“Nothing Left to Protect” as Japan Drops Its “Peace State” Banner... Lifts Ban on Lethal Weapon Exports
by Kim Hyunjeong1
Published 21 Apr.2026 16:45(KST)
Updated 21 Apr.2026 18:09(KST)
Acceleration of a 'Warfare-Capable Nation'
Revision of the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment"
On April 21, the Japanese government lifted export restrictions on lethal weapons. Analysts say this marks a major turning point for Japan’s security policy, which has long been oriented toward a “peace state” since its defeat in World War II.
According to Yonhap News, citing Kyodo News and Nikkei, the Japanese government revised the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and the accompanying operational guidelines at a Cabinet meeting and National Security Council (NSC) session on the same day.
With this revision, export restrictions that had previously limited the export of finished defense equipment to five non-combat categories (rescue, transport, patrol, surveillance, mine clearance-removal of mines and other hazardous materials) have been abolished, making it possible to export weapons with lethal capabilities. Some analysts believe that, as the Japanese government moves to support the growth of its defense industry, the pace of its remilitarization could accelerate.
However, for weapons capable of killing or destroying objects, exports must be reviewed by the NSC, which includes the Prime Minister, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, the Foreign Minister, and the Defense Minister.
In principle, exports to countries currently engaged in armed conflict are not permitted. However, if the Japanese government determines there is a security necessity, exports may be approved through an NSC decision. If weapons are co-developed with another country and are deemed necessary for Japan’s security, those weapons may be sold to a third party currently engaged in combat.
Exports of weapons are limited to 17 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, that have signed defense equipment transfer agreements with Japan. If countries that are pending ratification or in negotiations for such agreements are included, the number of export destinations is expected to increase to up to 20.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated in a post on X that “as the security environment has become more severe, it has become impossible for a single country to protect peace and security alone,” adding, “the transfer of defense equipment will lead to enhanced defense capabilities for partner nations and the securing of Japan’s own security.”
Japan had effectively banned arms exports based on the “pacifism” enshrined in Article 9 of its constitution, but since the inauguration of the Sanae Takaichi cabinet, the government has taken concrete steps to lift defense equipment export restrictions, signaling a shift to the right. Minoru Kihara, the Chief Cabinet Secretary and government spokesperson, stated at a press conference on April 21 that “the basic philosophy of a peace state will be maintained.”
The Japanese government’s decision to allow the export of lethal weapons is viewed as a shift away from the postwar pacifism that has restrained arms export policy, and as a turning point in Japan’s broader security policy.
Meanwhile, the Asahi Shimbun analyzed that “through the export of (lethal weapons), the aim is to strengthen the production capabilities of Japan’s defense industry, thereby ensuring that Japan can sustain combat operations in the event of a future war.”
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