National Dec 24, 2021

Japan's defense budget for 2022 hits record for eighth year

The draft budget, including outlays for hosting U.S. military bases, rose 1.1% from the current fiscal year ending in March as Japan ramps up its defense capabilities.

National / Politics Dec 20, 2021

Japan ruling party kicks off National Security Strategy review

The LDP panel aims to draw up a proposal around next May after a series of discussions and hearings with experts. The proposal will be the basis for revising three key defense documents.

National Nov 27, 2021

Chinese military integrates conventional and new domain forces, Japan defense report warns

The PLA has integrated its conventional forces with new space, cyber, electromagnetic and cognitive domains to enhance its joint operations capabilities, a Defense Ministry think tank says.

National Nov 23, 2021

Japan and Vietnam defense chiefs oppose bids to change status quo

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang discussed recent developments in the South and East China seas.

National / Politics Sep 12, 2021

Japan inks deal to export defense assets to Vietnam amid concerns over China

The accord was inked in Hanoi during Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi's first trip overseas after assuming the post last year.

National Aug 31, 2021

Japan seeks record defense budget with spending for new technologies

The ¥5.4 trillion request — much of which is intended to counter China's growing military muscle — would exceed fiscal 2021's record initial budget, rising for the tenth consecutive year.

National Aug 27, 2021

Alliance with Japan remains 'credible deterrent,' says new U.S. commander

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp is set to manage around 54,000 U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan and coordinate with the country's Self-Defense Forces.

National Aug 6, 2021

Japan scraps plan to obtain U.S.-made anti-ship missiles for F-15s

Ballooning costs are behind the move, with the U.S. side having upped its initial costs from ¥98 billion to ¥218 billion.

National | FOCUS Aug 4, 2021

A-bomb survivors seek a nuke-free world. Experts say that is unrealistic.

As Japan marks the 76th anniversary of the atomic bombings, nuclear threats continue to grow in the region while an existing nonproliferation treaty falls short of expectations.