Photo/Illutration A model of the next-generation fighter jet to be jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy is displayed at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on March 15. (Nobuhiko Tajima)

CHIBA--Protesters greeted weapons manufacturers with signs bearing slogans such as, “No to the arms show!” but the salespeople went on hawking their advanced military wares with a little more spring in their step than usual.

Japan is hosting the DSEI exhibition, a three-day international arms show, for the first time in four years in Makuhari Messe in Chiba from March 15-17. And this year’s exhibition feels like a seller’s market.

“The number of people is completely different this time,” said a senior official of a German company that took part in the event four years ago.

More than 250 companies are participating in the DSEI Japan exhibition this year, 50 percent more than the previous year.

The companies have high expectations since Japan announced last year that it will significantly boost its defense spending.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s administration decided in December that defense spending, starting in fiscal 2023, will increase to 43 trillion yen ($323 billion) over five years--50 percent more than the current level.

It also declared that Japan will acquire counterattack capabilities to strike enemy bases.

“Japan is significantly increasing its defense spending and companies are highly interested in the Japanese market,” said a senior official of Raytheon Technologies Corp.’s Japan’s branch.

Raytheon manufactures U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles that the Japanese government decided to buy.

“Companies are stepping up their sales pitches, saying things like, ‘This missile can be immediately used for counterattack capabilities,’” said a senior Defense Ministry official.

Overseas military personnel wearing uniforms and Japanese ministry officials were spotted deep in conversation with firms' staff against a backdrop of booths of companies from 65 countries including Japan, the United States, Germany and Israel stretching across the venue.

A model of a next-generation fighter jet, to be jointly developed by Japan, Britain and Italy, towers on display in the building.

“Unlike the civilian market, companies cannot expand the military market with their efforts alone,” said an employee of IHI Corp., which is involved in the development of the fighter jet.

While foreign arms makers are salivating over Japan’s latest spending blueprint, domestic companies are anticipating exports to expand.

That's because the Kishida administration is considering reviewing a key policy, called the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, which limits the export of weapons.

“We are closely watching the relaxation of defense equipment transfers with high expectations,” the IHI employee said.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. put a prototype of an unmanned helicopter on display that can be used for both military and civilian purposes.

“It would be good if the expansion of exports leads to stable revenues,” a Kawasaki employee said.

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