The rapid and violent rise of the Islamic State group from the turmoil of Syria and Iraq, combined with a number of "lone wolf" attacks, has again placed the threat of terrorism center stage.

In Japan, fears have been stoked by the executions of Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto, following Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's clumsy intervention into Middle Eastern politics. Abe responded with language that has been commonplace for politicians since 9/11, announcing that "we will not cave in to terror" and vowing "to make the terrorists pay the price."

Also following what has become a well-worn script, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has proposed stronger security measures to protect against potential terrorist attacks. Reflecting these fears, this year's Tokyo marathon had more than 10,000 personnel providing security for an event with about 35,000 participants, while also banning participants from bringing plastic beverage bottles and other water containers to the sporting event.