Addressing such concerns, Kyuma said the "the Defense Ministry needs to transform itself both in name and as a policy-making body so that it can meet the expectations and earn the trust of the people."

Still, the government also plans to closely study under what circumstances Japan could join in acts of collective self-defense, Abe said. Such joint activities with other nations are currently banned under the constitution.

Abe also stressed that the principle of civilian control of Japan's military remained in effect, and took the Defense Agency's upgrade to ministry status as a reflection of Japan's post-World War II achievements in governance.

"I think this demonstrates a maturity of Japan's democracy and confidence in civilian control," Abe told reporters.

Under Abe's predecessor, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Japan became more active in international military operations by backing the U.S.-led war on terror with non-combat troops to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Abe has pledged to continue that drive to make Japan a more important world player.

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