Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has proposed an amendment to the country's Export Trade Control Order to include video game consoles among the list of controlled export items. This draft regulation emerged from increasing concerns over the potential dual-use nature of such technology, which could have implications for national and international security. Under the proposed changes, exporters would be required to secure permission before shipping game consoles to countries subject to export restrictions. The move aligns with METI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen export controls on sensitive technologies amid evolving geopolitical contexts. The draft amendment was published in June 2023 and is open for public consultation until mid-July 2023. Should it come into force, the regulation will affect manufacturers and traders involved in the production and export of gaming equipment, shaping Japan’s trade policies in the technology sector.