Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has outfitted some of its vessels with the capability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. This strategic enhancement will significantly boost the long-range power projection capabilities of the JMSDF. Time or date of this enhancement has not been specified. The integration of the Tomahawk missiles symbolizes Japan's proactive measures to respond to both regional and global threats, reinforcing its commitment to national and regional security.

The development steers Japan away from its longstanding defense-only policy adopted after World War II. Japanese citizens tend to be sensitive about such moves due to the country's pacifist constitution and understandably exercise vigilance towards expansion of military capabilities. However, recent regional tensions have led to public discussions on the necessity of strengthening national defense.

While the US and several NATO countries in the EU have been using Tomahawk missiles for decades, Japan's move is a newer development as it gradually moves away from strictly defense-focused military capabilities. The discussion around such moves in the US or EU revolves more around the specific uses and ethical considerations, whereas in Japan the conversation is also fundamentally about the transition from pacifism to assertive defense.