Japan Establishes 15-Member Panel to Rethink Defense Policy as Regional Tensions Rise

Japan's prime minister has launched a 15-member expert panel to reassess the country's security and defense policies as China, North Korea and Russia expand military activity in the region. The group—composed of specialists in diplomacy, defense and economics—will evaluate potential emergency scenarios, defense budgeting and funding, and will deliver recommendations in the coming months.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October, is pushing to accelerate Japan's military buildup as a deterrent to growing regional threats. She has argued that Tokyo must make defense a higher priority to strengthen capabilities, protect the nation and prepare to withstand prolonged and evolving forms of warfare.

Last week, Takaichi's Cabinet removed long-standing restrictions on exports of Japanese lethal weapons — a shift welcomed by the United States and other defense partners as an opportunity to deepen military and industrial cooperation. The move has drawn criticism from pacifist groups in Japan and officials in China, who say it departs from Japan's postwar self-defense-only policy.

“The international situation has completely changed,” Takaichi said at a meeting in her office. “The relatively stable post-Cold War international order has become a thing of the past.”

Takaichi cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war in the Middle East as lessons Japan must learn, urging adaptation to new forms of warfare — including extensive drone use — and preparation for the possibility of long-term conflict.

The panel will also review defense spending. Under policies adopted in December 2022, Japan aimed to raise defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product by 2027 — roughly 43 trillion yen (about $270 billion) — effectively doubling outlays. Takaichi’s government says it has already reached that target, and the panel is expected to consider proposals for additional increases to sustain and expand Japan’s military capabilities.

Timeline and outlook: The 15-member panel will work over the coming months to compile recommendations that could shape Japan’s defense posture and budgets for years to come. Its proposals will be closely watched by allies and neighbors amid a rapidly changing security environment.