Tokyo, 21 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) – The Japanese government has eased decades-old restrictions on arms exports, in a further shift away from the pacifist course the country adopted after World War II.

The changes, approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, are aimed at boosting Japan's "security cooperation with partner countries," the Kyodo news agency reported on Tuesday.

Japan will in future be allowed to export weapons with lethal capability to countries with which it has certain defence agreements, Kyodo reported. In exceptional cases, exports to conflict regions may also be possible, according to the agency.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seen as a hardliner on security policy.

The easing of export restrictions is also seen as an attempt to expand Japan's domestic defence industry. Japanese companies had until now been largely restricted to producing for the country's own armed forces.

North Korea and China, both of which are rapidly expanding their military capabilities, are increasingly seen as threats in Japan.

Tokyo's national security depends heavily on its traditional ally, the United States. But since US President Donald Trump began his second term, Washington has increasingly been seen as an unreliable partner, with Trump repeatedly calling US security guarantees towards allies into question.

Photo: MIA archive