The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has approved revisions to arms export guidelines, unlocking the sale of lethal weapons abroad for the first time under new conditions. This aims to strengthen the domestic defense industry and deepen friendships with 17 allied nations amid regional security crises.
Japan announced a major overhaul of restrictions on exporting defense equipment and technology, marking a significant shift in the country’s long-standing security policy of being a "pacifist state" since the end of World War II.
The revision to the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" abolishes the previous rule limiting exports to only five categories of non-combat equipment: rescue, transportation, warning, surveillance, and mine clearance. The new criteria classify defense equipment into two main categories: "weapons" and "non-weapon defense equipment," based on whether they have destructive or lethal power.
Non-weapon defense equipment, such as radar warning and control systems, can be exported without restrictions. Meanwhile, lethal weapons like destroyers and missiles will be restricted to sales only to countries that have signed security confidentiality agreements with Japan, currently totaling 17 countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Although exports to countries in conflict are generally prohibited, a "special circumstances exception" allows exports if deemed necessary for Japan’s security or to support U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Takaichi stated on social media, "No country today can maintain peace and establish security alone anymore. It is necessary to have allies who support each other." Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara affirmed that Japan remains committed to its foundational principle as a pacifist nation built over 80 years.
However, this change has drawn criticism from opposition parties who argue that the government should seek parliamentary approval before exporting weapons, to prevent Japan from becoming involved in arms races or escalating conflicts. The government has assured it will implement strict post-sale monitoring by dispatching officials to buyers’ militaries to inspect storage and usage periodically.
Regarding major exports such as new fighter jets jointly developed with the United Kingdom and Italy, the government said these will be treated as special cases requiring cabinet approval on a case-by-case basis.