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July 10, 2026
 

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SDF

Chinese H-6N bombers fly in formation during a rehearsal in Beijing last August, ahead of a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
JAPAN
Jun 15, 2026
Chinese bombers put Japan’s defense strategy in jeopardy, report finds
Long-range counterair ability to detect, track and engage Chinese aircraft before they can launch attacks is missing from current plans, a think tank says.
A security guard takes a selfie beside the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Amagiri, an Asagiri-class destroyer, upon its arrival for a goodwill visit in Metro Manila in February 2018.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jun 10, 2026
How Tokyo aims to turn retired military equipment into lasting strategic returns
Japan’s export of used military gear to partner nations could deliver decades of strategic returns, analysts say.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force dispatched its Kongo destroyer and the South Korean Navy sent its Cheon Ja Bong landing ship for a joint search-and-rescue exercise in waters west of the Goto Islands on Sunday.
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2026
Japanese and South Korean navies hold first joint drills in nine years
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi hailed the resumption of exercises as signaling “a new chapter” in bilateral defense cooperation.
A hyper velocity gliding projectile launcher was unveiled to the public for the first time during the Ground Self-Defense Force's live-fire exercise in Shizuoka Prefecture on Sunday.
JAPAN
Jun 8, 2026
Standoff weapon launcher showcased in SDF live-fire exercise for the first time
The Type-25 HVGP missile system, which was deployed at the GSDF’s Camp Fuji in March, appeared in an exercise attended by about 3,000 GSDF troops on Sunday.
A model of an upgraded Mogami-class destroyer is displayed during the DSEI Japan exhibition at Makuhari Messe in Chiba last May.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jun 2, 2026
Australian Mogami ships to have ‘core DNA’ of Japan versions, ADF chief says
The move could prove a boon for Japan’s defense industry, as it would allow domestic firms to play crucial roles in the vessels’ maintenance and repair throughout their lifespan.
China's Liaoning aircraft carrier takes part in a military drill in the western Pacific in April 2018.
JAPAN
Jun 2, 2026
Chinese aircraft carrier conducts drills east of Philippines
The exercises were reported as Beijing lashed out at Tokyo over its defense buildup and growing security ties with Manila.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Sunday.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jun 1, 2026
Japan taking cautious — if firm — approach to avoiding escalation with China
The absence of any direct mention of China in Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s rebuttal against claims of a “new militarism” in Japan highlights the country’s careful approach.
A father, who lost his son in the war in Ukraine, holds the drumsticks the son used to play drums with as a hobby, on April 26 in Fukuoka Prefecture.
JAPAN / Society / Regional Voices: Kyushu
Jun 1, 2026
‘It feels like he’ll come back’: Father navigates losing son in Ukraine war
The father said it is heart-wrenching to see reports about other wars because it means the world is moving away from peace — something his son gave his life trying to restore.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro speaks during a group interview on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Sunday.
JAPAN
Jun 1, 2026
Japan eyes first export of indigenous missile system amid closer ties with Philippines
The Type 88 missile system is among several Japanese anti-ship weapons being considered, the country’s defense chief has said.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi delivers a speech during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Sunday.
JAPAN
May 31, 2026
Japan rejects Chinese ‘new militarism’ label, spotlighting Beijing’s own buildup
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also used Tokyo’s concerns of a crisis over Taiwan to justify Japan’s move into a “new role” as a primary regional defense equipment supplier.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks with Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi as they arrive for a ministerial roundtable during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday.
JAPAN
May 30, 2026
U.S. and Japan defense chiefs agree to accelerate missile coproduction
A key focus of the meeting was a Japanese proposal known as “Operation Supercharge,” designed to accelerate joint development and mass production of advanced missile systems.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's Mogami-class frigate Kumano is docked at Singapore's Changi Naval Base during a maritime defense exhibition in May 2023.
JAPAN
May 29, 2026
New Zealand to decide on Japan’s frigates by end of 2027, defense chief says
New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk highlighted interoperability with Australia as a key factor in the ongoing deliberations.
The Japanese Defense Ministry said Friday it will send four officers from the Self-Defense Forces to the NATO Security Assistance and Training Organization for Ukraine (NSATU) — a command headquartered in the German town of Wiesbaden and launched in July 2024 to coordinate planning and arrange the delivery of security assistance to the war-torn country.
