Richard Tanter argues that there is a tendency in both Japan and abroad to underestimate Japan’s actual military strength – especially that of its naval forces. Maritime Self Defense Force destroyers and refuelling supply ships have been continually on-station in the Indian Ocean since November 2001, well away from the public eye. The rules of engagement and legal framework under which the MSDF is operating in interdiction operations is not known, nor is the fate of those ‘many crews’ arrested.