North Korea has accused Japan of preparing for what it described as an “aggressive war” after Tokyo sought a record ¥8.9 trillion ($56 billion) defence budget for the 2027 financial year.

Pyongyang criticised the proposed increase on Saturday, saying it represented a dangerous expansion of Japan’s military spending. North Korea’s state news agency said the request, if approved, would further strengthen Japan’s military capabilities and could create new instability in the region.

Japan’s Defence Ministry is seeking about ¥8.9 trillion for fiscal 2027, according to Japanese government documents and reports based on sources familiar with the request. The figure is the largest defence budget request on record, although the final allocation will be determined during the budget process later this year.

The proposed spending forms part of Japan’s five-year defence build-up programme, which calls for about ¥43 trillion in defence-related spending between fiscal 2023 and 2027. The government has accelerated investment in long-range missiles, unmanned systems and other capabilities while citing a worsening security environment around Japan.

Tokyo says the changes are intended to strengthen deterrence rather than prepare for offensive war. Japan’s Foreign Ministry says the country continues to adhere to the principles of a “peace-loving nation”, while its revised defence-equipment transfer rules are presented by the government as part of efforts to prevent conflicts and strengthen the capabilities of partner countries.

The defence expansion has accelerated under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose government is reviewing Japan’s three main security documents. The current strategy was adopted in 2022 and provides for a major increase in defence spending and capabilities.

Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has also stepped up security cooperation with countries including South Korea, Australia, India and Indonesia. On 20 August, he met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, where the two sides agreed to deepen defence cooperation amid what they described as heightened global tensions.

North Korea’s criticism comes as Pyongyang itself has increased military activity. On 20 August, South Korea said North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards waters off its east coast, following a decision by Washington and Seoul to shorten and reduce the scope of their annual military exercises.

The United States has simultaneously sought to reopen dialogue with North Korea. President Donald Trump said he wants to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, while Washington has said it remains open to talks without preconditions. Pyongyang has responded cautiously, saying its national security interests will not be compromised by diplomacy.

The latest dispute over Japan’s military spending therefore comes as regional governments adjust both their defence policies and diplomatic strategies, with North Korea continuing to oppose what it sees as an expansion of Japanese military power.