National | Regional Voices: Yamaguchi Jul 24, 2020
Iwakuni facility a remnant of 'special privileges' the city enjoyed for hosting base
Despite a range of benefits on offer to residents, the city itself is experiencing severe depopulation.
National Jul 15, 2020
Trio tied to U.S. military lied about Japan travel plans, then tested positive for COVID-19
by Jesse Johnson
Tokyo’s concerns over a COVID-19 outbreak at U.S. military bases in the country have grown after Defense Minister Taro Kono revealed that three individuals linked to a base in Yamaguchi Prefecture who later tested positive for the virus had lied about their travel plans ...
National Jul 14, 2020
Kono draws attention to 'problems' with U.S. military response to Okinawa base outbreaks
by Jesse Johnson
Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki said it was "extremely regrettable" that such a large number of cases had emerged in such a short period.
National Jul 14, 2020
U.S. bases in Okinawa report more COVID-19 cases, pushing total to 99
Japan and the U.S. are sharing info about infections, a top Japanese official has said, after outbreaks at military sites in Okinawa stoked anger in the prefecture.
National Jul 11, 2020
Lack of qualified personnel caused 2018 U.S. military aircraft crash off Japan
A lack of qualified personnel contributed to a fatal crash off the Japanese coast in 2018 involving U.S. military aircraft stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, a military report has said. The report, released earlier this month, re-examined two separate accidents, ...
National Jun 25, 2020
Aegis Ashore deployments in Japan scrapped, defense minister confirms
On Wednesday the government started to review its national security policy, focusing on whether the nation should possess the ability to strike enemy bases.
National Jun 22, 2020
Japan weighs Aegis Ashore alternatives, including megafloat or deployment aboard destroyer
Special teams will work to whittle down options, with the government aiming to make a decision by this summer.
National / Politics Jun 21, 2020
Japan to officially scrap Aegis Ashore deployment, with alternative plan eyed by end of summer
Japan's National Security Council to make an official decision to withdraw the plan to deploy the system in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures in the near future.
National / Politics | FYI Jun 21, 2020
Defense Ministry blunders and local opposition ruin Japan's Aegis Ashore plans
by Eric Johnston
The controversial project was long troubled by doubts about whether it was even needed, and by whom.
National Jun 19, 2020
Defense chief Taro Kono visits Yamaguchi to apologize for Aegis Ashore cancellation confusion
Yamaguchi's governor and the mayor of Hagi criticized the government for not detecting the booster problem earlier and for dividing residents with the project.
National Jun 8, 2020
U.S. base lifts request for Japanese staff to keep kids out of school
Dozens of children had been absent from elementary and junior high schools in the city of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, following the request.
National May 18, 2020
U.S. base asks Japanese workers to keep children home from school
The U.S. military base in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has asked Japanese employees not to send their children to local schools in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, according to the local board of education. Elementary and junior high schools in Iwakuni reopened ...