Military Expenditure in Japan, 1960-2022

Japan's military expenditure has consistently remained below 1.1% of GDP due to its pacifist constitution and reliance on U.S. security guarantees. During the 1960s and 1970s, spending was stable at around 0.8–0.9%, reflecting Japan’s focus on economic development rather than military expansion. A slight rise to 1.0% by the early 1980s aligned with increased regional tensions and U.S. pressure to share defense responsibilities.

Recent years saw a gradual increase, reaching 1.1% by 2022. This shift reflects Japan’s growing concern over regional threats, such as North Korea’s missile program and China’s maritime activities, prompting investments in advanced defense systems and military restructuring to enhance national security.