For the first time, Japan is opening up the possibility of exporting arms on a principal basis. This move is part of the government's strategy to boost the nation's defense industry and international influence. However, it comes with a set of challenges including potential international conflicts and debates over the country's pacifist constitution.

For Japan, which has a post-WWII pacifist constitution and a society that highly values peace, discussions about arms export carry a substantial weight. While some see it as a necessary step towards boosting the domestic defense industry, others worry about potential implications for Japan's pacifist reputation. The new policy, therefore, ignited debates about Japan's security role in the world.

In contrast, the US and EU have been major arms exporters for decades. Their arms export policies, often entangled with foreign policy and strategic alliances, are more established and less controversial domestically. Meanwhile, they are subject to international scrutiny and ethical debates alike.