The Pentagon has recently undergone a transformation, not just in name but also in strategy. The U.S. Department of Defense has been rebranded as the Department of War, and the Defense Secretary is now known as the Secretary of War. This change reflects a broader shift in America's defense priorities. In August 2025, the Pentagon drafted a new defense strategy that significantly alters its focus. Unlike the defense strategy of 2018 under the Republican administration, the U.S. is now prioritizing national security over international military engagements. This shift may also affect the country’s defense policies, with potential changes in defense priorities.

In October, the Pentagon is expected to release a new defense report, which has already raised concerns in Japan. Media reports on October 5th indicated that Japan fears adjustments to America’s military strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. One significant sign of this shift is the reduction in rank of the U.S. Air Force commander in Europe, who has been downgraded from a four-star general to a three-star lieutenant general. Japan is worried that a similar downgrade could occur for the commander of U.S. forces stationed in Japan, signaling a reduction in America’s military commitment to the region.

At the same time, there has been increasing attention to domestic security, particularly the U.S. government's focus on combating illegal immigration. The U.S. has poured resources into this effort, with federal agencies making widespread arrests across the country. This shift suggests that the federal government is now more concerned with issues on home soil, reinforcing the notion that America’s military focus may be turning inward rather than outward toward threats like China or Russia.

Additionally, the U.S. government has been using the National Guard for domestic security duties, further emphasizing this change in priorities. This internal focus, along with the anticipated release of the new defense report, has led to speculation that the U.S. military strategy will undergo significant changes, with an increasing focus on national security rather than overseas military deployments.

Japan, which has long relied on the U.S. for security, is particularly nervous about these shifts. The U.S. military presence in Japan, which dates back to World War II, has provided Japan with a sense of security, allowing its economy to thrive without the burden of a large defense budget. However, if the U.S. alters its military strategy and reduces its presence in the region, Japan may face significant challenges.

This strategic shift by the U.S. is partly driven by financial constraints. The U.S. has been struggling with budgetary issues, and a recent government shutdown highlighted the lack of funds to maintain overseas military deployments. With limited financial resources, the U.S. is likely to scale back its global military presence, a move that leaves Japan understandably concerned. The country’s long-standing reliance on American security support means that any changes in U.S. military strategy could have serious implications for Japan’s future security.