Japan's second big helicopter carrier, the Kaga, entered service on Wednesday, giving the nation's military a greater ability to deploy beyond its shores as it pushes back against China's growing influence in Asia.
Accompanied by a military band, Maritime Self-Defense Force commanders took possession of the 248-meter-long vessel at the Japan Marine United shipyard in Yokohama, where it was docked next to its sister ship, the Izumo.
"China is attempting to make changes in the East China Sea and the South China Sea with bases and through acts that exert pressure and are steadily altering the status quo, raising security concerns among the international community," Vice Defense Minister Takayuki Kobayashi said at the ceremony attend by about 500 people.