In Post-war Japan as a Sea Power, Alessio Patalano incorporates new, exclusive source material to develop an innovative approach to the study of post-war Japan as a military power. This archival-based history of Asia's most advanced navy, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (Jmsdf), looks beyond the traditional perspective of viewing the modern Japanese military in light of the country's alliance with the Us. The book places the institution in a historical context, analysing its imperial legacy and the role of Japan's shattering defeat in Wwii in the post-war emergence of Japan as East Asia's 'sea power'.--Amazon.

Japanese sea power: from Kaigun to Naiji -- Ethos and traditions: the navy of Imperial Japan -- History and memory: the Imperial Navy of the post-war era -- Experience and legacy: the education of a new navy -- Ethos and propaganda: ships, men, and the image of the naval profession -- Strategy and policy: the "sea power" of the Pacific -- Doctrine and capabilities: the quest for a balanced fleet -- Conclusions: the near past, the near future.