Above Photo: Protest in Okinawa against the presence of US military bases in Japan on December 14, 2021. IC via Global Times. NOTE: Listen to this interview on Clearing the FOG with K. J. Noh about the role the US military plays in spreading disease around the world. A recent surge of COVID-19 infections in the Okinawa, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures has been connected to the presence of US military bases in Japan. The United States’ extensive military presence in Japan is coming under strong political scrutiny after a surge in COVID-19 infections. On Saturday, January 8, Japan reported more than […]
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The U.S. Army has opened a new Patriot missile storage facility in Japan to react faster than ever before to threats in the region. According to a recent service news release, Army opened the world’s most state-of-the-art, rapid reaction Patriot Missile Facility to the Soldiers of 1-1 Air Defense Artillery in Okinawa on May 19. The ceremony was carried out by Lt. Col. Rosanna Clemente, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery commander, the unit who will utilize the facility, and Col. Thomas J. Verell, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—Japan District commander, who leads the team responsible for its construction and […]
Airbus Helicopters, the world’s largest commercial helicopter maker, on Tuesday announced that Japan Coast Guard (JCG) will expand its fleet with two new H225 helicopters, taking its total Super Puma fleet up to 17, comprising two AS332s and 15 H225s. According to a company news release, the largest Super Puma operator in Japan received its tenth H225 in February this year. The new helicopters will join its growing fleet to support territorial coastal activities, security enforcement, as well as disaster relief missions in the country. “From the first Super Puma delivery nearly 30 years ago to the latest H225 orders, we […]
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced Thursday that it has added the newest JS Aki ocean surveillance ship to its fleet during the commissioning ceremony. In a ceremony held at the Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co. shipyard in Tamano City officials welcomed the third 67 m-long vessels of the Hibiki-class of Ocean Surveillance Ship into service. “She is the 3rd HIBIKI type and her name is from Aki-nada in the Seto Inland Sea,” the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) said in a Twitter post Friday. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – Hibiki-class vessels have a beam of 30 meters (98 ft […]
The U.S. Marine Corps announced on Friday that Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, have conducted the Utility-Terrain Vehicle Driver’s Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. According to a recent service news release, the Utility Terrain Vehicle Course teaches Marines capabilities and proper handling of off-highway vehicles during its reconnaissance missions. UTVs are four wheeled versatile machines able to traverse rough terrain, tight spots and narrow roads other vehicles have difficulty or can’t fit through. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – Unlike other off-road vehicles, such as dirt bikes or all-terrain vehicles, the UTVs feature extra seats to […]
The U.S. Air Force has announced that a group of its MC-130J Commando II aircraft conducted a formation flying demonstration at Kadena Air Base, Japan. According to a recent service news release, the 353rd Special Operations Group conducted combine mid-air into a larger formation and fly to specific airdrop locations to simulate the forced entry of paratroopers. At least five MC-130J Commando II aircraft, from the 353rd Special Operations Group, conducted a formation flight above Kadena Air Base. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – “Aircrew and maintainers exercise their ability to efficiently generate aircraft to quickly move large numbers of […]
The U.S. Air Force has announced on Saturday that the first boxes with Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered to Yokota Air Base, Japan. The details were given in a 26 December media release, to announce that after rigorous testing and trials demonstrating the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of a COVID-19 vaccine via an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Since authorization, the Department of Defense has worked hand in hand with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Center for Disease Control (CDC), to allocate initial vaccine doses to jurisdictions based […]
With the start of winter, the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, currently deployed to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, scrutinizes inclement weather closely to advise and assist aircrew in safe aircraft operations. Safe winter operations require special procedures by airline maintenance, engineering, flight, and deicing personnel. These procedures include deicing, anti-icing, cold weather maintenance, and flight operations. During the winter season, personnel of the airbase and aircrew provides procedures for removal of contaminants from the airplane and the prevention of subsequent accumulation of frost, ice, snow, or slush. In addition, the operator must ensure that the maintenance procedures for […]
Japan is concerned about the deployment of Russian S-300V4 surface surface-to-air missile systems on a disputed chain of Kuril islands in the North Pacific. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said on Wednesday said that Japan’s government has lodged a protest after Russia’s military deployed a number of its new S-300V4 missile defense systems for combat duty on a disputed chain of islands near Japan. As press service of the Russian Eastern Military District previously reported, units of Russia’s latest S-300V4 air defense missile system just entered combat duty on the Kuril Islands. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – “Units of […]
U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program, conducted fast-rope and rappel training from a CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Last week, marines going through the course learned the skill required to fast-rope and methods of rappelling. The Marines also learned how to tie various knots to ensure safety during operations. “The Marines conducted unit level training integrated with air assets, improving 3d Marine Division’s capability to operate in a distributed environment across the INDO-PACIFIC region,” said the 3rd Marine Divisio in […]
