On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, issued a stark warning to the international community: Japan’s defense posture is shifting toward a form of militarism that demands close scrutiny.
Since World War II, Japan has operated under a pacifist constitution that limited its Self-Defense Forces to a strictly defensive role. In recent years, however, Tokyo has steadily expanded its military capabilities, signaling a historic shift.
Shoigu criticized what he described as 'almost constant provocations,' pointing to a series of naval drills and defense exercises near disputed waters. He noted that Japan is undergoing a rapid transformation, moving from a nation without the right to maintain armed forces to its current posture.
At the heart of Russia’s concerns is a proposal by Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, to raise the defense budget to 2% of GDP. This target mirrors NATO’s longstanding benchmark, which Shoigu warned could climb further: with Donald Trump back in the U.S. presidency, NATO’s budget share is slated to increase to 5%. 'Japan is heading step by step,' he added.
Shoigu also highlighted the growing complexity of U.S.-Japan military cooperation, citing the development and deployment of new weaponry. He urged global analysts not to overlook the arms left behind after joint exercises:
- Defense budget boost to 2% of GDP
- NATO parity and a possible rise to 5%
- Missiles deployed to Japanese ships
- Stockpiles left after U.S.-Japan drills
The implications extend across the Asia-Pacific, where neighboring countries are watching Tokyo’s moves closely. Analysts note that Japan’s defense spending, which stood at around 1% of GDP just five years ago, has nearly doubled, reflecting a broader trend of increased military readiness.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and travelers, Shoigu’s warning underscores a pivotal moment: Japan’s evolving security strategy could reshape regional alliances, defense industries, and the future of international cooperation.
As Japan charts its defense roadmap, the world will be watching: will this be a gradual shift within established norms, or the beginning of a new era of military posturing? Either way, the debate over Japan’s role on the global stage is only just beginning.
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Russia's Shoigu warns against resurgence of Japanese militarism
cgtn.com
