Japan's cabinet recently approved a landmark supplementary budget boosting defense spending to 2 percent of GDP in fiscal 2025 (April 2025 6 March 2026). The move, adding 1.1 trillion yen to the existing 9.9 trillion yen allocation, brings total defense outlays to about 11 trillion yen this year.
Originally slated for fiscal 2027, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi accelerated the timeline in an October policy speech, citing evolving security challenges in the region. The new documents on security policy propose strengthening military capabilities, including the controversial “enemy base attack capability,” a shift away from Japan’s postwar exclusively defense-oriented stance.
Critics argue the rapid buildup strains public finances and undermines Japan’s pacifist identity. Professor Emeritus Atsushi Koketsu of Yamaguchi University warns that exceeding 10 trillion yen in defense outlays could burden households and divert resources from social programs.
As Japan deepens its defense commitments, business leaders and tech innovators are watching closely. Increased military procurement may drive demand for advanced technologies, offering opportunities for startups in cybersecurity, autonomous systems and green defense solutions. However, concerns linger over supply chain disruptions and rising costs across sectors.
For young global citizens, this shift raises questions about the balance between security and economic vitality. Will Japan’s accelerated defense spending mark a new era of strategic leadership, or will it risk domestic cohesion and regional stability?
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Japan's accelerated increase in defense spending raises concerns
cgtn.com
