An advisory board appointed by Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan has recommended that Tokyo ease its restrictions on military exports to enable its indigenous defence industries to participate in international military research and development programmes. The 52-page report noted that export restrictions have thwarted the development of the Japan’s defence industrial base and have increased procurement and developmental costs. It also recommends the amendment of the constitutional right to exercise self-defence and calls for legislation that will allow the SDF to be deployed more easily in international peacekeeping operations1.

• 1. “Report recommends easing of Japanese export restrictions,” August 6, 2009, at http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdi/jdi090806_1_n.shtml