Japan is facing its most severe security environment since World War II as three potential adversaries in East Asia – China, Russia and North Korea – ramp up military activities in the region, the country’s defense minister said Tuesday.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense has raised serious concerns in its latest annual defense report, “Defense of Japan 2025.” The report, published on July 15, 2025, highlights a troubling trend: North Korea is now focusing more on improving the quality of its nuclear weapons and missiles.