Japan is preparing for a significant overhaul of its national security framework, with the government planning to establish an expert advisory panel this spring to review the country's three core security documents. This marks a critical juncture in Japan's evolving defense posture, which has increasingly focused on expanding military capabilities and international cooperation in response to regional security challenges. According to NHK, the Japanese government is coordinating to establish an expert committee as early as spring 2025 to revise the National Security Strategy and two related security documents. The advisory panel will include specialists in diplomacy, national security, and cybersecurity, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern security threats facing Japan. This review represents the first comprehensive reassessment of these foundational documents since their last major revision in December 2022, when Japan announced plans to significantly increase defense spending and acquire counterstrike capabilities. The timing of this review coincides with shifting public attitudes toward Japan's defense policies. A recent Cabinet Office public opinion survey revealed that nearly 70 percent of respondents view the overseas transfer of defense equipment positively, provided it follows established rules and guidelines. According to NHK reporting on the January 2026 survey, 68 percent of participants expressed support for defense equipment transfers conducted within a proper regulatory framework. This represents a notable shift in Japanese public sentiment, which has historically been cautious about military-related exports due to the country's post-World War II pacifist constitution. For foreign residents in Japan, these policy developments signal a broader transformation in the country's international role and security priorities. While the changes primarily affect government policy and defense industry operations, they reflect Japan's response to an increasingly complex regional security environment, including concerns about North Korea's missile programs, China's military modernization, and instability in the Taiwan Strait. The three security documents under review—the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program—form the foundation of Japan's defense planning and resource allocation. The National Security Strategy serves as the overarching policy document, outlining Japan's security environment assessment and basic defense principles. The revision process will likely address emerging challenges such as cyber warfare, space security, and economic security, areas that have gained prominence since the last update. The government's decision to include cybersecurity experts in the advisory panel is particularly significant, as Japan has faced increasing cyber threats from state and non-state actors. This focus aligns with global trends recognizing cyber capabilities as essential components of national defense. The inclusion of diplomatic specialists also suggests the review will consider Japan's security alliances, particularly the critical relationship with the United States, as well as emerging partnerships with countries like Australia, India, and European nations. The liberalization of defense equipment transfers, supported by the majority of survey respondents, could have economic implications for Japan's defense industry and international partnerships. Japan has gradually relaxed its strict arms export ban in recent years, most notably agreeing to export Patriot missiles to the United States and considering fighter jet exports to partner nations. These moves aim to strengthen security cooperation while supporting Japan's domestic defense industrial base. For expats living in Japan, while these policy shifts do not directly affect daily life or residency status, they provide important context for understanding Japan's evolving international posture and domestic political debates. The security strategy review process, expected to continue through 2025, will shape Japan's defense priorities and international engagements for years to come, potentially affecting the country's diplomatic relationships and regional role in ways that could indirectly impact the broader environment in which foreign residents live and work.