According to a Kyodo News poll conducted recently, 64.9 percent of Japanese citizens disapprove of a recently revealed plan to raise taxes to pay for a significant rise in the country’s defense spending.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration now has the lowest support level since it assumed power last year, at 33.1 percent.
The reasons are simple.  While the military budget increase has been supported by some members of the government and a minority of citizens who either haven’t well comprehended the math behind such a tax hike (that is, more debt on the shoulders of their offspring’s already burdened by years of quantitative easing of monetary policy) or they just do not seem to care because they are in a position of power or above a certain income bracket that wards off all the financial worries in the world.
One of the main arguments in favour of the military budget increase is the need for Japan to strengthen its defence capabilities in the face of growing regional tensions and potential threats, especially from China and North Korea.
“Focusing on military spending, without considering any other strategies, could lead to a more aggressive foreign policy”
Sure Japan must be prepared to defend itself against the military ambitions of neighboring countries and deter potential adversaries from harming its national interests, but Japan has already one of the strongest militaries in the world.
This military budget hike is unnecessary, especially at a moment when the overall cost of living for the average citizen is increasing.
Also focusing on military spending, without considering any other strategies, could lead to a more aggressive foreign policy, which could potentially cause further tensions in the region and create uncertainty or concern among its neighbors.
As much as those in Europe regard the past as something far behind, just take a look at the leading role that Germany has in the hemisphere. Japan’s military history remains a sensitive issue in many parts of Asia, and we know some countries in the region may view an increase in Japanese military strength with suspicion or even hostility.
Many citizens feel they are already paying too much in taxes and that the government should look for other ways to fund the military budget. Some have suggested cutting unnecessary spending, or increasing taxes on high-income earners, rather than raising taxes on the general population.