The Tools of Owatatsumi: Japan's ocean surveillance and coastal defence capabilities

A maritime country requires a maritime defence, and maritime capabilities were the centrepiece of Japanese rearmament, under the direction of the US Navy, which began in the early 1950s. Coastal defence groups were established immediately the National Safety Force was established by Yoshida Shigeru in April 1952, following the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty and the USJapan Mutual Security Treaty in September 1951. These were initially an autonomous part of the Maritime Safety Agency (MSA), which was established on 1 May 1948 to perform constabulary and coastguard functions, but became part of the Maritime Safety Force, established on 1 August 1952, and reorganised into the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in July 1954. Since its formation, the JMSDF has incrementally but progressively and inexorably expanded its capabilities, roles and missions, increasing its sphere of activities [in] an ever widening circle.