The decision, endorsed by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, is aimed at strengthening security cooperation with partner nations, according to Kyodo News on Tuesday.
Under the new framework, Japan will be allowed to export weapons with lethal capabilities to countries with which it has specific defence agreements. In rare cases, exports could also extend to nations engaged in conflict.
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Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has backed the policy shift as part of broader efforts to reinforce Japan’s strategic posture amid rising regional tensions.
The move is also expected to support Japan’s domestic defence industry, which has traditionally been restricted to supplying equipment for internal use.
Security concerns have intensified in recent years, with North Korea’s missile programme and China’s expanding military capabilities increasingly viewed as major regional threats.
Japan has for decades relied heavily on its alliance with the United States for national security. However, questions about Washington’s long-term commitments have grown during the second term of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly raised concerns about U.S. security guarantees to allies.
NAN