The white paper presented relatively neutral revaluation of Russia. While other Western nations isolate Russia, Japan is eager to approach the big power to settle their territorial dispute. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to make his long-awaited visit to Japan at the end of this year, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said in May.

"As for the situation in Ukraine, the result of Russia's engagement in a ‘hybrid warfare'to change the status quo to be becoming fixed, and the threat perception regarding Russia's activities is increasing especially in Europe," the white paper said. "Russia's military intervention in Syria is drawing attention as a manifestation of the achievements of Russia's series of military reform as well as a move to increase its international influence."

Though seven Japanese people were killed in a terror attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh on July 1, Japan's defense white paper touched on the issue of international terrorism lightly.

"Some international terrorist organizations are capable of implementing terror attacks in locations far from their bases," it said. "In light of the terrorist attack in Dhaka, Japan is in a situation where it needs to squarely address the threat of international terrorism as its challenge."