The Defense policy Japan has pursued
under the Constitution is based on the "Basic
Policy for National Defense" adopted by the National
Defense Council and approved by the Cabinet in May
1957. The "Basic Policy for National Defense"
first called for promotion of international cooperation
and other efforts for peace and establishment of the
basis for national security through such measures
as the promotion of public welfare. On 2006, the Japanese
Parliament enacted a law changing the status of the
Japan Defense Agency to a Defense Ministry. The new
Ministry of Defense was formally established on 9
January 2007.
The total manpower of the Japanese Army is around
251,600 soldiers, and a paramilitary force with 12,300
personnel.
The Land Forces of Japanese Army is around 156,000
soldiers with the structure:
5 Army HQ's with a total of 10 infantry divisions,
1 armoured division, 4 infantry brigades, 1 combined
brigade, 1 airborne brigade, 1 artillery brigade,
5 engineer brigades, 2 AAA brigades and 3 training
brigades.