Japan’s defence research landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, as universities increasingly accept funding from the Ministry of Defense for security-related technology projects. This transformation, driven by geopolitical tensions and a perceived need to bolster national security, is reshaping academic priorities and sparking intense debate.
The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), under the Ministry of Defense, has seen a dramatic surge in applications from universities for its Security Technology Research Promotion Programme. In the 2025 fiscal year, academic institutions submitted a record 123 applications, a stark increase from just 44 in 2024 and 28 in 2023. This trend underscores a growing willingness among universities to engage in defence-related research, despite historical resistance.
Proponents argue that this shift is necessary to address Japan’s technological lag and counter China’s rising military influence. Masahiko Hosokawa, a professor of economics at Meisei University and government advisor, stresses the urgency of reform. “Drastic reform to defence-related research is needed,” he asserts, advocating for expanded public-private cooperation to drive advanced technology research.
However, the move is not without controversy. Critics, including Tatsujiro Suzuki, a visiting professor at Nagasaki University, warn that defence subsidies are dividing academia and challenging research freedom. “Defence-related subsidies are dividing academia and challenging research freedom. The [defence-related subsidies] programme is against a backdrop of financial constraints facing universities,” Suzuki notes, highlighting the financial pressures universities face due to dwindling student populations and reduced public funding.
The Science Council of Japan’s 2022 statement, acknowledging the impracticality of separating science into purely military and civilian applications, marked a significant departure from its post-war policy. This shift has emboldened universities to apply for defence subsidies, with even institutions like Kobe University, previously reluctant, now open to participation.
Yet, the debate over what constitutes military research remains contentious. Junichi Fujita, a professor of applied physics at the University of Tsukuba, received substantial funding for shock-absorbing materials, initially intended for astronaut protection. However, the potential dual-use of this technology for bulletproof vests has drawn criticism, with some accusing Fujita of conducting “military research that kills people.”
The University of Tsukuba’s president, Kyosuke Nagata, defended Fujita’s research, stating it did not meet the university’s definition of military research—anything leading to an invasion or attacks on another country’s territory or people. Nevertheless, Suzuki and other academics call for stricter regulations and greater transparency in research outcomes to ensure accountability.
As Japan expands its defence industry and deepens ties with allies like Australia, the role of universities in defence research will likely continue to evolve. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions between national security imperatives and academic freedom, shaping the future of Japan’s defence technology sector.