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June 10, 2026
 

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DEFENSE MINISTRY

The Maritime Self Defense Force's Asagiri-class destroyer Setogiri is docked for a goodwill visit to Metro Manila in May 2018.
JAPAN
Jun 6, 2026
Japan and Indonesia to begin talks on exporting Asagiri-class destroyers
The agreement to begin working-level discussions is the latest in a push by Tokyo to transfer defense equipment to like-minded partners.
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 91²Ö¿â defense industry, as it would allow domestic firms to play crucial roles in the vessels' maintenance and repair throughout their lifespan.
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 ¡ª if firm ¡ª 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.
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 91²Ö¿â 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.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks to reporters as New Zealand defense chief Chris Penk (left) and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles listen on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday.
JAPAN / Politics
May 30, 2026
Mogami frigate talks anchor first Japan-Australia-N.Z. trilateral defense chiefs¡¯ meeting
The three nations' first such meeting signaled the emergence of a new regional security format as they explore a three-way expansion of Tokyo's Mogami-class frigate program.
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.
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.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi receives a policy recommendation document from Takayuki Kobayashi (center left), head of the Liberal Democratic Party's Headquarters for Intelligence Strategy, in March at the Prime Minister's Office.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
May 14, 2026
Government ramps up push to enhance intelligence capabilities
As a first step, the government plans to establish a national intelligence bureau as early as July.
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.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (second from right) speak to soldiers during the Balikatan annual military exercises in Paoay, in the Philippines' Ilocos Norte province, on Wednesday.
JAPAN / FOCUS
May 9, 2026
From observer to contributor: Japan¡¯s growing military role in Philippine drills
Several of the drills were conducted in northern Philippine areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea, locations increasingly seen as central to deterrence planning.
A Japanese Type 88 surface-to-ship missile system is launched during the Balikatan military exercises in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, on Wednesday.
JAPAN
May 6, 2026
Japan¡¯s SDF fires antiship missiles for first time in Philippine military drills
The launches hit a mock enemy ship about 75 kilometers off the shores of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, in the country's northwest.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. shake hands after a bilateral meeting in Manila on Tuesday.
JAPAN / Politics
May 5, 2026
Japan eyes ¡®early transfer¡¯ of used warships and aircraft to Philippines
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro reached a wide-ranging deal to further promote defense equipment and technology cooperation.
Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander U.S. Forces Korea, delivers remarks at a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington on Apr. 22.
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 30, 2026
A vision for the peninsula: Our interview with the head of the U.S. military in South Korea
A transcript of The Japan Times' interview with U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson.
U.S. Army Gen. Xavier Brunson (center), commander of U.S. Forces Korea, walks on a pontoon bridge with U.S. and South Korean Army soldiers during a U.S.-South Korea joint river-crossing exercise, part of the annual Freedom Shield joint military training, near the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, in Yeoncheon, South Korea, on March 14.
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 28, 2026
Head of U.S. military in South Korea calls for ¡®kill web¡¯ linking Seoul, Tokyo and Manila
U.S. Army Gen. Xavier Brunson said the strategy seeks to fuse the strengths of Washington's regional treaty allies into a single, networked system capable of coordinated actions.
A mock model of an upgraded Type-12 missile made by Japan is displayed during the DSEI Japan security show at Makuhari Messe in the city of Chiba in May last year.
JAPAN
Apr 22, 2026
Partners line up for arms deals as Japan opens defense industry door
"A number of countries" have approached Tokyo with "expressions of interest and various needs" about Japanese defense equipment, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said.
A medical vehicle enters the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai maneuver area in Kusu, Oita Prefecture, on Tuesday after three GSDF members died and one other was seriously injured in an explosion involving a tank during training.
JAPAN
Apr 21, 2026
Three GSDF members die after tank explosion during training in Oita Prefecture
The incident occurred at the Ground Self-Defense Force's tank unit at the Hijudai maneuver area in Kusu, Oita Prefecture.
The Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade takes part in exercises in Tokunoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, in November 2023. The Japanese government moved Tuesday to allow the sale of more weapons abroad as it grapples with rising security threats from China and a rapidly changing global order.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 21, 2026
In major policy shift, Japan scraps limits on lethal arms exports
The changes come amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries and 91²Ö¿â growing engagement in international defense-industrial projects.
Chinese naval vessels participate in a drill in the East China Sea in August 2016.
JAPAN
Apr 20, 2026
Chinese military warships train in western Pacific after MSDF Taiwan Strait transit
China has dispatched naval vessels led by one of its most advanced warships through a waterway near Amami Oshima off Kagoshima Prefecture for training in the western Pacific.
Benefits for foreign tourists spark debate in Japan
Tourists in Nara Park in March
JMA lifts tsunami advisory for Japan coastlines after strong quake off Philippines
A Japan Meteorological Agency official speaks about the earthquake off the Philippines and ensuing tsunami advisory for a large chunk of Japan, at a news conference early Monday in Tokyo.
Yen lingers above ?160 to the dollar ahead of BOJ meeting
The yen is back above ?160 to the dollar, considered by some investors to be a red line for Japanese authorities.
In trust¡¯s name, disclose candidates¡¯ prior citizenship
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a policy speech before the country's parliament in Tokyo in February. The Japanese leader recently argued that requiring candidates to disclose prior citizenship would violate equality before the law.
Fear and uncertainty for foreign business owners after Japan revises rules
Manish Kumar, who asked that his face not be shown, at his restaurant in Tsurugashima, Saitama Prefecture, on June 1.
Foreign couples are turning Japan into a wedding destination
Californians Ben and Ariella Jacoby, who married with Mount Fuji as their backdrop, are part of a growing trend of inbound weddings in Japan.
Emerging Kansai artists to watch
Mizue Fukagawa's works explore of the fragility of memory and the regenerative beauty of nature.
Fear and uncertainty for foreign business owners after Japan revises rules
Manish Kumar, who asked that his face not be shown, at his restaurant in Tsurugashima, Saitama Prefecture, on June 1.
In Japan, a bull market for bear deterrents
When bells aren¡¯t enough to prevent encounters with bears, outdoorspeople in Japan now have a wide range of deterrents to choose from.
In Matsuyama, sushi more than worth the pilgrimage
The signature piece in chef Koji Takahira¡¯s "nigiri" selection is "shiro-amadai" (white tilefish) ¡ª one of the most prized species from the Seto Inland Sea on account of its sweetness, rich umami and firm texture.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

Community programs and tracking systems are expanding across Japan as local governments search for ways to prevent dementia-related disappearances.
He told his wife he was ¡®coming home.¡¯ Then he disappeared.
By Alex K.T. Martin

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