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July 03, 2026
 

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DEFENSE

The J-20S (right) and J-35A stealth fighter jets are exhibited at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, China, in November 2024.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 22, 2026
In selling arms, China is still no superpower
In fact, China’s strategy of avoiding military entanglements and binding security commitments is one of the reasons why it struggles to break through in the export market.
The Typhon ground-launched missile system is displayed at U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture as part of the annual Resolute Dragon exercise by the U.S. Marines and the Self-Defense Forces last September.
JAPAN
Jun 21, 2026
U.S. deploying powerful midrange missile system to Japan for joint drills
The deployment of the land-based Typhon system is seen as part of a more robust allied approach to countering China’s growing military assertiveness in the region.
Navy personnel and members of the media sail on board the Kuang Hua VI-class missile boat as the Taiwan military demonstrates combat readiness in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on Jan. 9, 2025.
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 21, 2026
Taiwan to stage five days of combat readiness drills
Taipei will base some of its drills on a scenario where China ⁠suddenly turns one of its regular exercises around the island into an actual attack.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with U.S. President Donald Trump during the Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, on June 17.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 21, 2026
What’s in a name? America’s Indo-Pacific reversal
The decision to restore the Pacific Command name has raised questions about whether Washington is reducing its emphasis on India within its regional strategy.
A Ground Self-Defense Force uncrewed ground vehicle takes part in a live-fire military exercise at the Higashi Fuji Training Field in Shizuoka Prefecture on May 7.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jun 21, 2026
Can automation offset Japan’s military workforce shortage?
Japan is building a 21st-century military, but it is running out of 21st-century citizens to staff it.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders prepare for a family photograph during the Group of Seven summit in Evian, eastern France, on Tuesday.
EDITORIALS
Jun 19, 2026
An absence of drama means the G7 summit was a success
This year, the G7 once again muddled through. It avoided the worst outcome — a public display of disarray
Stanislav Gryshyn, co-founder of Ukrainian drone-maker General Cherry, at the Japan Drone 2026 and International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in the city of Chiba, last month
WORLD / FOCUS
Jun 19, 2026
Ukrainian drone-makers target Asia as Taiwan tensions spur demand
Ukraine has developed a reputation as a master of drone warfare, which has helped an otherwise-outgunned Kyiv hold out for more ‌than four ‌years against Russia.
A concept model of the Global Combat Air Program fighter jet is displayed during a security trade exhibition in Chiba in May 2025.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 19, 2026
Japan’s GCAP push signals a new security role beyond the U.S. alliance
The renewed GCAP backing comes less than a week after the apparent failure of the Future Combat Air System — a program led by France, Germany and later Spain.
Helsing company presents the new air combat system CA-1 Europa in Tussenhausen, Germany, in September last year.
WORLD
Jun 19, 2026
‘Wingman’ drones center stage as Europe looks to bolster its defenses
Investment in the technology comes as Europe faces a debate over reducing reliance on the United States.
A South Korean Air Force's Black Eagles aircraft flies near Seoul in October 2025.
JAPAN
Jun 18, 2026
Japan and South Korea mull regular aircraft refueling support
Work to regularize the refueling support is aimed at fostering a framework for cooperation amid improving Japan-South Korea ties.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te speaks during a briefing at the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club in Taipei.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jun 18, 2026
Taiwan not ‘provoking’ China and hopes new U.S. arms sale package can be approved soon, president says
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te reiterated his desire for talks based on “parity and respect” with China, but said Taiwan had a right to protect ⁠its interests.
Fumitake Fujita, co-leader of the Japan Innovation Party, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday. The JIP has said that nuclear power is the only option for the next-generation propulsion systems that enable submarines to operate underwater for long periods and over long distances.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 18, 2026
JIP to submit proposals seeking swift introduction of nuclear submarines
The JIP has said that nuclear power is the only option for propulsion systems that enable submarines to operate underwater for long periods and over long distances.
In an interview at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Wednesday, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan would take a transparent approach to investing in new methods of warfare like drones and artificial intelligence.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 18, 2026
