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Self-Defence Forces (Japan)

The latest news and top stories on the Self-Defence Forces. A prominent Japan-based governmental military organisation, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) was established in 1954 with its headquarters in Ichigaya, Tokyo. Its primary mission is to defend Japan against aggression, preserve peace, and maintain national security. Comprising Ground, Maritime, and Air branches, the JSDF also focuses significantly on disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and international peacekeeping operations. Operating under a pacifist constitution, it is recognised for its defensive capabilities and increasing engagement in space and cyber domains, alongside joint exercises with allies.

China trade

Sino-Japanese relations

China and Japan have forged strong economic ties, despite having regular diplomatic rows over disputed territories and the legacy of the Second World War. The latest escalation occurred in November after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan’s military forces could be deployed in the event of conflict in the Strait of Taiwan.

11 May 2026 - 10:23AM

The Philippines

Philippines shifts defence strategy with Japan, eyes wider security focus

8 May 2026 - 8:25PM

China-Japan relations

China condemns Japan’s first overseas ‘offensive missile’ test since WWII

6 May 2026 - 9:48PMvideocam

Japan

Opinion | The domestic dynamics driving Japan’s remilitarisation

Sanctions, diplomatic warnings and aggressive rhetoric create a perilous loop, reinforcing the very domestic tendencies China seeks to deter.

6 May 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Japan

Japan army unit’s gun-toting AI-generated elephant logo gets trampled by critics

Officers created the logo using ChatGPT based on the ‘elephant’, ‘cool’, ‘blue flame’, and ‘mammoth’ keywords, a media report says.

5 May 2026 - 4:38PM

China-Japan relations

Why is China warning the UN of a Japanese ‘nuclear breakout’?

Beijing asks the international body to prioritise Tokyo’s ‘dangerous tendency to seek nuclear weapons’ as regional row escalates.

30 Apr 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Japan

As I see it | A remilitarised Japan threatens more than just China

As Japan expands its defence posture with the backing of major allies, its leaders seek to portray Beijing’s objections as an overreaction.

29 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Type 10 tanks operate during an annual New Year military drill by the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force First Airborne Brigade at Narashino exercise field in Funabashi, east of Tokyo, Japan, on January 11. Photo: Reuters

US military

Pentagon mulls plan to outsource warship design, building to South Korea, Japan

If the proposal goes ahead it will be the first time the US has bought a major surface combatant from a foreign partner since WWII.

28 Apr 2026 - 9:02AM

Japan

3 killed in Japanese Type 10 tank blast that has military baffled

A round detonating inside a tank turret is virtually unheard of. The last time it happened in Japan was in 1979.

25 Apr 2026 - 12:05PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Japan warship’s Taiwan Strait voyage reignites China tensions

The JS Ikazuchi passed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, the anniversary of an 1895 treaty handing Taiwan to Japan.

21 Apr 2026 - 12:16PM

China-Japan relations

Is Japan’s treaty-day Taiwan Strait warship transit a new flashpoint with China?

The JS Ikazuchi’s passage through the waterway on Friday ‘harmed the feelings of the Chinese people’.

19 Apr 2026 - 11:55PMvideocam

The JS Ikazuchi passed through the Taiwan Strait on the anniversary of the 895 Treaty of Shimonoseki or Treaty of Maguan. Photo: Handout

China-Japan relations

China says embassy intrusion, bomb threat are among ‘grave violations’ in Japan

Acting head of embassy lists incidents he describes as ‘a threat to the safety of Chinese diplomatic personnel and premises’.

16 Apr 2026 - 7:02PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.

3 Apr 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Chinese navy arrives in Sea of Japan just as Tokyo deploys long-range missiles

Five ships transit Tsushima Strait and are tracked heading northeast after China warned of strong response to ‘neo-militarism’.

17 Apr 2026 - 4:01PMvideocam

Japan

Businesses, smokers burnt by Japan’s record US$8 billion defence budget

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of Japan’s gross domestic product.

1 Apr 2026 - 11:40AM

A launcher for an upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile is displayed at the Ground Self-Defence Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture. Photo: Kyodo

China-Japan relations

Japan has enough plutonium to make 5,500 nuclear warheads, PLA Daily says

China’s military mouthpiece claims Tokyo has ‘astonishing’ stockpile of nuclear materials and the tech to produce weapons.

31 Mar 2026 - 4:08PM

China-Japan relations

Japan upgrades ship with Tomahawk missiles. Why it might pose a threat to China

Analysts say the move marks a fundamental shift in Tokyo’s defence strategy, forcing Beijing to stay on high alert.

29 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

China-Japan relations

Should China be worried about Japan’s maritime force overhaul?

Reform reflects shift towards quasi-carrier operations and preparations for potential conflict with Beijing, Chinese analysts say.

25 Mar 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force ship JS Ise, a Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer, is the flagship of the newly established Amphibious and Mine Warfare Group under the Fleet Surface Force. Photo: EPA-EFE

China-Japan relations

China slams Japan’s ‘kill network’ as long-range missile deployment looms

PLA Daily describes upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles as offensive weapons capable of targeting neighbouring countries.

24 Mar 2026 - 6:54PMvideocam

Japan

Most Japanese oppose helping Trump fight his war on Iran, polls show

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she has explained to Trump that there are limits to what Japan can do due to legal constraints.

23 Mar 2026 - 3:02PM

Japan

Japan may send ‘top level’ minesweepers to Hormuz after ceasefire

Foreign Minister Motegi also announced the release and return of one of the two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran.

