Is Japan shifting from post-WWII pacifism with new arms export rules?

Japan has revised its decades-old pacifist defense policy by relaxing the restrictions on its arms exports, aiming to diversify its weapons base in a policy shift. The announcement comes on Tuesday, highlighting Tokyo’s shift away from post-WWII pacifism to military buildup in the midst of growing regional tensions. According to the Japanese government, the restrictions will be lifted on just five categories including rescue, transport, surveillance, warning, and minesweeping. Soon after slashing the limitations, Japan will sell its weapons to 17 countries, including the US and the UK. However, the country will not be eligible to supply the weapons to…