Amid US-Iran tensions, Japanese warship heads to Middle East Despite being a U.S. ally, Japanese troops are not part of a U.S.-led coalition protecting Middle East waterways, because Tokyo wants to maintain neutrality in a show of consideration to Tehran. February 2
Japan reveals plan for space defense unit The Space Domain Mission Unit is to launch in April as part of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force. January 21
Marking 60th anniversary of defense treaty, Abe vows to boost Japan’s role in US alliance Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged Sunday to bolster his country’s role under its security pact with the U.S. in “outer space and cyberspace,” as the allies marked the 60th anniversary of a treaty that has been the basis for their postwar defense alliance. January 19
Japan OKs controversial plan to send naval forces to Mideast But they won't be joining a US-led coalition patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. December 27, 2019
Okinawa governor renews demand to stop Marine Corps’ Futenma base relocation plan Okinawa's Gov. Denny Tamaki renewed demands Thursday that Japan's central government halt construction of a U.S. Marine Corps base being relocated to a less-crowded area of the southern Japanese island despite vehement local opposition. December 26, 2019
Japan approves record defense budget Big ticket items include F-35B Joint Strike Fighters and revamping a helicopter carrier to launch the stealthy jets at sea. December 20, 2019
Japan, US say 3-way ties with South Korea are key to security The chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, agreed with Japanese officials Tuesday that three-way cooperation with South Korea is key to regional security and that an intelligence sharing pact between Tokyo and Seoul should not be scrapped. November 12, 2019
Japan to send own force, won’t join US coalition for Mideast Japan's energy needs rely heavily on oil imports. It has kept friendly ties with Iran and is reluctant to join such a force. October 19, 2019
Warships sortie, 7th Fleet preps for typhoon Storm might bring 30 inches of rain, strong winds to Japan. October 11, 2019
Japan braces for Typhoon Hagibis Japan's Defense Ministry was force to scrap the first two days of the annual Oct. 12-14 navy review. October 10, 2019
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