22 Mar 2026 - 12:08PMvideocam

Japan

Japan explores German silent cargo gliders to resupply remote islands

The HADIS system can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km and safeguard transport aircraft during resupply operations.

14 Feb 2026 - 2:39PM

An illustration of Munich-based Hensoldt’s HADIS system. HADIS can be steered remotely, is silent and can more accurately deliver cargoes over further distances. Photo: Hensoldt

North Korea

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

North Korea has accused Japan of resurrecting its wartime ambitions by expanding its defence and pursuing security alliances.

13 Feb 2026 - 5:53PMvideocam

Japan

Video | At least 30 killed as blizzards hit Japan

Snow up to 183cm (72 inches) deep accumulated in some areas of Aomori Prefecture.

3 Feb 2026 - 9:32PM

Japan

Japan set to revive WWII military titles in controversial shift

While some argue the change aligns Japan with global norms, others say better pay – not historical titles – is what soldiers really need.

3 Feb 2026 - 5:27PM

Japan

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

30 Jan 2026 - 8:41PM

Japan

Why more Japanese than ever support strengthening the military

A record-high survey result reflects how the war in Ukraine and regional tensions have reshaped Japan’s once cautious security outlook.

29 Jan 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

Japan

Macroscope | Japan’s economic security push heralds rising protectionism in Asia

The emphasis on securing supply chains and stockpiling critical resources is no substitute for free and open trade and investment.

20 Dec 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

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Self-Defence Forces (Japan)

Sino-Japanese relations

Philippines shifts defence strategy with Japan, eyes wider security focus

China condemns Japan’s first overseas ‘offensive missile’ test since WWII

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | The domestic dynamics driving Japan’s remilitarisation

Sanctions, diplomatic warnings and aggressive rhetoric create a perilous loop, reinforcing the very domestic tendencies China seeks to deter.

Japan army unit’s gun-toting AI-generated elephant logo gets trampled by critics

Officers created the logo using ChatGPT based on the ‘elephant’, ‘cool’, ‘blue flame’, and ‘mammoth’ keywords, a media report says.

Why is China warning the UN of a Japanese ‘nuclear breakout’?

Beijing asks the international body to prioritise Tokyo’s ‘dangerous tendency to seek nuclear weapons’ as regional row escalates.

As I see it | A remilitarised Japan threatens more than just China

As Japan expands its defence posture with the backing of major allies, its leaders seek to portray Beijing’s objections as an overreaction.

Pentagon mulls plan to outsource warship design, building to South Korea, Japan

If the proposal goes ahead it will be the first time the US has bought a major surface combatant from a foreign partner since WWII.

3 killed in Japanese Type 10 tank blast that has military baffled

A round detonating inside a tank turret is virtually unheard of. The last time it happened in Japan was in 1979.

Japan warship’s Taiwan Strait voyage reignites China tensions

The JS Ikazuchi passed through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, the anniversary of an 1895 treaty handing Taiwan to Japan.

Is Japan’s treaty-day Taiwan Strait warship transit a new flashpoint with China?

The JS Ikazuchi’s passage through the waterway on Friday ‘harmed the feelings of the Chinese people’.

China says embassy intrusion, bomb threat are among ‘grave violations’ in Japan

Acting head of embassy lists incidents he describes as ‘a threat to the safety of Chinese diplomatic personnel and premises’.

With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.

Chinese navy arrives in Sea of Japan just as Tokyo deploys long-range missiles

Five ships transit Tsushima Strait and are tracked heading northeast after China warned of strong response to ‘neo-militarism’.

Businesses, smokers burnt by Japan’s record US$8 billion defence budget

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of Japan’s gross domestic product.

Japan has enough plutonium to make 5,500 nuclear warheads, PLA Daily says

China’s military mouthpiece claims Tokyo has ‘astonishing’ stockpile of nuclear materials and the tech to produce weapons.

Japan upgrades ship with Tomahawk missiles. Why it might pose a threat to China

Analysts say the move marks a fundamental shift in Tokyo’s defence strategy, forcing Beijing to stay on high alert.

Should China be worried about Japan’s maritime force overhaul?

Reform reflects shift towards quasi-carrier operations and preparations for potential conflict with Beijing, Chinese analysts say.

China slams Japan’s ‘kill network’ as long-range missile deployment looms

PLA Daily describes upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles as offensive weapons capable of targeting neighbouring countries.

Most Japanese oppose helping Trump fight his war on Iran, polls show

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she has explained to Trump that there are limits to what Japan can do due to legal constraints.

Japan may send ‘top level’ minesweepers to Hormuz after ceasefire

Foreign Minister Motegi also announced the release and return of one of the two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran.

Japan explores German silent cargo gliders to resupply remote islands

The HADIS system can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km and safeguard transport aircraft during resupply operations.

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

North Korea has accused Japan of resurrecting its wartime ambitions by expanding its defence and pursuing security alliances.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | At least 30 killed as blizzards hit Japan

Snow up to 183cm (72 inches) deep accumulated in some areas of Aomori Prefecture.

Japan set to revive WWII military titles in controversial shift

While some argue the change aligns Japan with global norms, others say better pay – not historical titles – is what soldiers really need.

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

Why more Japanese than ever support strengthening the military

A record-high survey result reflects how the war in Ukraine and regional tensions have reshaped Japan’s once cautious security outlook.

Macroscope | Japan’s economic security push heralds rising protectionism in Asia

The emphasis on securing supply chains and stockpiling critical resources is no substitute for free and open trade and investment.

Opinion | The domestic dynamics driving Japan’s remilitarisation

Video | At least 30 killed as blizzards hit Japan