Mastodawn

Japanese soldiers joined military drills with the U.S. and the Philippines on Monday, becoming the country's first "combat-capable" troops to train in the Southeast Asian nation since the end of World War II. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/04/06/japan/japan-philippines-military-exercises/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #philippinesjapanrelations #philippines #china #us #usmilitary #defense #defenseministry #sdf

Japanese troops make history by joining military drills in Philippines

The GSDF soldiers on Monday became the first 'combat-capable' Japanese troops to train in the Southeast Asian country since the end of World War II.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Mar 29

For the first time since the end of World War II, Japanese combat-capable troops will return to the Philippines — not as occupiers, but as close partners. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/29/japan/politics/japan-sdf-philippines-balikatan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #philippinesjapanrelations #philippines #china #us #usmilitary #defense #defenseministry #sdf

In first, Japan to send ‘combat’ troops to major military drills in Philippines

The Self-Defense Forces personnel will take part in the annual Balikatan military exercises, setting a new milestone in regional security cooperation.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Jan 15

Japan and the Philippines signed two defense pacts Thursday, with both countries seeking to strengthen security cooperation in response to rising regional tensions. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/15/japan/politics/japan-philippine-new-security-pacts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #politics #philippinesjapanrelations #defense #toshimitsumotegi #theresalazaro

Japan and the Philippines sign new security pacts as regional tensions rise

The defense pacts included a deal allowing their forces to exchange supplies and services.

The Japan Times

How this Baguio artist wove a quiet symbol of PH–Japan friendship

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/baguio-artist-edmon-fuerte-wove-symbol-japan-friendship-logo-2026/

The Japan Times Nov 26

As Tokyo and Manila discuss the transfer of used Japanese destroyers, the Philippine Navy chief says the service is also seeking five more retired TC-90 aircraft from the MSDF to boost its patrol capabilities. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/26/japan/philippine-navy-chief-interview/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #philippines #philippinesjapanrelations #defense #msdf #sdf #china #southchinasea #southeastasia

Philippines seeks more retired MSDF patrol aircraft, navy chief says

The head of the Philippine Navy has said the service is interested in acquiring an additional five retired TC-90 aircraft from Japan to boost its surveillance capabilities.

The Japan Times

The Japan Times Nov 12

Family courts in Tokyo and Okinawa Prefecture have rejected claims for Japanese citizenship filed by four Japanese descendants living in the Philippines. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11/12/japan/philippines-citizenship-denied/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #nationality #philippines #philippinesjapanrelations #humanrights #wwii