Tag - gsdf

 
 

GSDF

A Ground Self-Defense Force UH-60JA helicopter
JAPAN
Mar 15, 2024
GSDF fails to determine exact cause of fatal 2023 chopper crash
The incident was the deadliest ever involving a GSDF aircraft, killing all 10 personnel on board.
The wreckage of a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter is salvaged by a vessel off Ikema Island in Okinawa Prefecture last May.
JAPAN / Politics
Mar 11, 2024
GSDF probe fails to identify cause of deadly helicopter crash
The cause of the crash that killed all 10 on board could not be pinpointed because part of the flight recorder data was damaged.
The Defense Ministry has punished senior GSDF officials over the use of an official vehicle to visit Tokyo's war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, but said that since the trip was a private one and "based on their free will," it was not subject to any penalty.
JAPAN / Politics
Jan 27, 2024
GSDF vice chief punished for using official car for Yasukuni visit
The ministry, however, said that the visit itself to the shrine was a private one and "based on their free will," and thus not subject to any penalty.
Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward
JAPAN
Jan 12, 2024
Vice GSDF chief visited Yasukuni Shrine with subordinates
The ministry is investigating the details as the visit may be a violation of an administrative vice minister directive issued in 1974.
Members of the Ground Self-Defense Force take part in a joint military drill in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, in January.
JAPAN
Dec 23, 2023
Japanese major general demoted over power harassment
The punishment was the second heaviest available after dismissal and the first two-rank demotion at the GSDF.
Plaintiffs for a lawsuit against the construction of a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison site for Ospreys walk to the Saga District Court in Saga on Wednesday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Dec 20, 2023
Saga residents sue to halt construction of base for GSDF Ospreys
Plaintiffs in the suit filed with the Saga District Court dispute ownership of the land designated for the garrison and have raised safety concerns.
The Self-Defense Forces face numerous obstacles in meeting their recruitment targets: Demographics, private-sector competition and image and morale issues.
EDITORIALS
Nov 3, 2023
The SDF has a big problem: Filling its ranks
The Japanese government needs to take steps to address SDF recruitment challenges that put the nation's security at risk.
Rina Gonoi, who made the rare move of coming forward over alleged sexual offenses she suffered while serving as a Ground Self-Defense Forces member, speaks to reporters outside the Fukushima District Court on Monday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 30, 2023
Two years sought for three ex-SDF members in major sex crime case
The case has gained wide public attention as the victim, Rina Gonoi, made the rare move of coming forward over the alleged sexual offenses.
Rina Gonoi, clad in a judo outfit, attends an event in New York on Tuesday to mark her selection by Time magazine as one of this year's 100 emerging world leaders.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 25, 2023
At event, abused former-GSDF member says speaking out is crucial
The complaint by Rina Gonoi led the Defense Ministry to dismiss five male GSDF members and increase its efforts to address harassment.
An Osprey tilt-rotor plane from the Ground Self-Defense Force in Okinawa Prefecture's Ishigaki Island on Thursday
JAPAN
Oct 19, 2023
GSDF Osprey arrives in Okinawa for first time
The arrival of the aircraft came despite an Okinawa Prefectural Government request to the Defense Ministry not to use the airport on Ishigaki Island.
Members of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade disembark from a V-22 Osprey at Camp Ainoura in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, in July 2022.
JAPAN
Jul 21, 2023
GSDF amphibious unit now seen as 'partner' of U.S. Marines
The GSDF unit and the U.S. Marine Corps have conducted many joint exercises, and the two sides can now work together in higher-level operations, according to GSDF Col. Taisuke Fujimura.
Police officers gather at a Ground Self-Defense Force shooting range in Gifu Prefecture on June 14 following a fatal rifle attack.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jul 21, 2023
Mental evaluation begins for GSDF fatal shooting suspect
The June 14 shooting during a live-fire training session left Master Sgt. Yasuchika Kikumatsu and Sgt. Kosuke Yashiro dead, and another 25-year-old sergeant seriously wounded.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jul 21, 2023
GSDF amphibious unit now seen as 'partner' of U.S. Marines
The GSDF unit and the U.S. Marine Corps have conducted many joint exercises, and the two sides can now work together in higher-level operations, according to GSDF Col. Taisuke Fujimura.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jul 4, 2023
GSDF recruit charged again for murder after shooting at Gifu training exercise
The recruit shot an instructor in the head and then proceeded to shoot him in the back after he had fallen face-down, according to investigative sources.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 30, 2023
Former SDF troops plead not guilty in high-profile sexual offense case
The case has gained substantial public attention as the victim, Rina Gonoi, 23, made the rare move last year of coming forward to expose sexual offenses while serving as a GSDF member.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2023
Armed GSDF member found after absence prompted school lockdown
Police in Sapporo notified local education authorities to keep their students safe and be on the alert.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 21, 2023
Motive still unclear a week after shooting at Self-Defense Forces facility
The motive remains unclear for a shooting range attack by a Ground Self-Defense Force cadet in Gifu a week ago that killed two GSDF members and injured another.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 20, 2023
SDF recruit likely to undergo mental evaluation after fatal shooting
The authorities will aim to assess the male recruit"s mental state at the time of the attack on three men during a live-fire training exercise at an indoor firing range.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 19, 2023
Japan GSDF police raid family home of cadet over rifle attack
The cadet loaded his rifle without permission soon after the start of a live-fire drill, then shot several people, killing two.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 18, 2023
Memorial service held for victims of April GSDF chopper crash
The Ground Self-Defense Force is investigating the cause of the accident by analyzing the salvaged wreckage and the helicopter"s flight data recorders.

Longform

A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world