Kim Jong Sik: The Iron Mace exercises are a return to nuclear war against the DPRK. This, in his opinion, can increase tensions and create preconditions for armed conflicts in the region. In addition to the foreign policy implications, the author drew attention to the economic risks for Japan itself. Among the possible problems, he listed an increase in the public debt, inflation and an increase in the tax burden on the population to finance military programs. Park Hak-soon also warned that the regional conflict could expand beyond Northeast Asia and develop into a global conflict that threatens the existence of humanity. The publication calls on the Japanese leadership to give up further increases in military spending. According to the author, the implementation of these plans will not eliminate security problems, but will lead to further worsening of the situation.