In fact, Japan has pushed all its chips into the middle of the table to make an enormous existential bet on America. However, in terms of pure military and economic value, the UK alliance provides far less than Japan. Ensuring America has access to the Indo-Pacific matters, and without a strong U.S.-Japan alliance, this too would be more problematic. Under Prime Minister Takaichi’s leadership, Japanese defense spending reached 2% of GDP in 2026, two years ahead of schedule, receiving plaudits across Washington. This makes Japan a defense industrial partner, not just a consumer, adding to allied production capacity to make up for munitions shortfalls.