This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office in October, aiming to boost Japan’s military as a deterrent against regional threats. She contends that Japan must prioritize its defense approach to enhance its military capabilities for better self-protection and to endure new, prolonged forms of warfare.
Last week, Takaichi’s Cabinet removed restrictions on the export of Japanese lethal weapons, a decision welcomed by the United States and other defense allies as a move to strengthen military and industrial cooperation.
However, this decision faced criticism from pacifists in Japan and from China for straying from Japan’s postwar principle of self-defense only.
“The international situation has entirely shifted,” Takaichi remarked during a meeting at her office. “The relatively stable post-Cold War international order is now a relic of the past.”
According to Takaichi, Japan needs to “learn from the lessons” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, adapting to new warfare methods such as drone usage and preparing for prolonged conflicts.
“As the world moves into a period of turbulence and Japan encounters multiple challenges, the upcoming revision… is a pivotal effort that impacts Japan’s future,” she asserted.
The 15-member panel, comprised of experts in diplomacy, defense, and economics, will evaluate security and defense policies against potential emergency scenarios, while also examining the defense budget and funding, before presenting their recommendations for changes in the coming months.
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As per current policies established in December 2022, Japan aims to double its defense expenditures to 2% of its gross domestic product—an amount of approximately 43 trillion yen ($270 billion)—by 2027.
Takaichi’s government has already achieved this spending target, and the panel is anticipated to deliberate on potential further increases in military expenditure.
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