentions with charts and graphs. Likewise, the document contains far-fetched guesses and specious condemnations about China's achievements in the realm of defense modernization—in particular, the development and construction of space and ocean capacities.

This conjecture and criticism clearly shows many in Japan continue to lack a basic understanding of China's true long-term goal: to build a well-rounded, modernized society—one that is both independent, yet peacefully diplomatic to help establish a harmonious world.

In ways, the document itself reflects Japan's contradictory attitude—one in which prevention, precaution and diversion are on full display while Tokyo seeks to develop a relationship with Beijing.