Japan Shifts Away from Pacifism: New Arms Export Policies and Regional Defense Moves

New Zealand is considering purchasing Japanese warships and missiles as Japan moves to relax its post-World War II arms export restrictions, according to reporting from Radio New Zealand. The potential deal follows Japan’s recent decision to lift bans on lethal weapons exports, marking a significant shift from its longstanding pacifist defence policy.

Japan’s government announced on Tuesday that it would scrap restrictions on overseas arms sales, allowing the country to export warships, missiles and other lethal weapons for the first time in decades. The change comes as Japan seeks to counter regional security threats and support allies during ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Under the new policy, Japan can now sell arms to more than a dozen countries with which it has defence agreements, including the United States and the United Kingdom. While a ban on arms sales to countries involved in conflict remains in place, exceptions may be allowed “in special circumstances” for partner nations.