13/09/2025
In 2000, Japan’s Trade Ministry placed export controls on Sony’s newly released PlayStation 2. Exporters needed ministry permission before shipping the console abroad.
The restrictions were justified under Japan’s export law, with coverage noting two concerns: the PS2’s strong encryption and its powerful image-processing hardware. Contemporary articles reported officials feared the machine might be adapted for military applications, even comparing its graphics capability to characteristics used in missile-guidance systems.
The permit requirement was later relaxed, but at launch the PS2 did fall under special export scrutiny by Japanese authorities.
