Japan plans to increase defense spending to 60 trillion yen over the next five years.

What it means

The Japanese government is considering a plan to increase its defense spending to a total of 60 trillion yen (approximately $400 billion) over the next five years, a significant ramp-up from current levels. This would average about 12 trillion yen per year, compared to the roughly 8.7 trillion yen budgeted for fiscal 2025. The plan reflects Japan's ongoing military buildup in response to regional security challenges, particularly from China and North Korea.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

The claim originates from a Xinhua news agency report, which cites unnamed Japanese government sources or a draft document. Xinhua is a state-run outlet but is reporting on a foreign government's plans; the specifics are plausible given Japan's stated defense policy goals. However, as a plan still under consideration, the final figures and timeline may change before official approval.

How new

This is genuinely new reporting from November 14, 2026, based on the Xinhua article timestamp.

Go deeper

• Kyodo News — first to publish