Prime Minister Takaichi has convened the first meeting of a government expert panel tasked with revising three foundational security documents—including the National Security Strategy—by the end of the year.
"We will promote a fundamental strengthening of defense capabilities," Takaichi said at the opening session, emphasizing that the revisions are crucial for Japan's long-term security in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
The panel, composed of defense scholars, former diplomats, and security analysts, is expected to draft recommendations that could reshape Japan's defense posture, including potential increases in military spending, expanded roles for the Self-Defense Forces, and closer alignment with allied nations.
Takaichi stressed that the outcome of the review "will determine the fate of the nation" and called for thorough debate. The government aims to finalize the revised documents by late 2026, ahead of the next National Defense Program Guidelines update.