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Japan SDF participates in joint Philippine drill

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian speaks at a press conference in Beijing on May 6, 2026, criticizing launches by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces of anti-ship missiles during the annual Balikatan exercise in Paoay, the Philippines.

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Japan SDF participates in joint Philippine drill

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian speaks at a press conference in Beijing on May 6, 2026, criticizing launches by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces of anti-ship missiles during the annual Balikatan exercise in Paoay, the Philippines.

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Japan SDF participates in joint Philippine drill

A Japanese Self-Defense Forces mobile launcher for Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles moves during the annual Balikatan exercise in Paoay, the Philippines, on May 6, 2026.

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Japan SDF participates in joint Philippine drill

Members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces prepare to launch Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles from a mobile launcher during the annual Balikatan exercise in Paoay, the Philippines, on May 6, 2026.

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Japan: Tokyo Peace Fest Draws 1,400 in Protest Against Constitutional Revision and War

Around 1,400 people gathered near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo on Saturday, March 28, for a rally called "Peace Fest — No to War and Dictatorship," where participants sang anime songs related to peace and called for peace and constitutionalism. Demonstrators protested against Prime Minister Takaichi's push for constitutional revision and the incident involving a Self-Defense Forces member who entered the Chinese Embassy.

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Japan: Thousands Gather in Tokyo to Oppose Constitutional Amendment and Hormuz Deployment

Around 24,000 people gathered in front of the National Diet Building in Tokyo on Wednesday, March 25, to protest against war and constitutional revision, calling for the protection of Japan's pacifist constitution and urging the government not to deploy the Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz. Demonstrators holding placards and colorful glow sticks in various shapes filled the streets in scenes resembling an outdoor concert.

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Japan, Philippines sign pact

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (L) speaks at a joint press appearance with his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro in Manila on Jan. 15, 2026, after signing an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine armed forces.

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Outgoing Japanese PM Ishiba honors fallen SDF personnel

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 11, 2025, for 30 Self-Defense Forces personnel who died in the line of duty over the year to the end of August. (Pool photo)

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Outgoing Japanese PM Ishiba honors fallen SDF personnel

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 11, 2025, for 30 Self-Defense Forces personnel who died in the line of duty over the year to the end of August. (Pool photo)

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Meeting between Japan PM and SDF senior officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C, back) gives instructions to senior Self-Defense Forces officials during an annual meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on June 30, 2025.

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Meeting between Japan PM and SDF senior officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gives instructions to senior Self-Defense Forces officials during an annual meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on June 30, 2025.

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Meeting between Japan PM and SDF senior officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gives instructions to senior Self-Defense Forces officials during an annual meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on June 30, 2025.

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Meeting between Japan PM and SDF senior officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba receives a guard of honor at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on June 30, 2025, prior to him giving instructions to senior Self-Defense Forces officials.

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Meeting between Japan PM and SDF senior officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba receives a guard of honor at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on June 30, 2025, prior to him giving instructions to senior Self-Defense Forces officials.

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Meeting between Japan PM and SDF senior officials

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba receives a guard of honor at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on June 30, 2025, prior to him giving instructions to senior Self-Defense Forces officials.

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[Breaking News]Japan PM Ishiba at GSDF inspection ceremony

SAITAMA, Japan, Nov. 9 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a troop inspection ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Nov. 9, 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces. (Kyodo)

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Japan PM Ishiba at GSDF inspection ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a troop inspection ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Nov. 9, 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces.

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Japan PM Ishiba at GSDF inspection ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (C) attends a troop inspection ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Nov. 9, 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces.

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Japan PM Ishiba at GSDF inspection ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (L) and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (R) attend a troop inspection ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Nov. 9, 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces.

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Japan PM Ishiba at GSDF inspection ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (R) attends a troop inspection ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Nov. 9, 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces.

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Japan PM Ishiba at GSDF inspection ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (R) attends a troop inspection ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka base straddling Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture on Nov. 9, 2024, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces.

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U.S. F-35B stealth fighter at Japan base

A U.S. F-35B stealth fighter jet is pictured at the Nyutabaru Air Base of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 29, 2024. The fighter is taking part in the Keen Sword joint exercise between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

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U.S. F-35B stealth fighter at Japan base

A U.S. F-35B stealth fighter jet is pictured at the Nyutabaru Air Base of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 29, 2024. The fighter is taking part in the Keen Sword joint exercise between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

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U.S. F-35B stealth fighter at Japan base

A U.S. F-35B stealth fighter jet is pictured at the Nyutabaru Air Base of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 29, 2024. The fighter is taking part in the Keen Sword joint exercise between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

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U.S. F-35B stealth fighter at Japan base

A U.S. F-35B stealth fighter jet is pictured at the Nyutabaru Air Base of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 29, 2024. The fighter is taking part in the Keen Sword joint exercise between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.

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U.S. F-22 stealth fighter at Japan base

A U.S. F-22 stealth fighter is seen at Nyutabaru Air Base in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 23, 2024, as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military carry out a joint exercise.

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U.S. F-22 stealth fighter at Japan base

A U.S. F-22 stealth fighter is seen at Nyutabaru Air Base in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 23, 2024, as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military carry out a joint exercise.

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218 SDF members, defense bureaucrats disciplined over scandals

TOKYO, Japan, July 12 Kyodo - Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara holds a press conference at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on July 12, 2024, after the ministry disciplined 218 Self-Defense Forces members and senior bureaucrats in connection with a spate of issues including the mishandling of classified information. (Kyodo)

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218 SDF members, defense bureaucrats disciplined over scandals

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara holds a press conference at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on July 12, 2024, after the ministry disciplined 218 Self-Defense Forces members and senior bureaucrats in connection with a spate of issues including the mishandling of classified information.

