November 6, 2026

As Japan faces mounting economic and fiscal pressures, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration is considering nearly doubling defense spending over the next five years, a move analysts warn could heighten regional tensions and further strain household budgets.

The Japanese government and ruling coalition are weighing a sharp increase in military spending as Takaichi seeks to expand the country's defense capabilities, Reuters reported on Monday, citing two people familiar with the matter.

The proposed five-year plan, starting in April 2027, would total 70 trillion to 80 trillion yen ($440 billion to $505 billion), about 1.8 times the roughly 43 trillion yen allocated under the current plan, which began in fiscal 2023.

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https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202611/06/WS6aed3b80e4b03ebf8519ac36.html