Business / Corporate May 21, 2021
Japan warns Sumitomo after SDF weapon blueprints leaked to China
Plans for parts of a military-use prototype machine gun were leaked by a subcontracted firm.
National May 11, 2021
Japan ground troops begin joint military drill with U.S. and France
by Reito Kaneko
The forces of the three countries will engage in urban warfare drills followed by amphibious operation exercises in southwestern Japan.
National May 3, 2021
Japan bolsters capabilities in electronic warfare, space and cyber realms
Having advantages in the new fields is "crucially important" for the SDF in the face of Chinese and Russian military buildups, defense officials say.
National Apr 15, 2021
Japan's GSDF to conduct nationwide drills for first time in 30 years
The GSDF, which has around 140,000 personnel, last conducted such exercises in 1993 after the Cold War ended.
National Apr 4, 2021
Four Japanese SDF members infected with coronavirus in Africa
The latest infections were confirmed at a base where around 110 troops are working in support of Japan's anti-piracy mission in waters off neighboring Somalia.
National Apr 3, 2021
Two GSDF officers infected with coronavirus while on anti-piracy mission in Africa
The two who tested positive are in their 20s and 30s had complained of a fever, headache and other symptoms on Friday. Both are in stable condition.
National Feb 24, 2021
Forest fire in Tochigi Prefecture still spreading after burning 50 hectares
The fire in Ashikaga has continued despite efforts on the ground by firefighters and helicopter water-bombings carried out by the Ground Self-Defense Force and local governments.
National Feb 14, 2021
It will be the first provision of such vessels to the GSDF, which has been upgrading its response capabilities to cope with new security challenges in the East China Sea.
National Jan 25, 2021
GSDF and U.S. reached secret deal in 2015 to station amphibious unit in Okinawa
Although the plan has been suspended due to the impasse over the relocation of a U.S. air base in the prefecture, the GSDF hasn't given up on the idea, sources say.
National Dec 12, 2020
SDF nurses to be sent to virus-hit Osaka as health system nears collapse
The nurses will assist doctors by conducting medical checkups, managing respirators and measuring the temperatures of patients at a temporary COVID-19 facility.
National Dec 7, 2020
Japan and U.S. conduct joint military drills amid China's assertiveness
by Reito Kaneko
Held since 1982, it is one of the largest-scale exercises conducted by the GSDF and the U.S. Army.
National / History Nov 25, 2020
Slashed uniform from Yukio Mishima's 1970 coup attempt resurfaces
The uniform was that of Katsumi Terao, who was a GSDF major and budget officer at the Eastern Army headquarters at the time of the 1970 incident.