North Korea Condemns Japan’s Planned Security Document Overhaul and Record Defense Spending
Updated (3 articles)
Japan Announces Year‑End Revision of Three Security Documents Japanese government will draft a new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program to be completed by the end of 2026, aiming to protect independence, peace and citizens’ lives[1]. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presented the initiative at a New Year’s press conference, emphasizing a comprehensive review of existing policies[1]. The revisions are positioned as a response to evolving regional threats and a need for clearer strategic guidance[1].
North Korea Labels Revisions Neo‑Militarism and Self‑Destruction North Korean state media condemned the Japanese plan as a “clear demonstration of a craze for neo‑militarism,” accusing Tokyo of reviving imperial ambitions[1]. KCNA warned that such militarization would lead to Japan’s self‑destruction and ultimate failure[1]. The rhetoric frames Japan’s actions as a direct threat to regional stability and a betrayal of historical responsibility[1].
Record 9.04 Trillion‑Yen Budget Tied to Constitutional Push Earlier in January, Pyongyang denounced Japan’s record 9.04 trillion‑yen defense budget, linking it to efforts to amend the pacifist constitution and transform the Self‑Defense Forces into a regular army[2]. The Rodong Sinmun described the spending as preparation for “reinvasion plotting” and criticized joint drills with NATO members as aggressive moves[2]. This financial surge underscores North Korea’s view that Japan is rapidly expanding its military capabilities beyond defensive limits[2].
Sources
-
1.
Yonhap: N Korea condemns Japan's plan to revise three key security documents: The article reports KCNA’s denunciation of Japan’s effort to draft a National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program by year‑end, framing it as neo‑militarism and a threat to peace.
-
2.
Yonhap: North Korea accuses Japan of reinvasion plotting as Tokyo unveils record defense budget: The piece details Pyongyang’s criticism of Japan’s 9.04 trillion‑yen budget, alleging constitutional revision, expansion of the Self‑Defense Forces into a regular army, and aggressive NATO drills, describing it as a plot for regional reinvasion.
Timeline
Dec 17, 2025 – North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun denounces Japan’s announced review of its three non‑nuclear principles, calling the move a “vicious challenge to peace” and a step toward rearmament; it accuses Tokyo of seeking to relax the ban on U.S. nuclear assets, drumming up support for higher defense spending, constitutional revision and overseas deployment, and it invokes Japan’s WWII imperial ambitions as a warning of impending demise. [3]
Jan 1, 2026 – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a New Year’s press conference and vows to review and revise three key security documents—the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program—by year‑end, arguing the changes will safeguard Japan’s independence, peace and the lives of its people. [1]
Jan 6, 2026 – North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun condemns Japan’s record 9.04 trillion‑yen defense budget, asserting it funds expanded strike and coastal capabilities, paves the way for revising the pacifist constitution, turning the Self‑Defense Forces into regular troops, and constitutes “reinvasion plotting” that threatens regional stability; the article also denounces Japan’s joint drills with NATO members as part of an aggressive militarization drive. [2]
Jan 11, 2026 – North Korea’s KCNA denounces Japan’s plan to draft three new national security documents, labeling the effort a “clear demonstration of a craze for neo‑militarism,” accusing Tokyo of denying past wrongdoings, and warning that such militarism will bring self‑destruction and turn Japan into a failed state. [1]