The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan has reached a decision to submit a policy proposal aimed at repealing the existing restrictions on arms exports labeled as the 'five types.' This measure has been reported by local media, highlighting a significant shift in Japan's approach to defense exports. On the 19th of this month, the LDP convened a National Security Council meeting to confirm the draft, with plans to finalize the proposal by the end of this month and present it to the government next month, following consultations with its coalition partner, the Japan Restoration Party.

The revisions predominantly reflect the LDP and Japanese government's ongoing push to expand arms exports. Under the current defense equipment transfer guidelines enacted during the era of Prime Minister Eisaku Satō in 1967, Japan adopted the 'Three Principles on Arms Exports,' effectively banning weapon sales under the banner of maintaining its pacifist post-war stance. However, this policy was revised under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2014 to allow for certain arms exports, signaling a gradual relaxation of restrictions. The incoming leadership appears committed to further easing these bans, which have been blurred in recent years, targeting primarily military technology and equipment exports.

The proposed changes indicate that decisions on high-lethality armaments, such as missiles, will require approval from the National Security Council comprising the Prime Minister and relevant ministers. Furthermore, the proposal specifies limiting the export of defense equipment to nations with which Japan has established defense agreements, such as the U.S., U.K., and India. While these revisions represent a significant transformation in Japan's defense export policy, they may also invite criticism and pushback from various factions within Japan and the international community concerned about the implications of increasing Japan's military exports.