What is the True Intent behind Japan's Launch of the "Izumo"? (2)

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The naming and the launch date both have unquestionable political significance.

In addition to its displacement and design, the naming of the Izumo and the timing of its launch have also attracted attention from various parties.

Historically, the “Izumo” was an armored cruiser of the Japanese navy that served in the Japan-Russia War and the war of aggression against China. During the war of aggression against China, the Izumo was the flagship of the Japanese fleet engaged in operations against China. It was sunk by the U.S. navy in Kure Arsenal in 1945.

Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, hopes to exploit the bitter sentiments of the Japanese public to support his militaristic ambitions to restore Japan’s military forces.

According to Yuan Yang, expert of Japan issues in the Academy of Military Science, “Izumo” is a place in Shimane-Ken in Japan, and a source of many folk tales. Using the name of an earlier vessel is standard practice in the navies of many countries. However, there is clear political significance in the selection of the name of a vessel that was used in the Japan-Russia War and the war of aggression against China, and in the choice of the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima for the launch ceremony.

According to Jin Canrong, vice president of the School of International Studies, Renmin University, the coincidence of the launch of the “quasi carrier” and the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima indicates that Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, “hopes to exploit the bitter sentiments of the Japanese public to support his militaristic ambitions to restore Japan’s military forces.”

Currently, the U.S. is reducing its military budget as a result of its economic problems, and has to rely on Japan for military support in the Asia-Pacific region. This has provided Shinzo Abe with the opportunity for a substantial increase in Japan’s military forces.

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