Pyongyang calls Japan's record defense budget 'preparation for war'

Record defense budget

On August 19, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Defense presented a draft record defense budget for the next fiscal year of 8.9 trillion yen, equivalent to approximately 60 billion dollars. According to available information, the final figure may rise to around 10 trillion yen after the budget is approved at the end of the year. Thus, even at the proposal stage, the document already marks a historic peak in defense spending.

Pyongyang's reaction

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), citing a comment in the Rodong Sinmun newspaper, stated that Japan's expansion of its military budget is a "dangerous step" that could further destabilize the region and the world. Pyongyang claims that the sharp increase in military spending will lead to the expansion of military capabilities aimed at completing preparations for war, and asserts that the international community will not accept this step and will "respond resolutely with the power of unity."

Accusations of militarism

According to KCNA, Pyongyang asserts that Japan's spending of a significant portion of its defense budget is not directed at building a "peaceful state." North Korea accuses Tokyo of using the pretext of "defense" and "self-defense" to conceal its true goal — strengthening its military power. In this logic, the rise in spending is viewed not as a defensive measure, but as an element of an offensive rearmament.

The Tomahawk cruise missile issue

As part of the same criticism, North Korea condemned Japan for the deployment of U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles. This aspect reportedly became one of the key points in accusing Tokyo of building up offensive potential and of close military integration with its allies.

Context and significance

Pyongyang's statement underscores the tension in relations between North Korea and Japan against the backdrop of Tokyo's rising defense spending. Although the final size of the budget has not yet been approved, even at the proposal stage it has already provoked a sharp reaction from the DPRK, indicating the region's high sensitivity to any changes in Japan's military policy.