An annual policy plan outlining the government’s mid- to long-term vision for Japan was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, but it did not specifically mention a hotly debated defense spending figure of 2% of gross domestic product — despite a ruling party recommendation that the number be included.
However, the 2023 basic economic and fiscal policy guidelines — known as "honebuto no hōshin," or literally “big-boned policy outline” — did mention the government’s plans to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities over a period of five years, a timeline that aligned with earlier recommendations by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The report cited the 2% of GDP spending target recommended by NATO, while stating that given the current security climate, Japan would “look to accelerate its development of a new national defense strategy,” including the as yet unspecified plan to “drastically strengthen” the nation’s defenses over five years.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.