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Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Photo shows the U.S. Marine Corps' missile systems -- the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS (front), and the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS -- at Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on June 30, 2026, the final day of the Resolute Dragon Japan-U.S. joint defense drill. A total of 9,600 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Marine Corps personnel took part in the 11-day drill, conducted in Okinawa and the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

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Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Lt. Gen. Seiji Toriumi (R), commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Army, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of the U.S. Marine Corps' III Marine Expeditionary Force, during a press conference at the Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on June 30, 2026, the final day of the Resolute Dragon joint defense drill. A total of 9,600 GSDF and Marine Corps personnel took part in the 11-day drill, conducted in Okinawa and the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

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Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Japan-U.S. drill to defend remote islands

Lt. Gen. Seiji Toriumi (R), commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Western Army, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commanding general of the U.S. Marine Corps' III Marine Expeditionary Force, during a press conference at the Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in the southern Japan island prefecture of Okinawa on June 30, 2026, the final day of the Resolute Dragon joint defense drill. A total of 9,600 GSDF and Marine Corps personnel took part in the 11-day drill, conducted in Okinawa and the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

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Japan-U.S. joint firing drill

Japan-U.S. joint firing drill

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps conduct a joint firing exercise on June 28, 2026, at the GSDF's Hijudai training range located across Kusu and surrounding areas in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. About 400 GSDF and Marine Corps personnel took part in the exercise, part of the Resolute Dragon joint defense drill, designed to strengthen capabilities to defense remote islands.

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Japan-U.S. joint firing drill

Japan-U.S. joint firing drill

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Marine Corps conduct a joint firing exercise on June 28, 2026, at the GSDF's Hijudai training range located across Kusu and surrounding areas in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. About 400 GSDF and Marine Corps personnel took part in the exercise, part of the Resolute Dragon joint defense drill, designed to strengthen capabilities to defense remote islands.

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Japan-U.S. joint defense drill

Japan-U.S. joint defense drill

Colonel Richard Neikirk, commanding officer of the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment of the U.S. Marine Corps, attends joint exercise Resolute Dragon designed to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai training range located across Kusu and surrounding areas in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on June 25, 2026.

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Japan-U.S. joint defense drill

Japan-U.S. joint defense drill

Colonel Richard Neikirk, commanding officer of the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment of the U.S. Marine Corps, attends joint exercise Resolute Dragon designed to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai training range located across Kusu and surrounding areas in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on June 25, 2026.

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Japan-U.S. joint defense exercise

Japan-U.S. joint defense exercise

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and U.S. Marine Corps personnel attend a ceremony at the GSDF's Kengun base in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on June 20, 2026, ahead of their joint exercise Resolute Dragon designed to strengthen capabilities to defend remote islands.

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[Breaking News]GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

GOTEMBA, Japan, June 8 Kyodo - The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducts an annual live-fire artillery drill at the GSDF's East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 7, 2026. (Kyodo)

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GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) speaks ahead of an annual live-fire artillery drill at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 7, 2026.

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GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi waves as he observes an annual live-fire artillery drill at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 7, 2026.

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GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducts an annual live-fire artillery drill at the GSDF's East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 7, 2026.

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GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) speaks to members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force during his visit to an annual live-fire artillery drill at the GSDF's East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 7, 2026.

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GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

GSDF conducts artillery drill in Shizuoka Pref.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force conducts an annual live-fire artillery drill at the GSDF's East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 7, 2026.

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Japan, U.S. and Australia exercise

Japan, U.S. and Australia exercise

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member (front, R) chats with Australian soldiers during the Southern Jackaroo Japan, U.S. and Australia joint exercise in the suburbs of Townsville, Australia, on May 29, 2026.

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Japan, U.S. and Australia exercise

Japan, U.S. and Australia exercise

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member (R) chats with Australian soldiers during the Southern Jackaroo Japan, U.S. and Australia joint exercise in the suburbs of Townsville, Australia, on May 29, 2026.

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[Breaking News]U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

GOTEMBA, Japan, May 20 Kyodo - The U.S. military conducts an artillery drill using a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 20, 2026. (Kyodo)

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U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

People rally in Susono in Shizuoka Prefecture on May 20, 2026, in protest over a U.S. military artillery drill being conducted using a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in the central Japan prefecture.

