As war in Ukraine heightens Taiwan fears, anxiety is stoked in Okinawa
Residents wonder what will happen to Yonaguni and other Japanese islands in the vicinity if and when China, now a military superpower, tries to unite with Taiwan — possibly by force.
On Okinawa's Miyako Island, residents cast a wary eye toward China
Missiles deployed there, meant to target Chinese ships sailing in and out the Western Pacific, are the closest such weapons Japan has to China.
Japan's Self-Defense Force hosts multinational cyberwar games
While it has yet to suffer actual damage, the Defense Ministry is often targeted by malware and data attacks.
Center-left Kishida endorses bold moves in security realm
It's unlikely Kishida will usher in drastic changes that have not already been gestating inside the LDP and Defense Ministry, but it will be important to see which items gain top priority.
U.S. Marines use Japanese language during drill to improve ties with SDF
"We would very much like to increase our partnership and interoperability," said Capt. Brett Hermanson of the U.S. Marine Corps.
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.
Japan ground troops begin joint military drill with U.S. and France
The forces of the three countries will engage in urban warfare drills followed by amphibious operation exercises in southwestern Japan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
