INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: How does Japan defend itself?

	How does Japan defend itself?
	Japan makes an ongoing effort to ensure peace and security through diplomatic means, such as dialogue and assistance, aimed at preventing regional conflicts from occurring or bringing about their amicable settlement. Nonetheless, to stay prepared for an invasion, an appropriate defensive capability is provided by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), which are exclusively defensive in nature. This 242,700-strong force is divided into ground, marine, and air branches and is charged with the defense of the nation. In addition, the nation maintains security arrangements with the United States, under which it hosts U.S. military forces numbering about 41,500. The security arrangements are grounded in the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which aims to maintain peace and security in East Asia.