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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.

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

US-China relations

Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call

12 Dec 2025 - 8:01PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

US military sends show of support to Japan as China’s navy, air drills continue

11 Dec 2025 - 7:13PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

10 Dec 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

A Chinese J-15 fighter jet prepares to land on the Liaoning aircraft carrier in this photo released in December 2021. China has released more details about Saturday’s mid-air stand-off between Chinese and Japanese fighter jets. Photo: AP

China's military weapons

Why is China piling on the pressure on Japan with increasing naval operations?

Japanese analysis indicates Chinese fighters locked onto jets from a distance of about 52km during first encounter and 148km during second.

9 Dec 2025 - 7:50PMvideocam

China’s military drills

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

8 Dec 2025 - 7:37PMvideocam

China's military weapons

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

3 Dec 2025 - 11:45PMvideocam

The full-scale model of a Chinese Wing Loong-X UAV on display during the Dubai Airshow in November. Photo: AFP

China-Japan relations

China’s volatile Japan ties

China and Japan have built deep economic links, while also still having regular diplomatic rows. The latest blow-up came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that the nation’s military forces could potentially be deployed in the event of a Taiwan conflict.

3 Dec 2025 - 11:15AM

China's military weapons

PLA’s drone carrier on fast track to deployment with apparent second sea trial

A vessel believed to be the Sichuan, a key asset for potential amphibious operations against Taiwan, departs Shanghai shipyard.

2 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM

China-Japan relations

Japan’s export of lethal weapons to US ‘extremely dangerous’: Chinese analysts

Shipment of Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors said to indicate Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities amid tense China-Japan ties.

21 Nov 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

Japan

‘Could’ve come from anywhere’: why did spiders appear at a US base in Japan?

The record number of spiders – including redbacks, black and grey widows – highlights Japan’s struggle in containing invasive species.

12 Nov 2025 - 5:37PMvideocam

The redback spider can be found in all Japanese prefectures. Photo: Shutterstock

The Philippines

Philippines and Japan signal defence pact’s depth via aid to quake-hit Cebu

The humanitarian mission is partly aimed at addressing regional concerns over the pact’s objectives, analysts say.

8 Oct 2025 - 6:21PM

China-Japan relations

China criticises Japan’s laser weapon plans as threat to regional stability

Beijing’s military accuses Tokyo of breaching pacifist limits as Japan invests in land- and sea-based laser systems.

24 Sep 2025 - 12:11AMvideocam

Japan

Protests over Japan-US military drills in Okinawa expose domestic rifts

While Japan’s defence minister has condemned the protests, a governor says the US military presence places a huge burden on Okinawa.

23 Sep 2025 - 8:00AM

The Marine Air Defence Integrated System (left and centre), and the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System at a camp on Ishigaki in Okinawa deployed for the 2025 Resolute Dragon Japan-US joint drills. Photo: Kyodo

China's military weapons

PLA warship the Fujian heads to South China Sea. Is it about to enter service?

Chinese navy says the warship is on ‘routine mission’ as speculation builds that it could soon be commissioned.

12 Sep 2025 - 7:36PMvideocam

The Chinese navy said the Fujian would conduct scientific research tests and drills in the South China Sea. Photo: CCTV

Japan

Marching orders: Japanese firms enlist military discipline to drill soft skills

Japanese firms are sending fresh recruits to military-run programmes for teamwork and discipline, as remote work widens the soft-skills gap.

23 Jul 2025 - 9:50AMvideocam

Japan

Why Japan just tested a missile on its own turf for the first time

Driven by concerns over China’s military might and North Korea’s provocations, Japan is moving towards greater defence self-sufficiency.

6 Jul 2025 - 8:00AMvideocam

Japan

Is Japan facing higher risk of drone warfare over Diaoyu Islands?

Japan has said its military could shoot down foreign drones flying over its territory, days after a Chinese-made drone entered its airspace.

4 Jul 2025 - 4:18PMvideocam

A Chinese military drone spotted near the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyakojima in 2023. Photo: Japan’s defence ministry

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Self-Defence Forces (Japan)

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}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.

Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call

US military sends show of support to Japan as China’s navy, air drills continue

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

Why is China piling on the pressure on Japan with increasing naval operations?

Japanese analysis indicates Chinese fighters locked onto jets from a distance of about 52km during first encounter and 148km during second.

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

China’s volatile Japan ties

China and Japan have built deep economic links, while also still having regular diplomatic rows. The latest blow-up came after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that the nation’s military forces could potentially be deployed in the event of a Taiwan conflict.

PLA’s drone carrier on fast track to deployment with apparent second sea trial

A vessel believed to be the Sichuan, a key asset for potential amphibious operations against Taiwan, departs Shanghai shipyard.

Japan’s export of lethal weapons to US ‘extremely dangerous’: Chinese analysts

Shipment of Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors said to indicate Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities amid tense China-Japan ties.

‘Could’ve come from anywhere’: why did spiders appear at a US base in Japan?

The record number of spiders – including redbacks, black and grey widows – highlights Japan’s struggle in containing invasive species.

Philippines and Japan signal defence pact’s depth via aid to quake-hit Cebu

The humanitarian mission is partly aimed at addressing regional concerns over the pact’s objectives, analysts say.

China criticises Japan’s laser weapon plans as threat to regional stability

Beijing’s military accuses Tokyo of breaching pacifist limits as Japan invests in land- and sea-based laser systems.

Protests over Japan-US military drills in Okinawa expose domestic rifts

While Japan’s defence minister has condemned the protests, a governor says the US military presence places a huge burden on Okinawa.

PLA warship the Fujian heads to South China Sea. Is it about to enter service?

Chinese navy says the warship is on ‘routine mission’ as speculation builds that it could soon be commissioned.

Marching orders: Japanese firms enlist military discipline to drill soft skills

Japanese firms are sending fresh recruits to military-run programmes for teamwork and discipline, as remote work widens the soft-skills gap.

Why Japan just tested a missile on its own turf for the first time

Driven by concerns over China’s military might and North Korea’s provocations, Japan is moving towards greater defence self-sufficiency.

Is Japan facing higher risk of drone warfare over Diaoyu Islands?

Japan has said its military could shoot down foreign drones flying over its territory, days after a Chinese-made drone entered its airspace.

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