Norway-based company KONGSBERG has announced on Tuesday that it has awarded a new contract from Japan to supply the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) for their fleet of F-35 fighter aircraft. According to a company news release, KONGSBERG has entered into a second follow-on contract with Japan to supply the JSM. As noted by the company, a deal worth more than $92 million (820 MNOK). – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The JSM is a 5th generation stealth air-to-surface missile developed to fill F-35A anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and land-attack capability gaps. JSM can be carried internally in the F-35 thus ensuring […]
On Tuesday, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) was “aggressively approached” by a Russian Admiral Vinogradov anti-submarine destroyer in the Sea of Japan. The Russian Navy ship was dangerously close to the U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the Navy’s announced today. The Russian Ministry of Defense, in turn, stated that the USS John S. McCain violated Russia’s territorial waters in the Peter the Great Gulf, “passing the maritime border by two kilometers” – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – According to the ministry, at 06:17 Moscow time (03:17 GMT) on Tuesday, the USS John S. McCain, which entered […]
Japanese shipbuilding company Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd has launched the new 30FFM multi-function frigate during a ceremony in Okayama, on November 19. The Kumano (FFM-2) is the second ship of the 30FFM frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). She was named after Kumano River and shares her name with a World War II heavy cruiser Kumano and Cold War destroyer escort Kumano. The next generation Japanese frigate displaces over 5,000 tons at full load and combines compactness with manpower saving. The ships of the class are envisioned as frigate-sized vessels with destroyer capabilities. They are expected […]
Japanese shipbuilding company Mitsui E & S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd has launched the new 30FFM multi-function frigate during a ceremony in Okayama, on November 19. The Kumano(FFM-2) is the second ship of the 30FFM frigate of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). She was named after Kumano River and shares her name with a World War II heavy cruiser Kumano and Cold War destroyer escort Kumano. The next generation Japanese frigate displaces over 5,000 tons at full load and combines compactness with manpower saving. The ships of the class are envisioned as frigate-sized vessels with destroyer capabilities. They are expected to […]
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, also simply known as the Japanese Navy, has demonstrated its newest Kawasaki P-1 submarine-hunting aircraft. On Nov. 11, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 4th Air wing’s official Twitter account posted images showing five new Kawasaki P-1 aircraft at the Atsugi air base. The P-1 is a modern maritime patrol aircraft developed and manufactured by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It is a purpose-built maritime aircraft with no civil counterpart and was designed from the onset for the role. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – As noted by the company, the P-1, the successor to the P-3C, […]
Japanese fighter jets intercepted the Russian radar aircraft in international airspace over the Sea of Japan, according to the Japanese Self-Defense Force. The Russian aircraft was believed to be an A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C), the JSDF said in a statement. The Russian A-50 command and control military aircraft is known in the West by the NATO codename Mainstay. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The A-50 is intended to detect and identify airborne and sea objects determining its position, bearing and speed. The objects data collected by the A-50 aircraft is transferred to command centers. In […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/102168/67/1021686745_20:0:1986:1106_1200x675_80_0_0_03c37bb45075fba404d3558b8452172c.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/russia/202010191080812327-diesel-powered-submarines-conduct-underwater-duel-in-sea-of-japan-russian-pacific-fleet-says/ MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Two diesel-powered submarines of the Russian Pacific Fleet have conducted an underwater duel in the Sea of Japan as part of scheduled drills, the press service of the Pacific Fleet informed in a statement. “At the training ground, two Pacific Fleet submarines have worked out practical skills in the search, attack and counterattack of a simulated enemy submarine using … weaponry and hydroacoustic countermeasures,” the statement says. As part of the drills, one of the submarines attacked the other, “enemy,” submarine with torpedoes. The naval training exercises were provided for by […]
The Indian economy may climb from fifth to third spot in the list of the world’s largest economies over the next three decades, according to a recent study published in the medical journal Lancet. The research, conducted earlier this year, is based on changes to the size of the working-age population in the world’s largest countries, which is then translated into scenarios for total gross domestic product (GDP). According to Lancet projections, India will have the largest working-age population prior to 2030, which will continue growing to reach peak levels before 2050. Despite a projected decline later on, India will still have […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107902/59/1079025940_0:0:3151:1772_1200x675_80_0_0_abbf7b339d92603cc3c31a0af08593a7.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Max Gorbachev. Sputnik International https://sputniknews.com/society/202010171080798463-adult-film-park-with-porn-stars-as-employees-opens-in-tokyos-red-light-district/ The attraction was designed by one of the largest Japanese adult film companies, Soft on Demand (SOD), which has previously opened bars where porn actresses serve guests. The idea turned out to be a hit and the company has decided to expand its business. A theme park for adults that has porn actresses as employees has recently opened up in Japan’s capital Tokyo. Each floor of the five-storied building, located in the Kabukicho red-light district, has its own theme. Floor 1F is used as a sort of reception, where the features of […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/0a/0e/1080766968_0:31:1280:751_1200x675_80_0_0_ba82664935b90b8ab29b7a60820e7294.