Japan has relaxed decades-old restrictions on its arms exports, clearing the way for it to sell lethal weapons to 17 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, according to multiple reports. The new policy lifts category limitations and allows exceptions for conflict zones in special circumstances, marking a significant shift in Japan's post-war pacifist stance.
The new policy, approved by the cabinet, lifts restrictions that limited arms exports to five categories: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping, major media reported. Japan can now sell lethal weapons to 17 countries with which it has defence agreements, including the US and the UK, according to multiple reports. A ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict will stay, but authorities say they will allow for exceptions 'in special circumstances', major media reported. The new guidelines clear the final obstacles for Japan to sell warships, missiles and other lethal military equipment abroad, according to multiple reports.
In an increasingly severe security environment, no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wrote on X that 'no single country can now protect its own peace and security alone', according to major media. Takaichi also said there was 'absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war', major media reported. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the move was 'intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region', according to major media.
China has said it is 'seriously concerned' about what it described as Japan's 'reckless militarisation', according to the Chinese foreign ministry as reported by major media. Opponents say the change violates Japan's pacifist constitution and will increase global tensions and threaten the safety of the Japanese people, major media reported. This contradiction highlights the core debate: whether the new policy is a continuation of Japan's pacifist tradition or a fundamental break from it.
There was absolutely no change in our commitment to upholding the path and fundamental principles we have followed as a peace-loving nation for over 80 years since the war.
Japan's broader defense posture has also shifted. Japan approved a record 16.5% increase in defence spending for the coming year, reaching 7.95 trillion yen ($56 billion), according to multiple reports. Japan quickly approved a US request for shipment of surface-to-air Patriot guided missiles produced in Japan under an American license to complement US inventory, major media reported. Japan's Self-Defence Forces took part in annual war games between the US and the Philippines as combatants for the first time, according to multiple reports.
The US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, praised Japan's contribution to 'reform and modernization' of their alliance, according to major media. Emanuel described Japan's revision to the military equipment sale policy as 'a capstone to a year of reform', major media reported. Kihara said the Patriot shipment is intended to showcase the will and capability of the Japan-US military alliance and to ensure the peace and stability of Japan, according to major media.
Under the new system, we will strategically promote equipment transfers while making even more rigorous and cautious judgments on whether transfers are permissible.
Several unknowns remain. It is unclear whether Japan will actually export lethal weapons to countries other than the US and UK, and if so, which ones. The specific 'special circumstances' that would allow exceptions to the ban on arms sales to conflict zones have not been defined. It is also unknown whether the Patriot missile shipment to the US will ultimately be transferred to Ukraine. How China's opposition will affect Japan's security cooperation with the US and other allies remains to be seen, and the timeline for further policy adjustments allowing sale of jointly developed lethal weapons to third countries has not been announced.
Intended to safeguard Japan's security and further contribute to the peace and stability of the region.
This will not make a hole in the defense of Japan.
That's really important for a system that's under stress.
So it's very helpful when we manage our inventory.
A capstone to a year of reform.