Japanese interests in the South China Sea are heavily tied up in the Middle Eastern energy trade. With 80% of its oil coming through the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, Japan's continued economic growth relies on ensuring adequate energy supplies through these sea lanes.

Japan's container shipping is of secondary importance to oil imports in terms of Japan's overall stability. Yet, any disruption in container shipping would lead to disruptions in manufacturing processes, ultimately stalling production and causing sizeable economic losses.

The fact that Japan is so reliant on foreign trade for both its economic growth and natural resources underscores the point that maritime security is a huge compenent of Japan's comprehensive security policy. Psychologically, the effects of any piracy incident become widespread, even leading to unnecessary worry over incidents with only a minor impact.

Yet, it is because the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea are Japan's lifelines that these are important topics for the Japanese government to address. Even at the expense of over-emphasizing a problem, it is ultimately in the best interest for Japan's continued economic growth and development to secure safe passage for all Japanese ships in all sea lanes. To ignore it, would be risking the precious lifeline of an entire island-nation.