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/military/202010141080767112-japan-unveils-new-taigei-submarine-to-be-deployed-by-self-defence-army-in-2022/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – Japan has unveiled on Wednesday a new submarine, named Taigei, that the country’s Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) will include in their fleet in March of 2022, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported. The 3,000-ton warship will become the 22nd submarine in Japan’s military fleet. It was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and cost around 76 billion yen ($720 million), according to the report. The ceremony of Taigei’s launch into the water was held at a shipyard in the western Japanese prefecture of Hyogo. Some 150 people, including Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi […]
The extortionists demand a payment in bitcoin to avoid the detonation of an explosive device, per a report. Source link
The Japan Times has reported that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has a plan to increase the number of airbases which will host newest F-35 fighter jets. According to Japan’s largest English-language daily newspaper, Defense Ministry is looking at deploying new F-35A state-of-the-art stealth fighters to Air Self-Defense Force bases other than the current host, the Misawa base in Aomori Prefecture. The ministry sought ¥40.2 billion in its budget request for fiscal 2021 to acquire four F-35As in fiscal 2025. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – “When the number of F-35s increases, new fighters may be deployed to bases other […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/0a/06/1080683499_0:43:1280:763_1200x675_80_0_0_078939988551ab5b3a7fcf9cba2e987c.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Rishikesh Kumar. Sputnik International https://sputniknews.com/military/202010061080681404-japan-holds-naval-exercise-with-chinas-iron-brother-pakistan-amid-high-decibel-quad-meet—video/ The foreign ministers of the Quad – India, the US, Japan, and Australia – met in Tokyo on Tuesday in an attempt to lead a regional initiative called “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” aimed at countering China’s growing assertiveness in the region. On the day of the Quad members meeting in Tokyo, Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Zulfiquar participated in the Passage Exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force Ship Onami in the Gulf of Aden. A Pakistan Navy spokesperson informed on Tuesday that both the ships are currently operating in the Gulf of […]
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force on Thursday accepted the first RC-2 reconnaissance aircraft from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) following years of testing. On 1 October, the JASDF’s official Twitter account reported that the first RC-2 reconnaissance plane was officially delivered to the Iruma-based. The new intelligence-gathering version of the Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft has undergone some huge test programs done by the Gifu-based Air Development and Test Wing since the 2018 maiden flight. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The new RC-2 spy plane designed for gathering electronic intelligence (ELINT) and long-range, long-endurance reconnaissance missions. The first C-2 ELINT prototype was […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/18/1080564546_0:46:3077:1777_1200x675_80_0_0_b6e485bc461db167eb501d12896f37a0.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/us/202009291080614982-pompeo-to-travel-to-japan-south-korea-mongolia-from-4-8-october/ WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will travel to Japan, South Korea and Mongolia from 4 to 8 October, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a press release. This will be another Pompeo’s tour recently, after he visited Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, and Colombia with the aim of strengthening the partnership between the countries and tackling “threats” posed by “Maduro’s regime” in Venezuela, the State Department said. “Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo will travel to Tokyo, Japan; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; and Seoul, the Republic of Korea (ROK) 4 to 8 October”, Ortagus […]
The United States has approved more than $55.3 million dollars in potential surface-to-air missiles sales to Japan. On September28, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Pentagon’s top arms broker, announced that the U.S. State Department has cleared possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of RAM Block 2 Tactical Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $55.311 million. According to the DSCA, the complete package includes 51 Rolling Airframe Missiles Block 2 Tactical Missiles, RIM-116C. Also included are RAM Guided Missile Round Pack Tri-Pack shipping and storage containers, operator manuals and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor […]
The project for a top-notch station, Gateway, is a would-be collaboration with the US, and has already driven the Japanese space agency to apply for hefty government funding – around $2.7 billion yearly for the next 15 years. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has asserted it intends to engage in a lunar exploration mission beginning in the mid-2030s, making use of hydrogen fuel that would be locally produced right on the Moon’s surface from water extracted from its vast ice deposits, The Japan Times reported. Making use of local water and water-derived fuel is expected to cost significantly less than transporting […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107010/28/1070102896_0:195:3021:1894_1200x675_80_0_0_621ad440aaf85688c3fa0293ad98de03.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202009261080576712-japan-russia-were-very-close-to-signing-peace-treaty-in-fall-2018-abe-says/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – Japan and Russia were very close to signing a peace treaty in the Fall of 2018, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the Nikkei newspaper in an interview published on Saturday. “There was a feeling that we were approaching the talks aimed at signing the peace treaty,” Abe said. He expected to dismiss both chambers of the Japanese parliament to learn the will of the people. Abe stressed that, during the 2016 visit to Japan, Russian President Vladimir Putin had the intention of finding a solution to the years-long dispute. […]
