The policy shift which ends Japan's self-imposed restraint on sales of lethal arms comes as Tokyo seeks to enter the international arms market, hoping to bolster national defense as well as boost economic growth.

It also comes as anxiety increases over China's escalating military activity, as well persistent security threats from North Korea and Russia.

"These decisions have been made at a time when changes in the security environment surrounding our country are occurring at an accelerating pace, and they serve to ensure Japan’s security while contributing even more to peace and stability in the region and the international community," Kihara said at a news conference.

"Today, no nation can safeguard its own peace and security by itself alone."

Exports had previously been limited to equipment classified under five categories: search and rescue, transportation, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.

But Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X that "with this amendment, transfers of all defense equipment will in principle become possible".

Proponents of the policy shift argue that the change should further integrate Tokyo in the international defense supply chain, deepening defense, diplomatic and economic ties with partner nations as regional instability heightens.

But the decision has caused unease among some members of the Japanese public, with critics accusing Takaichi of eroding the proud history of the nation's staunch pacifism.

The policy change has been approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, Kihara said.

Heigo Sato, an expert on defense issues and arms control at Takushoku University, said Japan must use this time of peace to ensure "combat readiness" by establishing "a system that ensures the smooth exchange of weapons and ammunition" between allies.

He told AFP that exports require routine maintenance, providing defense contractors with steady business while also strengthening ties with buyer nations.

By making the arms trade a two-way exchange, Japan might improve the chances of receiving help from allies in the event of an unexpected, prolonged conflict, he said.

The new rules are part of an incremental easing of the blanket export ban on weapons that was first introduced in 1976.

Takaichi said export "recipients will be limited to countries that pledge to use the equipment in a manner consistent with the United Nations Charter".

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