Japan scraps ban on lethal weapons exports in pacifist policy shift
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on April 15, 2026.
Philip Fong | Afp | Getty Images
The Japanese government has announced plans to lift a ban on lethal weapons exports, marking the latest shift away from the country’s post-war pacifist policy.
One expression “No country can now protect its own peace and security alone,” Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on social media Tuesday, according to Google’s translation.
He added that it was important for partner countries to support each other with defense equipment “in an increasingly severe security environment”.
The policy change paves the way for the country to export warships, missiles and other weapons.
Japan, which has increased its defense spending in recent years, is looking for ways to counter regional security threats and support partner countries in wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Japan and Australia recently signed a $7.15 billion deal with Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to build three warships for the Australian navy.
Opponents of the rule change have said the policy change could further escalate global tensions, with protesters waving “No to War” flags and voicing their support for the country’s Article 9 provision at demonstrations in recent weeks.
A demonstrator shouted, “No to War! Don’t Change the Constitution!” He carries a flag saying “No to War” during his protest. On April 19, 2026, a rally was held in front of the main gate of the National Assembly Building in Tokyo to call for the protection of Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan.
Philip Fong | Afp | Getty Images
Japan rejected the war under Article 9 of its post-World War II pacifist constitution. Administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014 reinterpreted Article 9 allows the Japan Self-Defense Forces to contribute more actively to international peacekeeping efforts and defend allies.
“There is absolutely no change in our determination to maintain the path and basic principles that we have followed as a peace-loving nation for more than 80 years since the war,” Takaichi said in a statement via X on Tuesday. he said.
“Under the new system, we will strategically encourage equipment transfers, while also making stricter and more cautious decisions about whether transfers are allowed,” he added.