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has vowed to prove the world’s triumph over Covid-19 with next summer’s Olympics in Tokyo, telling the United Nations the games will be held safely after a year-long postponement. Making his debut speech to the international body on Friday, Suga told the UN General Assembly that Japan is committed to “leave no one behind” amid the health crisis, and argued the 2021 Olympics will serve as a symbolic victory against the virus. “In the summer of next year, Japan is determined to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as proof that humanity has defeated the […]
Aerospace giant Boeing was awarded a $2,2 billion contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center on 24 September to manufacture and deliver Small Diameter Bombs under a multiyear buy contracting arrangement. The contract, announced Thursday by the Department of Defense, is awadred under the Small Diameter Bomb Increment I weapon program. “This contract provides for a guaranteed minimum Lot 15 award and a five-year ordering period for Small Diameter Bomb Increment I, focused lethality munition, containers and carriages for the Department of Defense and Foreign Military Sales partner nations, according to a recent DoD statement. – ADVERTISEMENT – […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107621/29/1076212946_0:68:1357:832_1199x675_80_0_0_5b716ccb93c40a4cea4728b5cbe38487.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/science/202009231080545889-source-says-iss-conducted-maneuver-to-avoid-fragment-of-japans-rocket-stage/ MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The unknown piece of space debris that the International Space Station (ISS) avoided on Wednesday was, in fact, a fragment of an exploded stage of Japan’s H-2A carrier rocket, a source in the space sphere revealed. “This ‘stranger’ was object 46477, internationally registered as 2018-084CQ. It is a fragment of the second stage of Japan’s H-2A rocket, which exploded in February 2019,” the source said. According to the source, the rocket launched into space six satellites, including Ibuki-2 greenhouse gases observing satellite, back in October 2018. © AFP 2020 / JIJI […]
A report shared with CoinDesk Japan revealed that bitFlyer users exchanging loyalty points for bitcoin hit a record high in August. Source link
TOKYO—The right-hand man of Japan’s longest reigning Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who orchestrated the administration’s control of the press and helped cover up the corruption scandals that forced Abe to resign, is set to be the next prime minister. Yoshihide Suga was crowned the president of Japan’s ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday in an election that had been pre-decided in back-room deals. The LDP controls the lower house of Japan’s parliament and so their president will become the new prime minister. The Japanese press, who Suga has successfully tamed, did their best to spin his ascension as […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107814/77/1078147782_0:0:1951:1097_1200x675_80_0_0_48016fd03d8bbe0c5f872ded9929d8db.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202009121080436864-northeastern-japan-hit-by-four-earthquakes-of-up-to-61-magnitude/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – Four earthquakes with the 4.1-6.1 magnitudes were registered within 15 minutes on Friday off the coast of northeastern Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The first tremor with the 6.1 magnitude occurred at 02:44 GMT near the prefecture of Miyagi and was felt in 17 neighbouring regions. The epicentre of the earthquake was located at a depth of 40 kilometres (about 25 miles). After the main earthquake, three aftershocks with the magnitudes of 4.1, 4.2 and 5.0 were recorded in the same area. No tsunami alert has been declared. There […]
Japan is in no rush to digitize the yen but there are reasons the country should think seriously about a central bank digital currency (CBDC), said Tetsuya Inoue, formerly of the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and now a chief researcher at the Nomura Research Institute. Inoue is the author of a book on a digital yen. Source link
Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken will operate in Japan for the first time in two years. The company said Tuesday its Japanese subsidiary, Payward Asia Ltd., completed the regulatory registration process and has been granted a permit to operate as a crypto asset exchange business in the country. Source link
Hiroyuki Endo’s grave sits in the middle of the solar farm he and his family built after fleeing Fukushima. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR Hiroyuki Endo’s grave sits in the middle of the solar farm he and his family built after fleeing Fukushima. Claire Harbage/NPR Atop a small hill on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu sits a small solar farm with big, broad panels lined up in rows, tilting to catch the sun. Lush vegetation creeps over the edges of the surrounding fence. In the center of the panels, there’s a tall marble gravestone, with an inscription […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106993/72/1069937245_0:181:2911:1819_1200x675_80_0_0_d82f9df5102df4c8e9aeef038fc3e000.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/us/202009061080379402-us-judge-rules-alleged-accomplices-of-carlos-ghosn-can-be-extradited-to-japan/ Media reported that the ex-Nissan chairman fled Japan, where he was supposed to remain under house arrest on accusations of underreporting income and await trial, by private jet with the help of two US nationals. Two men, who reportedly helped former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn to escape to Lebanon, can be extradited to Japan, a US judge ruled on Saturday. Michael Taylor and his son Peter Taylor, who are wanted in Japan for facilitating Ghosn’s escape, were arrested by the US authorities in May. In late December, Ghosn officially announced that he arrived in his home […]
