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 / History Oct 16, 2019
Two former pilots from the Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse team, which drew Olympic rings in the sky with colored smoke at the opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, still remember their preflight nerves even after 55 years. "When I checked the aircraft ...
Commentary / Japan Oct 10, 2019
Japan's not hedging with Australia security ties
by Michael Macarthur Bosack
Once willing to let others take the lead in foreign policy and defense, Japan is now employing a comprehensive security strategy.
National Oct 9, 2019
ASDF holds PAC-3 missile defense drill in Tokyo after spate of North Korean launches
The Air Self-Defense Force carried out a quick deployment drill for its Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, missile interceptors in Tokyo on Wednesday, in order to maintain readiness for missile defense operations. The drill, held at the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, followed a series ...
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 / Politics Sep 24, 2019
South Korea 'wasn't invited' to Japan naval event, says Seoul amid breakdown in ties
South Korea said Tuesday it has not been invited to participate in an international naval review set to be held in Japan next month, amid worsening bilateral ties. Relations have deteriorated in recent months due to disputes over wartime history, which have led to a ...
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 23, 2019
Japanese radar stations and MSDF crews failed to track recent North Korean missiles launches
The missiles, including some capable of reaching Japan, apparently escaped detection due to their low altitudes and irregular trajectories.
Commentary / Japan Sep 20, 2019
by Yoshimitsu Sato
Japan's shrinking population and its aging society is making recruiting an increasingly serious challenge.
National Sep 18, 2019
U.S. eager to spur military tech as China innovates, but Japan industry in 'lukewarm environment'
The United States is eager to spur innovation in its defense industry at a time when China is investing in advanced technologies including fifth-generation, or 5G, high-speed communications equipment, artificial intelligence systems and hypersonic weapons. In contrast to a vibrant U.S. industry, Japanese defense-related companies ...
National / Politics Sep 18, 2019
In the throes of a geopolitical shift, Japan-U.S.-South Korea framework being tested
In September 2015, a major military parade was held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mark the 70th anniversary of China's victory in the 1937-1945 war with Japan. Among guests at the viewing deck was then-South Korean President Park Geun-hye, side by side with Russian ...
National Sep 18, 2019
Amid shifting global security environment, will Japan remain the 'shield' in U.S. alliance?
At U.S. Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, three brand-new Osprey tilt-rotor transporters are waiting to be deployed to Japan next March. The aircraft, emblazoned with the Japanese flag, are used for aircrew and maintenance training for troops sent from the Air ...