National May 10, 2022
by Jesse Johnson
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the operations had taken place in waters southwest of Okinawa Prefecture’s Okidaito and Ishigaki islands — the closest to Japan to date.
National May 5, 2022
Japan and U.S. to deepen ties to deter use of force in Indo-Pacific
by Miya Tanaka
At the outset of talks in the U.S., Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Russia's war is "a serious challenge" and raised concern over any use of force in the Indo-Pacific.
National Apr 30, 2022
U.S. and Japan defense chiefs to meet Wednesday to discuss Ukraine war and China
Russia's invasion of Ukraine is generating renewed awareness in Japan of the need for deterrence and enhanced readiness against any possible attempt to change the status quo in the region.
National | FOCUS Apr 27, 2022
LDP proposal heralds big changes for Japan's security policies
by Jesse Johnson
Touting need to break precedent, the ruling party has recommended that Japan acquire "counterattack capabilities" and boost defense spending to 2% of GDP within five years.
National / Politics Apr 21, 2022
Japan defense minister eyes U.S. trip in early May amid Ukraine war
Kishi is expected to also discuss how to deal with North Korea's missile launches and affirm with Austin the importance of enhancing their bilateral alliance as a deterrent against China.
National Apr 19, 2022
Japan to send protective suits, masks and drones to Ukraine
by Jesse Johnson
The decision to provide the defense equipment to Ukraine comes after reports of a possible Russian chemical weapons attack on the besieged city of Mariupol last week.
National Apr 15, 2022
Russia-Ukraine crisis far away for most in Japan, but not in Hokkaido
by Eric Johnston
More visible demonstrations of Moscow's military power on and around Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands off Hokkaido are generating concerns among residents.
National Apr 9, 2022
After their first "two-plus-two" talks, the nations objected to "unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities and threat or use of force in the South China Sea."
National / Politics Apr 5, 2022
Japan and Philippines to hold first 'two-plus-two' security talks on Saturday
The talks are aimed at enhancing cooperation in countering China's increasing maritime assertiveness in the South and East China seas.
National Apr 5, 2022
Japan defense chief looks to 'drastically' boost defense capabilities
Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said his ministry will go ahead with discussions on a controversial plan that would allow Japan to acquire so-called enemy base strike capabilities.
National Mar 15, 2022
Japan and U.S. hold F-35 stealth fighter joint drill for first time
The Air Self-Defense Force said Tuesday it conducted its first joint exercise with the U.S. Air Force involving their respective F-35A advanced stealth fighter jets. The drill over the Sea of Japan off northeastern Japan last Thursday marked "a major milestone in the improvement of ...
National | FOCUS Mar 9, 2022
How Russia quietly built up its military presence in Asia
by Eric Johnston
Japan and its neighbors are pondering what further cooperation between Russia and China could mean for the region.