JAPAN
May 29, 2026
Japan to send SDF officers to NATO Ukraine command for first time
Tokyo will send four officers to the NATO Security Assistance and Training Organization for Ukraine to help coordinate planning and arrange the delivery of security assistance.
China's Liaoning aircraft carrier sails off Hong Kong in July 2017.
JAPAN
May 27, 2026
New Chinese frigate joins carrier strike group training in western Pacific for first time
China’s dispatch of its Type 054B for its first far-seas training since entering service a year ago is a milestone in Beijing’s push to punch further into the western Pacific.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. takes part in a news conference during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Cebu, central Philippines, on May 8.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 24, 2026
Philippine leader’s state visit to Japan to focus on shoring up defense ties
Energy security will also be on the agenda for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Tokyo — the first state visit by the country’s leader in more than a decade.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on March 25.
JAPAN / Politics
May 19, 2026
Philippines’ Marcos says Japan defense posture on summit agenda amid Taiwan concerns
Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will discuss Japan’s new defense posture at a summit next week with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in talks also likely to touch on Taiwan.
A Japanese Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system is launched during the maritime strike iteration of the joint Balikatan military exercises in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, in the Philippines, on May 6.
JAPAN
May 16, 2026
Japan considers missile exports to the Philippines, reports say
Tokyo last month unveiled its biggest overhaul ​of defense export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions ‌on overseas ‌arms transfers.
Philippine soldiers pose for a picture in front of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 88 surface-to-ship missile launcher and other equipment during the annual Balikatan joint military exercises in Paoay, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines, on May 6.
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 12, 2026
The Philippines emerges as an Indo-Pacific security pivot
The rise of China refocused attention on the sprawling archipelago, given the country’s critical location straddling Southeast Asian sea lanes.
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's stealth frigate JS Mogami. Japan is trying to sell its Mogami-class warships to New Zealand.
JAPAN / Politics
May 12, 2026
Japan faces U.K. rival in race to build warships for New Zealand
A deal with New Zealand would build on an agreement Tokyo recently signed with Canberra to build the first three of 11 Mogami-class ships planned for Australia.
An unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) that resembles a football-shaped body is seen in this screenshot from video taken near Japan in 2024.
JAPAN
May 11, 2026
Tokyo analyzing Pentagon UFO file trove with sightings near Japan 
Two of the dozens of videos released by the U.S. Defense Department were taken near Japan, including one that shows an object “that resembles a football-shaped body.”
Japanese payment processor’s collapse hits banks and restaurants
Zentoshin served around 200,000 shops, many of which rely on early payments to maintain cash flow, raising concerns over their financial stability following the disruption.
Japan needs caregivers. Young Indians are answering the call.
Young people in India's northeast are increasingly studying Japanese in hopes of building new lives and careers in Japan.
Trump says ‘Japan’ instead of Iran at meeting in Ankara
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference during a NATO leaders' summit in Ankara on Wednesday.
Wakatakakage injury casts pall over July meet, but potential new stars loom
Nicholas Tarasenko trains at Minato stable in August 2024.
Osaka trumps Tokyo as both ranked among world’s top 10 most livable cities
Osaka’s infrastructure earned higher marks than Tokyo’s in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s latest Global Liveability Index.
The beating heart inside ‘Human Vapor’
Different forms of love and connection form the emotional backbone of Netflix’s “Human Vapor,” says actor Shun Oguri, who plays troubled detective Kenji Okamoto.
Japan bets on character IP to drive global growth
Born on social media platforms in 2022, Opanchu Usagi has become a major hit, especially among Generation Z.
Filmmaker explores history of discrimination against foreign nationals in Japan
Takashi Nishihara, the director of "Now and Then," in Tokyo on Wednesday. The director has spent 10 years traversing politically charged terrain while exploring youth-driven grassroots political movements that scrutinize the status quo.
Okinawa’s prized seaweed under threat as oceans warm
Local harvesters gather <i>mozuku</i> during low tide at Hyakuna Beach in the city of Nanjo, Okinawa Prefecture. As the planet warms, rising ocean temperatures are placing increasing pressure on the seaweed industry.
Japanese nail salons are tourists’ new obsession
Tourists in Japan have always been interested in quintessentially Japanese approaches to modern culture, and, increasingly, visits to nail salons have become the new hot thing.

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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