Japan's accelerated remilitarization a 'cash cow' for arms manufacturers

Cartoon by Tan Xiguang

Japan's lower house recently passed a draft budget for fiscal year 2026, with defense spending surpassing 9 trillion yen ($56 billion) for the first time, a historic high.

Since fiscal year 2012, Japan's defense budget has grown for 14 consecutive years. The ever-rising defense budget reflects Japan's expanding military ambitions.

In recent years, Japan's total purchases of U.S. arms have reached 3.55 trillion yen.

The U.S. Department of State previously approved the sale of 400 Tomahawk missiles to Japan, valued at around $2.35 billion.

On March 13, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Defense officially received the U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.

These massive expenditures weigh heavily on economic growth and public welfare, yet they have become a "cash cow" for arms manufacturers.