Japan’s NSS comprises three sections and opens by defining the principles that guide Japan’s security policy. While stressing the importance of being ‘a peace-loving nation’, exemplified by its exclusively defence-oriented security policy and its three non-nuclear principles, the document argues that Japan needs to be more proactive to maintain international peace and stability. Abe has frequently referenced this policy, stating Japan will be ‘a proactive contributor to peace based on the principle of international cooperation’.