Japanese military normalization is a complex process-it is not too far from the truth to say it might represent a transformation of the nation-and for any such complex process there are multiple impetuses. This thesis is organized by a categorical step-by-step analysis of the key driving factors of Japan's normalization. The areas of prime ministerial leadership, regional security threats, alliance issues, and military-industrial complex were chosen because of the encompassing nature of their influence on the future of the Japanese military. The potential of what could be perceived as an obvious and overwhelming threat to the Japanese people, vis-a-vis some Chinese or North Korean aggression or threats to Japanese citizens abroad, does not seem to be enough to sway the opinions of millions of Japanese from their deeply ingrained pacifist ideology. Only the right recipe of factors can affect the prevalence of this pacifist ideology, and security issues and economic factors have to be presented in the proper light by a strong and charismatic leader with well-defined goals. The evaluation of each of the four chosen driving factors of Japan's military normalization reinforces their position as main drivers and provides weight and insight to their sustainability and the future of Japanese security. I. INTRODUCTION * A. THE ORIGINS OF JAPANESE NORMALIZATION * B. THE FOUR FACTORS * II. THE INFLUENCE OF JAPAN'S PRIME MINISTERS * A. KOIZUMI * B. ABE'S FIRST TERM * C. THE DPJ * D. ABE'S SECOND CHANCE * E. CONCLUSION * III. THE INFLUENCE OF REGIONAL SECURITY ISSUES * A. CHINA * B. SOUTH KOREA * C. NORTH KOREA * D. RUSSIA * E. CONCLUSION * IV. THE INFLUENCE OF ALLIANCE ISSUES * A. MORE INTEGRATION WITH THE UNITED STATES AS A FORCE MULTIPLIER * B. THE STATE OF THE ALLIANCE * C. DIRECT PRESSURE ON JAPAN * D. AUTONOMOUS JAPAN AND FEAR OF ABANDONMENT/ ENTANGLEMENT * E. CONCLUSION * V. THE INFLUENCE OF JAPAN'S DEFENSE INDUSTRY * A. DEVELOPMENT * B. EXPORT * C. SPACE * D. CONCLUSION * VI. CONCLUSION