This is the first major English-language study to explore the broad and longstanding connections between Japanâs national security and the safety of its sea lanes. Tracing issues from pre-and post-1945 eras the book explores how Japanâs concerns with sea lane protection have developed across such diverse fields as military strategy diplomacy trade policy energy security and law enforcement. Drawing upon case study material and primary research including interviews with officials and security analysts the book presents a chronological analysis of Japanâs sea lane security. While Japanâs security policies have recently undergone relatively rapid change a historical treatment of sea lane security issues reveals long-term continuity in security policymakersâ perceptions and responses regarding Japan's defence and foreign policy. Revealing a neglected but important aspect of Japanâs military and economic security the book investigates why officials and analysts continue to portray the defence of Japanâs sea lanes as âa matter of life and deathâ. . Language: English