On the 21st, the Japanese government passed a Cabinet resolution, completing amendments to the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and their operational guidelines, and, in principle, will allow the export of lethal weapons.
After the rules are revised, Japan has lifted the previous restriction that limited weapons exports to five types of non-combat uses, and in principle will allow the export of finished weapons, including lethal weapons; in specific cases, the export of weapons to countries in conflict will also be permitted.
According to the new rules, Japanese weapons exports will be approved by the Prime Minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Minister, and Defense Minister, and will be reported to the Diet after approval.
Kyodo News pointed out that Japan has long positioned itself as a peaceful nation, and this revision marks a major turning point in Japan's security policy.
Since news of the development was revealed, the policy has continued to spark large-scale protests among the Japanese public.