Estévez-Abe Discusses Japan’s Decision to Abolish Restrictions on Overseas Arms Sales in DW Article

April 28, 2026

Margarita Estévez-Abe

Political Science Department

East Asia Program

Defense & Security

East Asia

Government

International Affairs

Margarita Estévez-Abe

Japan has reversed its nearly 60-year ban on lethal weapons exports, allowing Japanese companies to sell advanced military equipment to 17 allied nations, with deals already announced with Australia and the Philippines.

Analysts say the shift is driven by security concerns over China and North Korea, U.S. pressure on allies to increase defense spending, and Prime Minister Takaichi's broader agenda to build a viable Japanese defense industry and pursue constitutional reform.

“The timing of Takaichi's decision is driven by two factors,” says Margarita Estévez-Abe, associate professor of political science. “First, the U.S. has been pressuring all its allies to spend more on defense. Rather than channeling that additional spending into purchasing American weapons, Takaichi wants to use it as industrial policy. And Japan cannot build a viable defense industry without export markets,” she says.

“Second, Takaichi wants to revise the Constitution to remove Article 9, the so-called Peace Clause,” she adds. “The more volatile the world becomes, the easier it will be for her to justify that revision. Her decision to break from the status quo is part of that broader agenda.”

Read more in the DW article, “Why Japan is now opening its door to lethal weapons exports.”