Japanese Self Defense Forces

The Japanese Armed Forces often called the Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF), is a fictional offensive army in the Cyberpunk series. That patrols the Pacific Rim and acts as a deterrent from outside invasion.

History
In the 1990s Japan abolished the pacifist clause (article 9) of the 1947 constitution which was enacted by the United States during their military occupation of Japan following the Emporers' surrender during World War ||. This allowed the Japanese government to update its military with new tactical offensive capabilities including new: armaments, vehicles, and personnel, this force would come to be known as the Japanese Self Defense Force or (SDF). Consequently, the US withdrew most of its military assets within Japan and most other nations inhabiting the Pacific Rim believing them to be secure for the time being. Many Chinese and Korean officials criticized the SDF as a resurgence of Japanese imperialist sentiments as their nations had been subjugated by the Japanese Empire in the past, they had also witnessed Japans corporate conquest of both Taiwan and Hong Kong, many saw this as Japan furthering its end-goal of economic supremacy as the SDF could offer a lot of opportunities for power projection, possibly ensuring that Japanese commercial interests take precedence throughout all of the Pacific Rim. As such the operations undertaken by the SDF throughout the Pacific Rim were met with disdain via locals and regional authorities, this has prompted the SDF to limit operations throughout the Pacific Rim. The annual budget given to the SDF was 70 Billion Eb, this made it the third-highest military budget in the entire world. The Japanese government maintains that the SDF was formed as a deterrent from potential invasions by a nation or coalition outside of the Pacific Rim  in particular those with modernized militaries and or large military budgets.

Organization
The Self Defense Force splits into three branches: Ground SDF (GSDF), Maritime SDF (MSDF), and AuroSpace SDF (ASDF). Aside from the ASDF, it is pretty much as it was 30 years ago. Even though Japan accepted the right to wage war and have an army with revoking of their Article 9, its budget is still restricted to only 3% of their GNP. They still call it the SDF instead of the Japanese Army. "Wow! These seats are like riding on clouds! The air-conditioning works well, the TV gets great reception...Auto-medkit, drink-vendor, 2 weeks of delicious rations (unlike the kibble they give us)! I wish my apartment was so well furnished..."

- Lt. Culliford, US Army, test-driving a Type 15 MBT at the GSDF Fuji Training Grounds