The timing of the release of Japan's defense white paper, just one day before the anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, may raise a few eyebrows.

Last year's paper was released on July 9. It may be that a perfectly reasonable explanation lies behind the release date, but it could be an attempt to mute criticism of the paper as Japan remembers the catastrophe of military defeat.

The wording of the paper may also keep those eyebrows raised. In Chapter 1, Part 2, under the heading "Measures to Ensure Japan's Security," it says that "upon recognizing the role of defense capabilities, Japan aims to ensure national security as well as bring peace and safety to the Asia-Pacific region, and eventually to the entire world, through making its utmost efforts in a variety of fields".