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U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

The U.S. military conducts an artillery drill using a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 20, 2026.

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U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

The U.S. military conducts an artillery drill using a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 20, 2026.

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U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

The U.S. military conducts an artillery drill using a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 20, 2026.

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U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

U.S. military HIMARS firing drill near Mt. Fuji

The U.S. military conducts an artillery drill using a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 20, 2026.

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3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 21, 2026, shows the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai training range extending across Yufu, Kusu and Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Three GSDF members were killed and another was injured in a tank shell explosion during a live-fire exercise there.

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3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 21, 2026, shows the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai training range extending across Yufu, Kusu and Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Three GSDF members were killed and another was injured in a tank shell explosion during a live-fire exercise there.

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3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 21, 2026, shows the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai training range extending across Yufu, Kusu and Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Three GSDF members were killed and another was injured in a tank shell explosion during a live-fire exercise there.

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3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press at a parliament building in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, after three of the Ground Self-Defense Force members were killed and another member injured in a tank shell explosion during a live-fire exercise at GSDF's Hijudai training range extending across Yufu, Kusu and Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

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3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on April 21, 2026, shows the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai training range extending across Yufu, Kusu and Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Three GSDF members were killed and another was injured in a tank shell explosion during a live-fire exercise there.

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3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

3 SDF members dead after explosion during training

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press at a parliament building in Tokyo on April 21, 2026, after three of the Ground Self-Defense Force members were killed and another member injured in a tank shell explosion during a live-fire exercise at GSDF's Hijudai training range extending across Yufu, Kusu and Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

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GSDF officer arrested over alleged entry into Chinese Embassy in Tokyo

GSDF officer arrested over alleged entry into Chinese Embassy in Tokyo

Police officers stand guard in front of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo on March 24, 2026, after a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force member was arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of unlawfully entering the embassy.

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Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan Ground Self-Defense Force firefighting operations amid a wildfire in Ueno in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

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Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Wildfire in Gunma Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan Ground Self-Defense Force firefighting operations amid a wildfire in Ueno in Gunma Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

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[Breaking News]Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

KUMAMOTO, Japan, March 17 Kyodo -Video taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy. (Kyodo)

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Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be put into service in Japan

Photo taken on March 17, 2026, shows a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force long-range missile launcher at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, unveiled to local politicians and the media. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capabilities, will be put into service at the camp on March 31, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missile Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto 2

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missile launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

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Japan: Residents Protest as Long-Range Missiles Launcher Arrives at JGSDF Camp in Kumamoto

Early on March 9, the Ministry of Defense delivered a long-range missiles launcher to the Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto for their first domestic deployment. In response to the move, which began without prior notice from the ministry, more than a hundred protesters gathered outside the camp, demanding the withdrawal of the deployment and the holding of a briefing for residents.

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Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

People protest near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Police officers stand guard near Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, on the evening of March 8, 2026, ahead of the scheduled arrival of a GSDF vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

Long-range missile launcher to be deployed in Japan

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle carrying a long-range missile launcher arrives at GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of March 9, 2026. The Type 12 surface-to-ship missile, which can fly about 1,000 kilometers and is deemed to have counterattack capability, will be deployed at the camp by the end of March, marking a turning point in Japan's exclusively defense-oriented postwar security policy.

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[Breaking news]Wildfire in Yamanashi Pref.

UENOHARA, Japan, Jan. 11 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows continuing firefighting operations by a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter against a wildfire at Mt. Ogi, straddling Uenohara and Otsuki cities in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Jan. 11, 2026. (Kyodo)

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Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi meets the press during a visit to a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise field in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 11, 2026.

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Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japan defense chief visits training field in Chiba Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi takes part in parachute jump tower training at a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise field in Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 11, 2026.

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Wildfire in Yamanashi Pref.

Wildfire in Yamanashi Pref.

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows continuing firefighting operations by a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter against a wildfire at Mt. Ogi, straddling Uenohara and Otsuki cities in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, on Jan. 11, 2026.

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Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) rides a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force assault amphibious vehicle 7 during a visit to the GSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 21, 2025.

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Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) rides a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force assault amphibious vehicle 7 during a visit to the GSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 21, 2025.

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Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) rides a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force assault amphibious vehicle 7 during a visit to the GSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 21, 2025.

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