Commentary / Japan Oct 17, 2019
Taro Kono: A different kind of defense minister
by Michael Macarthur Bosack
For the first time ever, the Defense Ministery is headed by a prime minister-ready politician.
National Oct 12, 2019
Japan Defense Ministry opens new Twitter account for disaster info
The Defense Ministry set up a new Twitter account on Friday to spread information on disaster relief efforts, ahead of the arrival of very powerful Typhoon Hagibis. The permanent account, @ModJapan_saigai, will send out information regarding water supply and bathing access activities conducted by the ...
National / Politics | FOCUS Sep 30, 2019
As defense chief, Taro Kono faces test to prove himself as potential successor to Shinzo Abe
Having been handed the defense portfolio in the Sept. 11 Cabinet reshuffle, Defense Minister Taro Kono is now under a spotlight as observers watch for him to prove his credentials as a potential successor to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Formerly foreign minister, Kono is now ...
National Sep 28, 2019
Chinese and Russian bombers flew near Senkakus in July, Japan Defense Ministry says
A Defense Ministry official says four Chinese and Russian bombers approached the disputed Senkaku Islands in July.
National Sep 27, 2019
South Korea's standing effectively downgraded in Japan's annual defense report
The report says some “negative” actions by Seoul have affected bilateral defense cooperation.
National Sep 24, 2019
Japan eyes hike in starting pay for SDF members as recruitment numbers falter
The Defense Ministry is considering an increase to the starting pay for Self-Defense Forces members from fiscal 2020, which begins in April next year, according to sources. The ministry aims to narrow the wage gap between SDF members and police officers in a bid to ...
National / Politics Sep 17, 2019
Abe says Japan's ASDF may evolve into 'air and space' defense force
Referring to the 2020 plan for a space operation unit inside the ASDF, Abe said that it is “not a pipe dream” for Japan to have such combined forces.
National Sep 15, 2019
Defense Ministry to set up electronic warfare unit in Kumamoto Prefecture
As part of an effort to strengthen the defense of outlying islands, the Defense Ministry plans to set up an electronic warfare unit at Camp Kengun, operated by the Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Army in Kumamoto Prefecture. A cybersecurity unit was established at the same ...
National | FOCUS Sep 2, 2019
Japan plan to buy cutting-edge U.S. tankers and transport planes comes under fire from SDF official
The government is stepping up purchases of state-of-the-art U.S. military planes under Washington's foreign military sales (FMS) program, but its plan has come under fire from some corners — including Self-Defense Force officials. The Defense Ministry has sought ¥501.3 billion under the government's budget for ...
National Aug 30, 2019
Japan seeks record ¥5.32 trillion defense budget with new focus on space and cyberspace
The ministry wants ¥52.4 billion to join the space race but ¥88 billion to start converting the Izumo into a conventional aircraft carrier and buy six stealth F-35Bs for it.
National / Politics Aug 24, 2019
Tokyo keen to play down impact of Seoul's military information-sharing agreement exit
Japan's response to Saturday's North Korean missile launches seems to reflect its eagerness to play down the impact of South Korea's decision to exit their military information-sharing agreement, known as GSOMIA. Unlike in past cases of North Korea's firing of projectiles, Tokyo was quicker to ...
National Aug 22, 2019
Japan eyes new defense unit to monitor space from ASDF base in west Tokyo
The Defense Ministry has decided to make a budget request for a new space monitoring unit to be set up in fiscal 2020 within its air forces, government sources said Wednesday. The unit, which is aimed at tracking space debris that poses a threat to ...