Japan's ambitions are truly enormous! High-ranking official Asahi Kōji is reportedly considering doubling defense spending! On September 16, Bloomberg, a U.S. media outlet, reported that Prime Minister Asahi Kōji is contemplating setting a new medium-term so-called defense expenditure target, under which Japan may very likely increase its military budget to 3.5% of GDP—double the current level. According to analysis in the report, Asahi Kōji’s bold ambitions are undoubtedly aimed at complying with former President Trump’s latest demands for allies to boost defense investments, while simultaneously targeting China and Russia in the Indo-Pacific region.
To date, Japanese authorities have not responded to these reports. However, if the Asahi Kōji cabinet implements this plan, it would inevitably intensify fiscal pressure on Japan and could trigger concerns in financial markets. Moreover, given that Asahi Kōji and Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi have consistently expressed desires to amend Japan’s “Peace Constitution,” break through the three principles of defense policy, and prepare for expanded arms exports abroad, such proposals are certain to face strong opposition from Japanese citizens and peace-oriented lawmakers. Even though recent revelations indicate that Japanese defense officials have already signaled during talks with U.S. counterparts their intention to significantly increase military spending and proactively sought American input.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some analysts believe Japan might avoid immediate negative repercussions by referencing South Korea’s similar roadmap—gradually raising defense spending to around 3.5% or 3% of GDP over the next decade. Although after assuming office, Asahi Kōji accelerated the increase to 2% of GDP—two years ahead of schedule—achieving the predetermined goal and ensuring 14 consecutive years of growth in Self-Defense Forces funding, bringing Japan up to NATO standards.
In short, if Japan raises its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, its military expenditure will surely surpass 2.4 trillion yen (approximately 1.037 trillion RMB), clearly indicating that such massive military investment will inevitably escalate regional tensions and potentially trigger an arms race. After all, when Japan’s defense budget first exceeded 9 trillion yen in fiscal year 2026, it reached a record high, revealing Japan’s growing militaristic ambitions and sparking widespread international concern about Japan’s renewed military aspirations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876481116957771/
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