Japan’s defense chief challenges China’s military spending data
Drawing a contrast with China, Koizumi has said that Japan would take a transparent approach to investing in new methods of warfare like drones and artificial intelligence.
Soil is dumped into a newly designated reclamation area in Oura Bay, off Henoko in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, on Wednesday.
JAPAN
Jun 17, 2026
Fresh land reclamation work begins at Henoko for U.S. base transfer
The reclamation work is being done for the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma air station from another city in Okinawa.
U.S. President Donald Trump with Adm. Harry Harris (center right), head of the U.S. Pacific Command, at the command's headquarters in Hawaii in November 2017
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jun 17, 2026
Pentagon restores U.S. military’s Pacific Command moniker, dropping ‘Indo’
The command’s vast area of responsibility “remains exactly the same,” the Pentagon said, with the move coming amid soured U.S.-India ties.
A resident of a village isolated by the Noto earthquake expresses his gratitude as he heads to a Self-Defense Forces rescue helicopter, in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Jan. 6, 2024.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 17, 2026
‘Poor kids join the SDF’ remark reflects deeper debate over Japan’s military
The statement by a CDP lawmaker exposed a widening gap between public support for the SDF and the political debates that continue to shape Japan’s civil-military relations.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi walks with his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, as the two inspect an honor guard during a welcome ceremony in Jakarta on May 4.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 17, 2026
Japan steps on the gas in unprecedented regional defense export push
Japan is moving with unusual speed to deepen defense ties across the Indo-Pacific after easing military export rules, with Indonesia emerging as one of the clearest beneficiaries.
A French Navy officer observes an oil tanker. The U.S., which is short on demining capabilities that it can deploy to the Middle East, needs the help of its allies to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is free of mines and safe for navigation, a European official has said.
WORLD / Politics
Jun 17, 2026
Europeans wary of committing naval power to Hormuz quickly
The U.S. is short on demining capabilities and needs the help of its allies to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is free of mines and safe for navigation, a European official has said.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a Japan–Italy summit meeting in Rome on Monday.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 16, 2026
Japan and Italy agree to promote fighter jet development with U.K.
Leaders of the two nations also agreed to boost cooperation on economic security, including expanding supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals.
Ground Self-Defense Force troops lower the Japanese flag at the end of the day at their camp on Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture, in April 2022. 
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 15, 2026
Who’s afraid of ‘Japanese neo-militarism’? Nobody
More countries see a stronger Japan not as a danger, but a counterweight to China’s actions and growing U.S. untrustworthiness.
Japan triples departure tax in push to combat overtourism
Tourists in Yanaka Ginza, Tokyo, on Wednesday. Japan tripled its International Tourist Tax (departure tax) to ¥3,000 from ¥1,000 on Wednesday for all travelers leaving Japan, regardless of nationality.
‘My dream is broken’: Japan visa rules push out foreign residents
A man orders from a kebab shop in the Okubo district in Tokyo.
More facilities in Japan placing sanitary bins in men’s restrooms
A sanitary bin with an awareness sticker placed in a men's restroom in the Nagasaki Municipal Government building
Inside Japan’s rigid adoption system, a British family finds a way
James Benstead, his wife, Jesse, and their three children. Their adopted son is in the rear stroller.
Why is the yen so weak and what can Japan do about it?
Japan spent ¥11.7 trillion ($73 billion) between late April and late May to prop up the weak yen.
Six of the best: rikishi of note in each sumo division
Kazuma (right) faces off against future <i>yokozuna</i> Onosato during the All Japan Amateur Sumo Championships at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo in December 2020.
Some startups see opportunity in an aging Japan
Yasmin Baba, CTO of Amilis, wins the Grand Prize at the Pitch2Tokyo Grand Final on Feb. 19.
Japan’s fertility system offers few safe paths for same-sex couples
A Tokyo Pride parade participant holds a sign that says "we want to be a married couple, not a couple."
Life inside Japan’s largest prison for women
Western-style rooms spanning the size of four tatami mats with hardwood floors, a toilet and soft mattresses on bed frames are designated for foreign nationals and those with health conditions at Tochigi Prison.
Inside Japan’s rigid adoption system, a British family finds a way
James Benstead, his wife, Jesse, and their three children. Their adopted son is in the rear stroller.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

The Terasaka Rice Terraces are seen with Mount Buko in the background.
What Yokoze can teach Japan about rural revival
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