Typhoon Haishen is poised to make landfall in southwestern Japan Sunday, bringing with it heavy rains and lashing winds. Forecasters predict it will then head toward the Korean peninsula. AP hide caption toggle caption AP Typhoon Haishen is poised to make landfall in southwestern Japan Sunday, bringing with it heavy rains and lashing winds. Forecasters predict it will then head toward the Korean peninsula. AP A powerful typhoon is making its way toward southwestern Japan, forcing authorities to urge caution and prepare for powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Japan’s meteorological agency said Typhoon Haishen had sustained winds of up 112 miles […]
While announcing a $266 billion COVID relief package in May, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a call for a self-reliant economy that envisages import substitution and an export push through local manufacturing. In a move that will help India gain an advantage amid companies shifting their manufacturing base out of China in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has included India and Bangladesh in a list of relocation destinations. Japan provides a subsidy to its manufacturers who shift their base out of China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Welcoming Japan’s decision to add India to the subsidy destination […]
A photo dated Sept. 4 provided by Japan’s 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters shows an unmanned life boat drifting near Kodakarajima island. Japanese authorities are racing to find dozens of missing sailors from a cargo ship that sank in a typhoon. 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters/AFP via Getty Images A photo dated Sept. 4 provided by Japan’s 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters shows an unmanned life boat drifting near Kodakarajima island. Japanese authorities are racing to find dozens of missing sailors from a cargo ship that sank in a […]
The 11,947-ton Gulf Livestock 1 cargo vessel sails through Port Phillip Heading into Bass Strait Victoria in Australia, in April 2019. Japanese rescuers were searching Thursday for the livestock ship carrying more than 40 crew members and thousands of animals. Graham Flett/AP hide caption toggle caption Graham Flett/AP The 11,947-ton Gulf Livestock 1 cargo vessel sails through Port Phillip Heading into Bass Strait Victoria in Australia, in April 2019. Japanese rescuers were searching Thursday for the livestock ship carrying more than 40 crew members and thousands of animals. Graham Flett/AP A ship carrying more than 40 crew members and some 6,000 […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/09/01/1080332733_0:194:3072:1922_1200x675_80_0_0_ac79859576d706fb273dc17d3fa926c6.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202009011080332763-4-injured-in-japan-as-powerful-typhoon-hits-okinawa-over-240-flights-cancelled—reports/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – At least four people were wounded in Japan as Typhoon Maysak hit the country’s southern Okinawa region, media reported. More than 240 flights to and from the Okinawa region were canceled because of the typhoon, which has caused power shutdowns in at least 30,000 households, NHK broadcaster said. Typhoon Maysak is now traveling north-west with maximum sustained winds of 45 metres per second (100 miles per hour) and gusts of up to 65 metres per second (145 miles per hour). The typhoon is expected to weaken slightly on Wednesday, as it […]
US scientists are continuing to sound the alarm on the potential environmental and agricultural threats posed by the Asian giant hornet – or “murder hornet” – as sightings and captures of the slaughterous insect have been on the rise in Washington. However, recent efforts to trap the invasive insect have yielded just a single specimen. Whatcom County, Washington, officials announced on Friday that a beekeeper from the Evergreen State had recently delivered a successfully trapped specimen that was later confirmed to be a deceased Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia). The insect captured by the beekeeper was recorded as one of the […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo-itemprop.png Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/world/202008291080311905-japan-us-agree-to-further-cooperate-to-develop-new-missile-defence-system/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – Japanese Defence Minister Taro Kono and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper have agreed to further cooperate on developing a new missile defence system, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported on Saturday. The agreement was reached during a meeting in Guam focused on security cooperation and partnership, as well as regional issues. According to the news agency, the officials discussed interaction in missile defence after Japan abruptly refused to deploy US Aegis Ashore land-based missile defence systems. In addition, the ministers discussed the situation in East China and South China seas in connection […]
Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, decided to resign Friday ostensibly because of his health, but also because he fears the unpleasant and unhealthy conditions of a Japanese prison. At a press conference, he cited his painful stomach condition ulcerative colitis as the reason for stepping down, but he leaves at a time when his ratings are plummeting and he is under at least one criminal investigation, with the public clamoring for the reopening of other cases. Abe is not resigning; he is escaping. He is under investigation by the Japanese prosecutors for violations of election laws, similar to those his former […]
Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has resigned, citing health issues. He is going to head the government until the next PM is appointed. Sputnik has spoken to Shinichi Nishikawa, a professor from the Department of Political Science and Economics at Meiji University in Tokyo, to discuss the issue. Sputnik: How do you assess the prime minister’s resignation from a political perspective? Shinichi Nishikawa: The coronavirus pandemic has become a real “national disaster”. In this context, it is irresponsible to change the country’s leadership. I believe that the health of the prime minister, who has always shown a high sense of […]
BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – The leaders of the European Union, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, on Friday thanked outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for contributing to building stronger relations between Japan and the EU. “I would like to thank PM [Shinzo Abe] for the close and strong partnership the #EU & #Japan have built under his leadership. You have helped make Japan a pillar of today’s multilateral system. I wish you good health and hope to meet you again soon, my friend,” President of the European Council Michel tweeted. His sentiment was echoed by President of the European Commission […]
On August 20, the U.S. Marine Corps announced that 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Marines conducted a Joint Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team rapid deployment drill in support of continued Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force training here. According to a recent service news release, the Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) continues to conduct essential, realistic training while adhering to strict COVID-19 safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and are prepared to deploy in support of our allies and partners throughout the region. The MEB executed the drill with support from two MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st […]
Two Russian Tu-95MS bombers have been escorted by Japanese fighter jets during a routine military exercise over the Sea of Japan, Russia’s Ministry of Defence has said. The nuclear-capable planes were flying over neutral waters. The bombers were cruising above the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea in Russia) and the northwestern Pacific Ocean, as part of a pre-planned military drill. “The flight duration was more than seven hours. At some stages of the route, Russian aircraft were accompanied by Japanese Air Force fighters,” the Defense Ministry, in Moscow, said on Wednesday. Russian long-range strategic bombers regularly fly […]
On Tuesday, Pacific Air Forces reported that U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Japan Air Self Defense Force aircraft conduct a large-scale joint and bilateral integration training exercise Aug. 18, 2020. Four B-1B Lancers, two B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers, and four F-15C Eagles conducted Bomber Task Force missions simultaneously within the Indo-Pacific region over the course of 24 hours. Pacific Air Forces routinely conducts BTF operations to show the United States’ commitment to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – “Our unique strength as an Air Force is our ability to […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106529/37/1065293712_0:156:3000:1844_1200x675_80_0_0_e61c8c49e04d87460821079e39df3937.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/military/202008181080208948-us-conducts-air-drills-with-japan-other-partners-in-indo-pacific-region/ WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – US bombers and F-15 fighter jets conducted drills with Japanese and other allied partners in the Indo-Pacific, the Defence Department said on Tuesday. “Pacific Air Forces launched four B-1 Lancers, two B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers, and four F-15C Eagles and conducted Bomber Task Force missions simultaneously with joint and allied partners within the Indo-Pacific region over the course of 24 hours”, the release read. These simultaneous air-power missions, the release added, demonstrated US capacity to quickly deploy forces to defend the Indo-Pacific theater. Two B-1s from Guam joined two B-1s deployed […]
Japan’s military scrambled fighter aircraft to intercept Russian Ilyushin Il-20M radar reconnaissance and electronic intelligence aircraft, it said on 14 August. According to the statement, Japan scrambled fighter jets on Friday to warn Russian IL-20M (RF-75936) warplane it said had entered its air space identification zone over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan. The Ilyushin Il-20M is an upgraded electronic signals intelligence aircraft based on a 1950s-era turboprop-powered plane. Spy plane carries a wide array of antennas, optical and infrared sensors, and side-looking radar, as well as satellite communication equipment. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – Electronic signals intelligence, […]
The central bank’s most senior economist now runs the department responsible for the digital currency task force and working group with other central banks. Source link
U.S. aerospace giant Boeing has reported that it signed a Direct Commercial Sale agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to support upgrades to Japan’s F-15J fleet. The contract is part of a larger $4.5 billion modernization program, announced by the U.S. Government in October 2019. The upgrades will introduce state-of-the-art electronic warfare and weapons. An all-new advanced cockpit system, running on the world’s most advanced mission computer, will deliver pilots enhanced situational awareness. Under the agreement, Boeing will provide MHI with retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications for the upgrade of the first two F-15J aircraft to the Japan […]
The head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said last week his top priority is establishing an Aegis Ashore system on Guam by 2026. New air defenses will help protect U.S. citizens and forces in Guam; but as Japan’s government found, Aegis Ashore may not be the best option to protect military and civilian targets from growing and improving Chinese and North Korean missile threats. Guam is pivotal to U.S. and allied military posture in the Western Pacific. Home to Andersen Air Force Base and Apra Harbor, it is far enough from adversaries like China and North Korea to negate the threat from […]
MELBOURNE, Australia — American firm Boeing has signed an agreement with Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to support upgrades to Japan’s fleet of F-15 fighter jets. The agreement, made through the U.S. Direct Commercial Sales process, is part of a larger $4.5 billion modernization program for 98 of Japan’s F-15J/DJ Eagle interceptors ordered through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process and approved by the U.S. State Department in 2019. Boeing will provide MHI with retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications for the upgrade of the first two F-15J aircraft to the Japan Super Interceptor configuration, also known as F-15JSI. […]
