Japan Military Expenditure

1.4% +0.2%

Dec 2024 · Annual

Japan's military expenditure reached 1.37% of GDP in 2024, up from 1.14% in 2023. This is the highest level on record since data collection began in 1960, surpassing the previous all-time high set in 2024 itself. The series low was 0.77% in 1969.

Japan Military Expenditure, 1990–2024
ActualPreviousHighestLowestDatesFrequency
1.4%1.1%1.4%Dec 20240.8%Dec 19691960 – 2024Annual

Related indicators

IndicatorLastPreviousHighestLowestLast updatedFrequency
Government Debt to GDP206.5%214.5%228.8%41.4%Dec 2025Annual
Military Expenditure (USD)$55.3B$48.2B$60.8B$480.6MDec 2024Annual

About this series

Military Expenditure in Japan averaged 1.0% from 1960 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 1.4% in Dec 2024 and a record low of 0.8% in Dec 1969. The series is reported yearly with history from 1960.

Military expenditure measures annual spending on armed forces, defense ministries, and military-related activities as a share of GDP. Data are reported in percent of GDP on an annual basis. The series spans from 1960 to 2024.

Source & methodology

We use primary economic sources for every country. See our methodology page for how we source and verify this data.

FAQ

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