• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.14 no.6_1
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• pp.23-32
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• 2014

Japan has abolished the 3 Principles on Arms Exports and announced the new 3 Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. This article investigates the backgrounds of the abolition of the old regulation on banning arms exports. Japan government repealed 3 principles on arms exports to develop military industry and they insist that they pursue their national strategy called "Proactive Contribution to Peace." The future changes in defense industry due to the new principles are examined with the analysis of the defense industry indicators. The home production of the arms could be continued. However the international cooperation for the co-development and co-production of the weapon systems would be increased with not only the US but also the various countries. At the same time the efforts to export arms overseas are anticipated to be enhanced by the Japanese government and defense companies.