As American school officials debate when it will be safe for schoolchildren to return to classrooms, looking abroad may offer insights. Nearly every country in the world shuttered their schools early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have since sent students back to class, with varying degrees of success. I am a scholar of comparative international education. For this article, I examined what happened in four countries where K-12 schools either stayed open throughout the pandemic or have resumed in-person instruction, using press reports, national COVID-19 data and academic studies. Here’s what I found. Israel: Too much, too soon Israel took stringent […]
The Bank of Japan is warming to digital currencies and now has a team dedicated to researching a possible digital yen. Source link
MELBOURNE, Australia — In its latest whitepaper, Japan has discussed its impending acquisition of F-35B fighter jets and highlighted efforts by regional militaries to expand their influence and activities despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The full document, released July 14 in Japanese, contains a section on the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing variant of the Lockheed Martin aircraft, noting that with regional countries making “remarkable progress” in air power modernization, the country needed to respond in kind.. The whitepaper highlighted the operational flexibility of the F-35B, noting the jet’s ability to operate without the need for long runways, which would enable the Japan Air Self-Defense […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/07/0f/1079890276_0:33:2903:1665_1200x675_80_0_0_d86f577efb3dae2d6a13107297bbbf10.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/photo/202007151079890729-Telexistences-Kangaroo-Robot-Tokyo-Shops-Prepare-to-Welcome-New-Staff-Member/ According to the robot’s maker, its design is meant to help shoppers feel at ease because robots that look too human could make people feel uncomfortable. A shelf-stacking avatar robot developed to work in a convenience store was presented to the media in Tokyo last week. The robot’s maker, Telexistence, hopes that this new staff member will begin stacking drinks and ready meals on the shelves of a Japanese store next month. Check out Sputnik’s photo gallery to find out what this robot looks like (so as not to be embarrassed in case you […]
For the first time, Japan has unveiled a new version of its domestically developed ASM-3 supersonic anti-ship missile. The upgraded missile was spotted during Japan’s Vice Defense Minister Tomohiro Yamamoto visit at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Komaki Minami factory in Toyoyama, Aichi Prefecture. The ASM-3 is a long-range air-launched anti-ship missile designed for Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) F-2 multirole fighter jets. The missile’s guidance unit employs an active / passive radar composite seeker, and the passive radar has the ability to continue to track and defeat the jammer or radar section even if the active radar is disturbed or targeted by […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/07/0c/1079864849_0:86:2800:1661_1200x675_80_0_0_45a40ac07537561fc8edd7c582dd1dac.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202007141079876999-nearly-15000-houses-reportedly-suffer-damages-from-floods-landslides-in-japan/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – Almost 15,000 houses and residential buildings have been destroyed, damaged, or flooded as a result of the downpours predominantly in southwest Japan, the NHK broadcaster reported on Tuesday. Non-stop heavy rains have led to floods and landslides in many residential areas. According to the authorities, a total of 14,800 houses have suffered damages. The death toll from the natural disaster currently stands at 72, while 13 people remain missing. © REUTERS / Kyodo Police officers search missing people at the site of a landslide caused by heavy rain in Tsunagi town, […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/07/0e/1079876553_0:13:3071:1741_1200x675_80_0_0_ab42c1ddb07177669f2ed4c12e3b745f.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202007141079876584-japan-notes-advancing-military-cooperation-between-russia-china-in-fresh-defence-paper/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – Japan’s 2020 Defence White Paper published on Tuesday contains assessments of growing Russian-Chinese military cooperation, highlighted in a separate chapter. “In July 2019, two Russian Tu-95 long-range bombers carried out joint air patrol with two Chinese H-6 bombers from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea. In September 2019, Russian Minister of Defence Shoigu and, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission Zhang, signed a package of documents on military and military-technical cooperation,” the section of the document read. The White Paper also contains a general overview of […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/07/0c/1079864849_0:86:2800:1661_1200x675_80_0_0_45a40ac07537561fc8edd7c582dd1dac.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202007121079864879-death-toll-after-week-of-heavy-rain-in-japan-rises-to-70-13-still-missing–reports/ TOKYO (Sputnik) – The death toll in Japan after a week of torrential downpours that caused severe floods and landslides has risen to 70, the country’s media reported on Sunday, adding that 13 people are still missing. According to the NHK broadcaster, the death toll from the rains in the region has risen to 70, with the bulk of the deaths being recorded in Kumamoto prefecture. Thirteen people are also still missing. At least 12,600 homes and buildings in 20 prefectures have been destroyed, damaged, or flooded as a result of the downpours, the […]
Tokyo might’ve said that Aegis Ashore missile systems were too expensive and dangerous to use, but it hasn’t given up on building the American defense package completely, an informed source has told Reuters. In July, Japanese defense minister Taro Kono announced that plans to install two Aegis Ashore sites had been cancelled. The systems were too pricey, while the falling booster stages from their interceptor missiles could kill civilians on the ground, the minister explained. But a source with direct knowledge of the issue has now told Reuters that the decision wasn’t final. The unnamed official – it’s unclear if he […]
