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.

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.

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.

Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Defense Minister Koizumi visits GSDF camp

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (C) meets the press during a visit to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 21, 2025.

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.

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.

GSDF to be sent to Akita Pref. to deal with bear attacks

GSDF to be sent to Akita Pref. to deal with bear attacks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi holds a press conference in Tokyo on Nov. 4, 2025, announcing a plan to dispatch Ground Self-Defense Force personnel to Akita Prefecture, northeastern Japan, amid a recent spate of bear attacks. The Defense Ministry said GSDF activities will be limited to logistics support including transporting bear traps and it will not deploy firearms.

Toyota opens basketball venue

TOKYO, Japan, Sept. 15 Kyodo - Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike and Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by the automaker and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3. (Kyodo)

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota opens basketball venue

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike (R) and Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda are pictured during the opening ceremony of Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by the automaker and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3.

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota opens basketball venue

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike (6th from L) and Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda (5th from L) pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by the automaker and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3.

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota opens basketball venue

Photo shows Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3.

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota opens basketball venue

The opening ceremony of Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward is held on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3.

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota opens basketball venue

Photo shows the interior of Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by Toyota Motor Corp. and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3.

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota opens basketball venue

Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks at the opening ceremony of Toyota Arena Tokyo in the Japanese capital's Koto Ward on Sept. 15, 2025. The new venue, developed by the automaker and two of its subsidiaries, will be used as Alvark Tokyo's home ground from the upcoming season of Japanese basketball's top-flight B-League starting Oct. 3.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese emperor's family in Nagasaki

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, offer flowers at a cenotaph for atomic bomb victims at ground zero in the Nagasaki Peace Park in the southwestern Japan city of Nagasaki on Sept. 12, 2025.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (3rd from L) inspects the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga on Sept. 7, 2025, as a ceremony was held the same day marking the opening in July of the camp, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to host its fleet of Osprey transport aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (front) is pictured at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga after boarding a V-22 Osprey transport aircraft on Sept. 7, 2025, as a ceremony was held the same day marking the opening in July of the camp, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu to host its fleet of Osprey aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Ceremony held in Saga to mark opening of Osprey base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani speaks on Sept. 7, 2025, during a ceremony marking the opening in July of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Saga, built in the city of Saga on the southwestern Japan main island of Kyushu for its fleet of Osprey aircraft. The 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft have already been transferred from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo.

V-Day Commemorations Held In Beijing - Chin

V-Day Commemorations Held In Beijing - Chin

The ground assault formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

V-Day Commemorations Held In Beijing - Chin

V-Day Commemorations Held In Beijing - Chin

The ground assault formation attends a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

V-Day Commemorations Held In Beijing - Chin

V-Day Commemorations Held In Beijing - Chin

The ground assault formation passes through Tian'anmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. China on Wednesday held a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Taiwan rocket crashes in Hokkaido

Taiwan rocket crashes in Hokkaido

A rocket developed by jtSPACE Co., a Japanese arm of a Taiwanese aerospace company, lifts off from a spaceport in Taiki, Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 12, 2025, before losing control and crashing to the ground.

Taiwan rocket crashes in Hokkaido

Taiwan rocket crashes in Hokkaido

A rocket developed by jtSPACE Co., a Japanese arm of a Taiwanese aerospace company, lifts off from a spaceport in Taiki, Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 12, 2025, before losing control and crashing to the ground.

Taiwan rocket crashes in Hokkaido

Taiwan rocket crashes in Hokkaido

A rocket developed by jtSPACE Co., a Japanese arm of a Taiwanese aerospace company, lifts off from a spaceport in Taiki, Hokkaido, northern Japan, on July 12, 2025, before losing control and crashing to the ground.

Pierre Loti's House

Pierre Loti's House

FRANCE - NOUVELLE AQUITAINE - CHARENTE MARITIME (17) - ROCHEFORT - PIERRE LOTI'S HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR: JAPANESE PAGODA Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pierre Loti's House

Pierre Loti's House

FRANCE - NOUVELLE AQUITAINE - CHARENTE MARITIME (17) - ROCHEFORT - PIERRE LOTI'S HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR: JAPANESE PAGODA Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pierre Loti's House

Pierre Loti's House

FRANCE - NOUVELLE AQUITAINE - CHARENTE MARITIME (17) - ROCHEFORT - PIERRE LOTI'S HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR: JAPANESE PAGODA Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pierre Loti's House

Pierre Loti's House

FRANCE - NOUVELLE AQUITAINE - CHARENTE MARITIME (17) - ROCHEFORT - PIERRE LOTI'S HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR: JAPANESE PAGODA Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pierre Loti's House

Pierre Loti's House

FRANCE - NOUVELLE AQUITAINE - CHARENTE MARITIME (17) - ROCHEFORT - PIERRE LOTI'S HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR: JAPANESE PAGODA Photo by Stephane Compoint/Only France/ABACAPRESS.COM

80th anniversary of end of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

80th anniversary of end of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) visits a museum near the Tower of Himeyuri in Itoman in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, on June 23, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. More than half of around 240 female students mobilized as nursing aides, called Himeyuri Gakutotai, died in the battle along with their teachers. (Pool photo)

80th anniversary of end of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

80th anniversary of end of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba prepares to lay flowers at the Tower of Himeyuri in Itoman in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, on June 23, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. More than half of around 240 female students mobilized as nursing aides, called Himeyuri Gakutotai, died in the battle along with their teachers. (Pool photo)

80th anniversary of end of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

80th anniversary of end of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) visits a museum near the Tower of Himeyuri in Itoman in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, on June 23, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. More than half of around 240 female students mobilized as nursing aides, called Himeyuri Gakutotai, died in the battle along with their teachers. (Pool photo)

80th anniversary of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

80th anniversary of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is pictured after making a speech during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, held at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman on the southern Japanese island on June 23, 2025.

80th anniversary of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

80th anniversary of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (front, far R) observes a moment of silence during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, held at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman on the southern Japanese island on June 23, 2025.

80th anniversary of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

80th anniversary of WWII ground battle in Okinawa

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is pictured after laying flowers during a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, held at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman on the southern Japanese island on June 23, 2025.

GSDF conducts artillery drill near Mt. Fuji

GSDF conducts artillery drill near Mt. Fuji

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani waves during an inspection of an annual live-fire artillery drill at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Higashifuji training site near Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on June 8, 2025.

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (L) inspects Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ranger instructor training near Mt. Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 23, 2025.

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (C, L) rides a tank during a visit to a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base near Mt. Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 23, 2025.

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (C, L) rides a tank during a visit to a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base near Mt. Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 23, 2025.

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (L) inspects Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ranger instructor training near Mt. Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 23, 2025.

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japan defense minister visits GSDF base

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (L) rides a tank during a visit to a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force base near Mt. Fuji in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, on May 23, 2025.

Formula 1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix 2025 - Media Day - Suzuka

Formula 1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix 2025 - Media Day - Suzuka

LIAM LAWSON (NZL) of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls #30 with YUKI TSUNODA in the back ground during the FORMULA 1 LENOVO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2025 MEDIA DAY at the Suzuka International Circuit, Suzuka, Japan on April 3, 2025. Photo by Antoine Lapeyre/ABACAPRESS

Japan Defense Minister Nakatani in Okinawa

Japan Defense Minister Nakatani in Okinawa

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (R) inspects Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Ishigaki on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, on Jan. 21, 2025.

Japan defense minister inspect GSDF parachuting drill

Japan defense minister inspect GSDF parachuting drill

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (C) speaks after jumping from a parachuting training tower at a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force site in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Jan. 12, 2025.