Japan weighs rebranding energy, AI as defense spending under Trump pressure

Proposals would be a step closer to achieving 3.5% of GDP A member of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force uses a drone during a joint exercise with France in September. © Reuters TOKYO -- Japan is considering placing a wider range of expenditures under the umbrella of defense spending starting next fiscal year, including energy and even some development assistance, as the U.S. demands bigger budgets, Nikkei has learned.