Japan has relaxed decades-old restrictions on weapons exports, marking a significant break from the pacifist foreign policy the country has maintained since World War II. The move comes as global trust in the Trump administration wavers over its commitment to allied security, prompting countries such as the Philippines and Poland to explore Japanese arms as an alternative, with early deals expected to include used frigates for Manila and anti-drone systems for Warsaw. Backed by a record defence budget of more than 9 trillion yen (approximately $58bn) for 2026, Tokyo is also pushing to build Asia-based defence supply chains that do not depend on the United States, as major contractors Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric expand hiring and production capacity to meet anticipated foreign demand.