Japan’s government approved a record 122.3 trillion yen ($781B) budget proposal for fiscal 2026 on Friday, with defense spending rising for the 14th straight year to 9.04 trillion yen ($57.8B). The move has sparked heated debates as critics warn of accelerating militarization. 💥
Ammo Depots & Hypersonic Missiles Fuel Tensions
Plans to build 130 ammunition depots nationwide by 2032—including 65 sites already identified in Hokkaido, Okinawa, and other regions—have drawn local protests. A Kagoshima assembly member warned the facilities could make their towns 'targets in emergencies.' Meanwhile, the budget prioritizes hypersonic missiles, drone-based coastal defenses, and rebranding the Air Self-Defense Force to include space operations. 🛰️
‘Step Toward Conflict’?
Military analyst Makoto Konishi called the spending surge 'alarming,' noting it now equals 3% of Japan’s GDP. War history researcher Masahiko Yamabe criticized the budget as preparation for war rather than peace. Public anger also centers on funding: protesters fear tax hikes or bond sales will offset costs, with one telling China Media Group, 'People can’t even afford rice anymore.' 🍚✊
What’s Next?
The proposal heads to Japan’s Diet in January 2026. Since 2022 security reforms, defense budgets have shattered records yearly—jumping from 6 trillion to over 9 trillion yen in just four years. Will public pushback slow the trend? 📉 Follow @NewspaperAmigo for updates.
