Japan has an existential crisis. But it's none of the stuff mentioned in this column. Japan existential crisis is its own very aged population, and low birthrate to replace them. It cannot possibly sustain such a large elderly population. The dwindling young and less skilled population already in trouble maintaining themselves, maintaining the standard of living. Japan culture cannot accept a large immigrant population to provide new blood, energy and idea. More and more Japan large corporations have to locate factories overseas. It is in the same outsource boat as America. 

Don't be fooled by the Japan Self-Defense force. It is in fact a force with naval and air power greater than China. Don't be fooled by author word of China 'militarism', a repeat of Pentagon talk. Japan have nothing to fear from Trump, or China, even NK if it maintain peaceful policies. Japan highest order is to fix its own economy and mono culture.