50 years after the war, Japan's military still carries its ruthless reputation that spelled disaster in WWII, and many are still sceptical towards their existence. Yet the situation is slowly changing; more women than ever are serving in SDF, a fact exploited by recruiters; more soldiers, despite the limitations put on Japanese soldiers, are serving abroad with the UN; and the SDF's reputation is at an all time high following their assistance in the Kobe Earthquake fallout. ABC Australia profiles the force, asking how much Japanese attitudes towards the idea of military have really changed.

Produced by ABC Australia