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.