Japan invests heavily in the defence and security of its people and property, despite having a pacifist constitution and one of the lowest crime rates worldwide. It has a large and sophisticated Self Defence Force consisting of the Ground Self Defence Force, the Maritime Self Defence Force, and the Air Self Defence Force. The Japan Police Force includes 300,000 officers country-wide.

Although Japan has a very close defence and security relationship with the United States, it is open to building new linkages with other nations, particularly in Europe. In 2013, the UK and Japan agreed to develop closer government-to-government links related to defence equipment.

Key areas of collaboration include peacekeeping support and operations, humanitarian aid, CBRN, cyber defence, helicopters and fast patrol boats.

On security, key opportunities are in cyber security and information assurance, security screening, and protective clothing and equipments.

For more see the Department for International Trade’s briefing on the defence and security export market in Japan.