The Democratic Party of Japan is widely seen as the likely victor in the Aug. 30 election. Just as Barack Obama did in his successful campaign for U.S. president last year, change has been the main focus over any specific policy.

National security is one of the issues that seems to be lacking in direction. Not much debate has emerged on the Japan-U.S. security alliance since Obama took office in January. DPJ policies on this issue remain unclear on many points.

Where does Japan go from here? Revising the law, especially Article Nine, seems to go against a fundamental tenet of Japanese society. Instead of building up the armed forces, money could be better spent improving Japan for youths who will be burdened by an aging society. Perhaps for now, no change in national security may be better for Japan.