CEVAP:

The Japan Self-Defense Forces -- or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF, JDF, or SDF – are the unified military forces of Japan. They were organized in 1954 and are managed by the Ministry of Defense. In recent years they have been involved in international peacekeeping operations of UN. Tensions with North Korea have triggered the discussion over the standing of the JSDF about Japanese society, and it is not clear at the present time whether or not Japan will abandon its official pacifism, its non-use of the military for aggressive, warlike purposes.