Japan university defense research bids surge to record 291 as taboo fades

Japanese universities submitted a record 291 applications for defense ministry research funding in 2026, more than double last year's 123, signaling a marked erosion of academia's post-war resistance to military-linked work. The surge, driven by China concerns and Tokyo's defense buildup, indicates a structural shift in Japan's research landscape. This trend could accelerate defense innovation and normalize military-academic collaboration, with implications for regional security dynamics.

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