CDR SALAMANDER: Japan Puts Down a Marker in Europe. “More than is apparent to the outside eye, her national security community – both uniformed and civilian – are very clear-eyed about the world in which they find themselves in 2023. They are taking steps to take her rightful and deserved place in the first tier of nations in national security, but they are small, direct, and cautious steps – but steps they are. With all the above, the last few days brought a very significant moment for Japan and her friends.”