Seoul, August 22: North Korea has sharply criticized Japan’s proposed record defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year, labeling it as “war preparation.” Pyongyang has warned that it will confront Japan’s military expansion “with full force.”
According to reports from Yonhap News Agency, Japan’s Ministry of Defense requested a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen (approximately $60 billion or 5.74 lakh crore rupees) on Wednesday. Reports suggest that by the end of the year, the final budget could reach nearly 10 trillion yen.
North Korea’s state news agency KCNA cited a commentary published in Rodong Sinmun, stating that this significant increase in Japan’s military budget is a dangerous step that will create “new tensions” in the region and the world.
Pyongyang accused Japan of escalating military spending not just for defense, but as part of preparations for “aggressive warfare.” North Korea asserted that the international community will not accept Japan’s military expansion and will collectively confront it.
The KCNA commentary also condemned Japan’s inclusion of American-made Tomahawk missiles in its military arsenal. North Korea questioned Japan’s increasing military expenditure, referencing its national debt, which was reported to have reached a record 1,343 trillion yen by the end of last year.
North Korea dismissed Japan’s argument that expanding military capabilities is for “defense” and “self-defense.” According to Pyongyang, the substantial allocation of government funds cannot be aimed at building a peaceful nation.
Japan’s decision to increase its defense budget comes at a time when security concerns in East Asia are escalating. Japan is strengthening its long-range missile capabilities and other military assets, including steps taken in March 2026 to deploy long-range missiles in Kumamoto.
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