Japan's deployment of long-range missiles at two Ground Self-Defense Force bases marks a significant shift away from its exclusively defense-oriented policy under its pacifist constitution, experts said, warning that the move could heighten public anxiety and escalate regional tensions.

Japan's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been deployed at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture and Camp Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture.

The deployment marks Japan's acquisition of what it calls "counterstrike capabilities", which, in effect, is the capability to strike enemy bases.

Atsushi Koketsu, professor emeritus at Yamaguchi University, told China Daily that although the government describes the deployment as purely defensive, the missiles' extended range clearly exceeds the scope of defense.

According to the ministry, the Ground Self-Defense Force has deployed Type 12 surface-to-ship cruise missiles with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers at Camp Kengun. Located in central Kyushu, the base places parts of China and the Korean Peninsula within the missile's estimated range.

At Camp Fuji, a ground-launched hypersonic glide weapon known as the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, or HVGP, has been deployed for island defense.

The two domestically developed missile systems are also scheduled to be deployed at Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture and Camp Kamifurano in Hokkaido. The HVGP is expected to be upgraded to extend its range to about 2,000 km.

Koketsu said the deployed systems clearly place the Chinese mainland within range. He said that although they are labeled as "counterstrike missiles", they could in practice be regarded as capable of preemptive strikes.

A scenario in which China launches a first strike against Japan is virtually impossible, he said, arguing that the designation does not reflect its actual implications.

He warned the deployment would create unnecessary tensions in Japan-China relations and bring "virtually no benefits".

Japanese media outlets, including The Asahi Shimbun and Kyodo News, reported on Tuesday that the move represents a departure from Japan's long-standing defense-only policy under its war-renouncing constitution.

Koketsu said deploying such capabilities under the exclusively defense-oriented principle marks a significant shift in Japan's security posture.

He said it could fuel a sense of crisis, intensify perceptions of a "China threat", and increase public anxiety, while offering few tangible advantages.

From a broader perspective, he said, the move could be seen as part of the United States' strategy to contain China, and even as a form of deterrence or coercion.

Japan has also taken other steps to enhance its long-range strike capabilities. On Friday, the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Chokai destroyer, equipped with the Aegis system, acquired the capability to launch US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Deviation from policy

Hiroshi Shiratori, a professor at Hosei University, said that equipping Japan with "enemy base strike capabilities" gives it the means to attack other countries, deviating from its pacifist policy.

He said that efforts to restructure the Self-Defense Forces and deploy long-range missiles are strengthening offensive capabilities and could further heighten regional tensions.

Amid the deployment, protests have continued across Japan, with residents holding rallies against missile expansion and military buildup.

On Sunday and Monday, demonstrators in Shizuoka and Kumamoto took to the streets holding signs reading "No to deployment" and "Missiles are not needed".

On Monday, representatives of residents met with Defense Ministry officials in Tokyo, calling for a halt to the deployment in Kumamoto and other military expansion measures.

Since the plan was first proposed last year, they have repeatedly requested briefings on its necessity and implications, but authorities have yet to hold comprehensive public sessions.

Kujirai, one of the representatives, said the government's response remained "formulaic", adding that officials have increasingly avoided providing detailed explanations on the grounds of confidentiality.

He also said that earlier remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about making Japan "strong and prosperous" point to large-scale military expansion, noting that the government has failed to ensure sufficient transparency or hold explanatory sessions.

Earlier in March, the ministry held an equipment exhibition in Kumamoto for local leaders and officials, but has yet to organize a briefing specifically for residents, drawing strong dissatisfaction.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at a news conference on Tuesday that there are no plans to hold explanatory meetings, but the government would take residents' concerns seriously. Later that day, residents gathered outside the Defense Ministry in Tokyo to protest in the rain, demanding greater transparency over the deployment.