Japan’s political scene got heated this weekend as senior opposition figures sounded the alarm over the ruling coalition’s plan to ease arms export rules. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party agreed last Monday to revise the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology” guidelines, lifting restrictions that currently limit defense gear exports to five non-combat uses. They’re set to submit the proposal to the cabinet in February 2026.
Critics say this would mark a major shift away from Japan’s postwar pacifist stance and open the door to lethal weapons sales. 🚨
“Abolishing these limits risks Japan falling into a military-industrial complex,” warned Katsuya Okada, former foreign minister and senior adviser to the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, on NHK this Sunday.
Taku Yamazoe, policy chief of the Japanese Communist Party, accused Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government of treating the military as an economic pillar. “This is like declaring Japan a military state – a ‘merchant of death,’” he said, urging a return to Japan’s pacifist foundations. ⚔️❌
Reports by Nikkei Shimbun suggest scrapping the five-category rule could pave the way for broad weapons exports, including combat-ready gear. The plan has sparked growing concern among citizens and activists across Japan, who fear it could entangle the country in global arms races.
As the cabinet review approaches in early 2026, all eyes will be on whether Japan holds firm to its pacifist legacy or pivots toward a more assertive defense posture. Stay tuned! 🔍
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Japanese opposition slams ruling coalition's plan to ease arms export
cgtn.com
