Japan lifts ban on lethal arms exports, courting global defence markets

Tokyo approved a policy overhaul that allows Japanese firms to export lethal weapons for the first time since World War II, subject to buyer screening and not being in active conflict. The shift aims to boost defence manufacturing by companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki, expand exports to allies such as the US, UK and Australia, and bolster Japan’s security posture amid China and North Korea threats. Critics warn production capacity and domestic needs must be balanced with overseas deals, and exceptions exist for waiving exports only in rare cases if national security is involved.