Japan wants nuclear weapons. Insane!

According to Kyodo News, Tokyo is considering adding an exception to its long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles in its revised National Security Strategy.

The implications go far beyond Japan. Even without Japan developing its own nuclear weapons, such a shift could change the geopolitical landscape in Asia.

And nuclear policy is only part of the picture. Tokyo is reportedly considering spending 70 to 80 trillion yen on its next five-year defense buildup, starting in fiscal 2027. That would be nearly double the roughly 43 trillion yen allocated under the current plan.

For decades, Japan's postwar military restraints helped shape its security policy and reassure its neighbors. As those restraints are loosened, one question becomes harder to ignore. Where will Japan draw the line?