It is hardly cheering news that a country whose leaders still salute war criminals has formally launched its military reconstruction.

Approving Japan's security strategy, defense program guidelines and mid-term defense program on Tuesday, the Cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe officially mandated his doctrine of "proactive pacifism", which heralds a new round of Japan's military buildup.

Serving as a guideline for Japan's foreign and defense policies, the first national security strategy sets Japan on a course toward greater involvement in military-related matters, with reduced emphasis on diplomacy.