Key Facts
• June 8: Chinese J-15 fighter jets approached Japanese patrol aircraft abnormally.
• Japan plans to spend ¥43 trillion on defense from 2023–2027.
• Defense budget to reach 2% of GDP by 2027; 2025 progress is at 1.8%.
• Ruling party supports tax hikes on corporate, income, and tobacco taxes for funding.
• Opposition parties differ: some reject tax hikes, others propose alternative funding.
• 2025 defense budget is a record ¥8.7 trillion.
• U.S. pressures Japan to align with NATO’s 5% GDP defense spending goal.
• Parties agree on improving conditions for Self-Defense Force personnel.
• Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi oppose defense budget increases.
• Experts stress Japan’s independent decision-making on defense amid global tensions.
Summary
Japan’s defense budget increase has become a focal point in the 2025 Upper House election. Amid rising threats from China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear development, the government aims to boost defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, with ¥43 trillion allocated over five years. However, political parties are divided on funding methods. The ruling coalition supports tax hikes, while opposition parties propose alternative sources or oppose increases altogether. The 2025 defense budget is a record ¥8.7 trillion, reflecting Japan’s evolving security needs. Experts emphasize the importance of stable funding and strategic planning to address regional tensions and maintain U.S. alliance cooperation.
