Japan Rearms: Missiles, Markets and Military Ambitions

Japan is rearming—and fast.In this episode of Holding the Line, we explore why Japan is undergoing its most ambitious military expansion since 1945. From record-breaking defence budgets and long-range missiles to defence-industry growth and Trump’s tariffs, Japan’s strategic shift is reshaping the Indo-Pacific balance.We break down the Ishiba government’s defence strategy, public backlash to constitutional change, the role of Mitsubishi and Kawasaki, and how looming US tariffs threaten Tokyo’s ambitions. What does this mean for deterrence, diplomacy, and the future of US-Japan relations?Featuring: missile deployments, AI recruitment drives, and the space where policy meets firepower.