To Rick's comments (2012/11/29):

"Are the English-language translations of the Asahi and Mainichi editorials correct?"

The Mainichi editorial refers correctly to Abe's repeated assertion, ultimately winding up in the wish list part of the to "consider" "permanently posting komuin."

"I have yet to see a similar flood of comments, criticisms, and tough reporter questions about the Senkakus idea."

See first answer. And it's hard for a politician or op-ed writer to say "let's not upset the Chinese" while offering no meaningful alternative when the general public mood is running against the Chinese actions.
Also, Abe's specific references to the Senkaku Islands other than "komuin" concerns the JCG Coast Guard, so people probably do not associate the "consideration"
with the SDF. However, he has consistently referred to refitting retired MSDF vessels as JCG vessels for a while; today proposed employing MSDF members to fill the manpower gap. I'm curious to see how Chinese officials and think tank figures respond to this latest? proposal.