Recently, some netizens discovered that the website of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs still retains a special feature page, last updated in 2015, that outlines the “history of Japan as a peaceful nation.” A review of subsequent editions of Japan’s annual Diplomatic Bluebook shows that the substantive meaning of the concept of a “peaceful nation” (or a "peace-loving nation" for that matter) has gradually been hollowed out. The year 2015 marked an important watershed. Back then, the relevant discourse was rooted in reflection on its wartime history and a commitment to renouncing war. Over the past decade or so, however, the concept has been repeatedly repackaged and distorted: what was once a self-imposed principle of historical reflection and military restraint has been completely reduced to a tool for advancing militarization, participating in bloc-based geopolitical rivalry, and mobilizing public opinion.

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