The Japan TimesApr 24
Japan's easing of arms export restrictions is intended to strengthen security cooperation and defense capabilities while adapting to a more unstable global environment without abandoning its core pacifist principles. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/editorials/2026/04/24/japans-new-arms-export-stance/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #editorials #defernse #selfdefenseforces #china #us #contitution #article9 #sanaetakaichi
Japan’s new arms export stance and changing security realities

This new policy responds to the new security reality, recognizing that dangers are mounting and every nation must do more.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesApr 21
Japan is a reliable American ally despite criticism over defense-related burden-sharing that has maintained stable relations with Washington amid rising trade pressure and diplomatic strain under U.S. President Trump. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/04/21/japan/japan-americas-indispensable-ally/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #us #donaldtrump #usjapanrelations #sanaetakaichi #shigeruishiba #fumiokishida #selfdefenseforces #defense #trade #tariffs
Tell the U.S. that Japan is America’s indispensable ally

Japan in recent decades has proven itself to be a reliable U.S. ally, ready to assist when needed without being overly obtrusive.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesApr 8
Japan wants to significantly boost the number of women in the Self-Defense Forces by the mid 2030s as it struggles to convince young people to enlist. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/08/japan/sdf-women-recruit/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #selfdefenseforces #women039sissues #defenseministry
Japan aims to boost number of female troops as SDF struggles to enlist

Under a new target set this year, women should account for 13% of SDF members by March 2036, up from 9% currently, the Defense Ministry said.

The Japan Times
Walk NewsMar 30
https://www.walknews.com/1247982/ 日韓の退避協力 朝鮮・台湾有事も対象に | JAPAN Forward #editorial #Iran #Japan #LeeJaeMyung #SanaeTakaichi #SelfDefenseForces #SouthKorea #Taiwan #主張 #台湾 #政治・安全保障問題
Japan Pop NewsMar 30
https://www.wacoca.com/news/2801841/ 日韓の退避協力 朝鮮・台湾有事も対象に | JAPAN Forward #editorial #Iran #Japan #LeeJaeMyung #SanaeTakaichi #SelfDefenseForces #SouthKorea #Taiwan #主張 #台湾 #政治・安全保障問題
The Japan TimesMar 9
As the Iran war expands across the Middle East, Japan has accelerated efforts to evacuate its citizens, underscoring Tokyo’s growing security role overseas and diplomatic balancing act between the U.S. and Gulf states. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/09/japan/japanese-nationals-evacution-analysis/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #iran #middleeast #selfdefenseforces #foreignministry #defenseministry #sanaetakaichi
In Iran conflict, Japan shows improved evacuation readiness

Japan’s response underscores both Tokyo’s growing security role overseas and the diplomatic balancing act between Washington and Gulf states hosting Japanese nationals.

The Japan Times
Japan Pop NewsMar 2
https://www.wacoca.com/news/2780553/ 「海上民兵」暗躍に備えよ 台湾有事で米軍の来援阻止へ、中国が訓練強化 | JAPAN Forward #CCP #FirstIslandChain #JapanCoastGuard #JapanInstituteForNationalFundamentals #PLA #SecondIslandChain #SelfDefenseForces #Taiwan #TaiwanContingency #XiJinping #台湾 #政治・安全保障問題
The Japan TimesNov 13, 2025
With few people typically owning guns in Japan, special teams of police officers have been dispatched with rifles for the first time ever to locations that have seen rising numbers of bear incidents. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/13/japan/explainer/who-culls-bears-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #explainer #animals #selfdefenseforces #japanesepolice
As attacks surge, who can cull bears in Japan?

In Japan, few people typically own guns, and the process to qualify for a license to hunt the animals takes time and effort.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesAug 12, 2025
Japan experienced one of its worst plane crashes 40 years ago, and controversial theories about what “really caused” the crash continue to swirl. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/12/japan/history/jal-crash-sdf/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #history #jal #toshiyaokabe #gunma #selfdefenseforces #airlines
Controversial theories continue to swirl around 1985 JAL jet crash

Some bereaved family members and critics who subscribe to the idea of possible SDF involvement say the initial probe left too many loose ends untied.

The Japan Times
The Japan TimesJun 19, 2025
As the conflict in Israel and Iran continues to intensify, Japan has said it is deploying Self-Defense Forces aircraft to Djibouti to be on standby for a possible air evacuation of Japanese nationals. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/19/japan/sdf-plane-japanese-evacuation/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #selfdefenseforces #defenseministry #gennakatani #israel #iran #djibouti
SDF planes fly to Djibouti to aid return of Japan nationals from Israel and Iran

There are currently around 1,000 Japanese people in Israel and 280 in Iran, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The Japan Times