[Breaking News]"Balikatan"military exercise in South China Sea

TOKYO, Japan, April 30 Kyodo - The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Ikazuchi takes part in the U.S.-Philippine annual "Balikatan" military exercise in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on April 28, 2026. (Kyodo)

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Ikazuchi takes part in the U.S.-Philippine annual "Balikatan" military exercise in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on April 28, 2026.

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

"Balikatan" military exercise in South China Sea

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer Ikazuchi (2nd from front) takes part in the U.S.-Philippine annual "Balikatan" military exercise in Philippine waters in the South China Sea on April 24, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Japan's top admiral to visit S. Korea

Japan's top admiral to visit S. Korea

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Adm. Akira Saito holds a press conference at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on April 14, 2026, saying he will visit Seoul on April 15-16 to hold talks with his counterparts from South Korea and the United States.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 11, 2026.

Japan: JASDF Blue Impulse Flyover to Mark 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, performed a flyover above Kumamoto City on Saturday, April 11, to mark 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, which struck the region with magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 tremors.

Japan: JASDF Blue Impulse Flyover to Mark 10 Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake 2

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force aerobatic team, Blue Impulse, performed a flyover above Kumamoto City on Saturday, April 11, to mark 10 years since the Kumamoto Earthquake, which struck the region with magnitude 6.5 and 7.3 tremors.

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.

Japan: Wildfire Rages in Gunma’s Ueno Village, Prompting Evacuation

A wildfire that broke out on Saturday, March 21 in Ueno Village, Gunma Prefecture, continues to burn with no sign of containment. Approximately 96 hectares of forest have been scorched as of Monday morning, March 23. A prefabricated mountain structure was destroyed, and 9 households comprising 21 residents remain under evacuation orders. No injuries have been reported.

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.

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.

[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)

Japan-Germany defense talks

Japan-Germany defense talks

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (R), accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi (C), receives a guard of honor at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-Germany defense talks

Japan-Germany defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (far L) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius (2nd from L) board the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Teruzuki at the MSDF's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-Germany defense talks

Japan-Germany defense talks

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (R), accompanied by his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi, receives a guard of honor at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-Germany defense talks

Japan-Germany defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius shake hands following a joint press appearance at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-German defense talks

Japan-German defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius make a joint press appearance following their talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-German defense talks

Japan-German defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius make a joint press appearance following their talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-German defense talks

Japan-German defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius make a joint press appearance following their talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-German defense talks

Japan-German defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius (far R) hold talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-German defense talks

Japan-German defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (2nd from L) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius (far R) hold talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

Japan-German defense talks

Japan-German defense talks

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (R) and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius shake hands before holding talks at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's base in Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 22, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

KOMAKI, Japan, March 8 Kyodo - Japan Air Self-Defense Force personnel prepare to board a KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. (Kyodo)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse aerobatic team plane during a visit to the ASDF's base in Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 8, 2026. The plane flew over coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster, ahead of its 15th anniversary.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japan defense minister at ASDF base in Miyagi Pref.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi boards a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse aerobatic team plane during a visit to the ASDF's base in Higashimatsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on March 8, 2026. The plane flew over coastal areas of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami disaster, ahead of its 15th anniversary.

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

ASDF transport plane departs for Maldives

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force KC-767 aerial refueling and transport aircraft takes off at the ASDF base in Komaki in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in the early hours of March 8, 2026, bound for the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to support the possible evacuation of Japanese nationals from the Middle East amid an escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.