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Salvage mission for sunken Japan SDF chopper

The Shinsei Maru vessel of Offshore Engineering Co. is pictured at a port in Miyako Island in the southern Japan prefecture of Okinawa on April 28, 2023. The vessel is expected to be part of the operation to salvage a sunken Japanese Self-Defense Forces helicopter that went missing with 10 personnel aboard off the island earlier in the month.

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Salvage mission for sunken Japan SDF chopper

The Shinsei Maru vessel of Offshore Engineering Co. is pictured at a port in Miyako Island in the southern Japan prefecture of Okinawa on April 28, 2023. The vessel is expected to be part of the operation to salvage a sunken Japanese Self-Defense Forces helicopter that went missing with 10 personnel aboard off the island earlier in the month.

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Japanese evacuees from Sudan

Japanese Senior Vice Foreign Minister Shunsuke Takei (far L) talks to evacuees from conflict-torn Sudan upon their arrival at a Japan Self-Defense Forces base in Djibouti on April 24, 2023. An SDF plane transported 45 Japanese from Port Sudan in the country's northeast the same day.

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Japanese evacuees from Sudan

Japanese evacuees from conflict-torn Sudan listen to a doctor as they undergo a medical check upon arrival at a Japan Self-Defense Forces base in Djibouti on April 24, 2023. An SDF plane transported 45 Japanese from Port Sudan in the country's northeast the same day.

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Japanese evacuees from Sudan

Japanese evacuees from conflict-torn Sudan listen to a doctor as they undergo a medical check upon arrival at a Japan Self-Defense Forces base in Djibouti on April 24, 2023. An SDF plane transported 45 Japanese from Port Sudan in the country's northeast the same day.

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Japan PM visits quake-hit Ishikawa

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (front L) speaks to Self-Defense Forces personnel in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture on Jan. 14, 2024, during his visit to areas devastated by a New Year's Day earthquake in central Japan. (Pool photo)

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Japan PM visits quake-hit Ishikawa

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (front L) speaks to Self-Defense Forces personnel in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture on Jan. 14, 2024, during his visit to areas devastated by a New Year's Day earthquake in central Japan. (Pool photo)

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Death toll climbs after Japan quake, self-defense forces dispatched

STORY: Death toll climbs after Japan quake, self-defense forces dispatched SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 1-2, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 2, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:00 LOCATION: Tokyo CATEGORY: OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. STANDUP (English): ZHANG XIAOYU, Xinhua correspondent 2. various of scenes of the earthquake STORYLINE: STANDUP (English): ZHANG XIAOYU, Xinhua correspondent "The death toll has been climbing after a series of powerful earthquakes hit the area in central Japan and the vicinity. A series of building collapses and fires left dozens of people dead in the most-hit Ishikawa prefecture. As more damage reports and information about people trapped continued to come in regarding other municipalities, injuries were reported in Niigata, Toyama, Fukui and Gifu prefectures due to collapsed or damaged buildings. Calling the rescue of those impacted by the earthquakes a battle against time, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that the government has already dispatched a number of self-defense force troops to the impacted ar

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Japan-U.S. defense talks

Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida (R), chief of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff, shakes hands with Gen. Charles Brown, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a meeting at the Japanese Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Nov. 10, 2023.

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Japan SDF ceremony

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara delivers a eulogy during a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2023, for Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Japan SDF ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida walks to offer a flower during a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2023, for Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Japan SDF ceremony

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida delivers a eulogy during a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2023, for Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Japan SDF ceremony honoring fallen personnel

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida offers a flower during a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2023, for Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Japan SDF ceremony honoring fallen personnel

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (front, R) and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara (front, L) observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2023, for Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Japan to send SDF aircraft to Djibouti to evacuate citizens in Israel

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) tells the media at his office in Tokyo on Oct. 13, 2023, Japan will send Self-Defense Forces' aircraft to its operating base in Djibouti as part of efforts to evacuate its nationals in Israel amid the fierce conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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Japan to send SDF aircraft to Djibouti to evacuate citizens in Israel

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara meets the press in Tokyo on Oct. 13, 2023, as Japan plans to send Self-Defense Forces' aircraft to its operating base in Djibouti as part of efforts to evacuate its nationals in Israel amid the fierce conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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Japan to send SDF aircraft to Djibouti to evacuate citizens in Israel

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tells the media at his office in Tokyo on Oct. 13, 2023, Japan will send Self-Defense Forces' aircraft to its operating base in Djibouti as part of efforts to evacuate its nationals in Israel amid the fierce conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

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PAC-3 systems on Ishigaki Island

Japan Self-Defense Forces members work on June 11, 2023, near Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles deployed on reclaimed land on Ishigaki Island in the southern Japanese island prefecture of Okinawa.

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PAC-3 systems on Ishigaki Island

A Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel works on June 11, 2023, near Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles deployed on reclaimed land on Ishigaki Island in the southern Japanese island prefecture of Okinawa.

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Salvage mission for sunken Japan SDF chopper

The Shinsei Maru salvage vessel of Offshore Engineering Co. departs from a port on Miyako Island in the southern Japan prefecture of Okinawa on April 28, 2023. The vessel is expected to be part of the operation to salvage a sunken Japanese Self-Defense Forces helicopter that went missing with 10 personnel aboard off the island earlier in the month.

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Salvage mission for sunken Japan SDF chopper

The Shinsei Maru vessel of Offshore Engineering Co. is pictured at a port in Miyako Island in the southern Japan prefecture of Okinawa on April 28, 2023. The vessel is expected to be part of the operation to salvage a sunken Japanese Self-Defense Forces helicopter that went missing with 10 personnel aboard off the island earlier in the month.