North Korea has sharply criticized Japan’s 2026 Defense White Paper, accusing Tokyo of using concerns over Pyongyang’s military activities to justify an expanding arms buildup and a more assertive defense posture. North Korea has stepped up its criticism of Japan’s defense and security policies in recent weeks. A day after Kim’s statement, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. The exchange underscores mounting security tensions in Northeast Asia as Japan strengthens its defense capabilities while North Korea continues developing and testing ballistic missiles. The latest dispute over Japan’s 2026 Defense White Paper signals that military developments on both sides are likely to remain a significant source of regional friction.