Japanese Public Opposes Easing Restrictions on Exporting Lethal Weapons

[Global Times Special Correspondent Chen Shan] According to a recent report by Kyodo News, after the Japanese government lifted the ban on the export of lethal weapons, Japan's Defense Minister Kono Taro is attempting to focus on promoting Japan Self-Defense Force vessels to Southeast Asian countries. However, the report acknowledges that public opinion in Japan is generally opposed to this move, fearing it will lead Japan away from the concept of being a "peaceful nation."

Kyodo News reported that after the Japanese government lifted the ban on weapon exports, Kono Taro is rallying for expanding sales channels. He tends to favor "top-level promotion" of equipment exports, with a focus on Southeast Asian countries. The report states that the Philippines is interested in purchasing second-hand "Abukuma" class frigates from Japan, while Indonesia and Vietnam have also shown interest in acquiring Japanese frigates, and New Zealand seems inclined to introduce "Mogami" class frigates.

However, the report indicates that the Japanese government's approach of using weapon exports as a diplomatic tool has not gained acceptance domestically. The Secretary-General of the opposition Democratic Party for the People, Kenta Izumi, criticized this, stating, "This could undermine the foundation of a peaceful nation." The three opposition parties, including the Democratic Party for the People, had previously requested that the government make prior notification to the Diet mandatory, but this was not realized.

The allowance for Japan to export lethal weapons has also sparked opposition among the Japanese public. A poll by Kyodo News shows that 56.6% of Japanese respondents believe that exporting lethal weapons should "not be allowed." Even among the support base of the Liberal Democratic Party, many respondents hold a cautious attitude.

Data from an April poll by the Asahi Shimbun also indicates that 75% of the Japanese public believes Japan should continue to uphold the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," and 67% oppose weapon exports.

Recently, peace groups in Japan held a rally in Tokyo to strongly protest and express dissatisfaction with the government's attempts to break the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," lift restrictions on the export of lethal weapons, and promote amendments to the pacifist constitution, among other dangerous trends. Some participants in the rally stated, "It is very important to renounce war. No matter what happens, the principle of renouncing war and not having an army must never change." Other Japanese citizens remarked, "Observing the constitution is the duty of politicians; they have an obligation to uphold the constitution. If this obligation is set aside and the content is arbitrarily modified, it appears to outsiders as if preparations for war are being made. This is completely unacceptable and must be stopped immediately."