The argument for greater naval aviation capability extends beyond defending the Japanese shoreline. As more powerful weapons and hypersonic systems enter the discussion, the illustrative requirement moves from a defensive screen one hundred miles offshore to one two or three hundred miles out. The proximity of threats to Japan's west does not remove the need for depth on its eastern side. Leaving the Pacific approaches unsecured would allow an opponent to come around and threaten Japan from that direction.
Notable Point · 57:48-58:54
Japan needs defensive depth on its Pacific side as well as its western approaches
Longer-ranged weapons strengthen the case for distant screening, including protection against opponents approaching Japan from the Pacific.