Russian Su-35S and MiG-35BM fighter jets intercepted U.S. Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint strategic reconnaissance aircraft over the Sea of Japan on Saturday, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said. The Russian military scrambled fighter planes after it saidRC-135W Rivet Joint strategic reconnaissance aircraft flying approached the state border of the Russian Federation over the neutral waters over the Sea of Japan. “For identification and interception of the target, Su-35S and MiG-31BM fighters from the Air Defense Forces of the Eastern Military District were scrambled, which, after approaching, identified it as a US Air Force reconnaissance aircraft RC-135,” the Ministry of Defense said. […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106428/23/1064282303_0:114:3236:1934_1200x675_80_0_0_a2b3ae378b4813070a6638472833c073.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/military/202007111079856532-russia-scrambles-2-fighters-to-intercept-us-spy-jet-over-sea-of-japan/ MOSCOW, (Sputnik) – Russian Su-35 and MiG-31 fighter jets were scrambled on Saturday to intercept the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft of the US air force over the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the Russian Defenсe Ministry said. “On 11 July, the Russian airspace surveillance identified an air target over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan [East Sea], flying in the direction of the state border of the Russian Federation”, the ministry said in a statement. Russian fighter jets escorted the reconnaissance aircraft at a safe distance and returned to the home base after […]
Crypto trading platform bitFlyer is developing a digital wallet for Brave browser users in Japan, the companies announced Thursday. Ryotaro Chikaki, Brave’s chief marketing officer for Asia, told CoinDesk via email the wallet feature was already available to Brave users outside Japan, and that the development of a crypto wallet is essential to “realize a new ecosystem.” “We decided to work with bitFlyer as they’re the largest exchange in Japan with high trust by users for its security standard,” Chikaki said. “Also, they are one of the key players in crypto-asset and blockchain technology. For Brave, it was a natural choice […]
Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) deployed the first V-22 Osprey aircraft to Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture amid safety protests in Saga. The newest Osprey arrived at the Camp Kisarazu, east of Tokyo, where the government plans to home the 17 Ospreys for up to five years until they are permanently deployed to an airport in Saga Prefecture. The U.S.-made aircraft landed at the camp shortly after 4 p.m. on Friday, after a four-day delay due to bad weather. The Defense Ministry says the GSDF will start flights of the craft as early as August, but that it may start […]
The U.S. State Department has given the green light for Japan to buy F-35A Conventional TakeOff and Landing (CTOL) and F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft, a deal that could be worth about $23.11 billion. Congress was notified of the sale July 9, according to an announcement posted to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s website. Congress is required to approve the deal. The sale will include 63 F-35A, 42 F-35B stealth fighter jets, 110 Pratt and Whitney F135 engines, Electronic Warfare Systems; Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence/Communications, Navigation and Identification; Autonomic Logistics Global Support System and communications systems […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107603/42/1076034258_0:69:3395:1979_1200x675_80_0_0_a2521e8c051af097bc4f5dcd7f86200e.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/military/202007101079842198-over-100-f-35-fighter-jets-to-be-sold-to-japan-for-more-than-231-billion-pentagon-says/ WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The US State Department has approved a possible $23.11 billion sale of 105 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Japan, the Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release. “The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan of one hundred five (105) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $23.11 billion”, the release said on Thursday. The government of Japan has requested 63 F-35A variant aircraft and 42 F-35b variant aircraft, 110 Pratt and […]
The approved package includes 63 F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft and 42 F-35 short takeoff and landing variants, and essentially green-lighting the procurement plans spelled out by Japan in 2018. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale, which is worth about $23 billion, although that number could change during negotiations between the country and Lockheed Martin, which would start after Congress approves the sale. Also included in the arms deal is: 110 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines, associated electronic warfare and communications systems, the Autonomic Logistics Information System, training gear, infrared flares, a performance-based logistics package, […]
MELBOURNE, Australia — Japan has created a timeline for the development and fielding of its locally made next-generation fighter jet, with serial production set to start at the beginning of the next decade. The Japanese Ministry of Defense presented the draft development plan for the fighter program to a group of lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Tuesday, which showed that full-scale production is due to begin in 2031. The ministry added that the prime contractor for the program will be selected by early next year, although it could happen as soon as October 2020. This is to allow […]
On July 7, Japan’s Vice Defense Minister Tomohiro Yamamoto visited the research center for aviation and rocket technology of the Self-Defense Forces, located in a suburb of Tokyo. The official got acquainted with the progress in implementing promising defense programs, in particular with R&D for a new generation fighter of national development and weapons systems for it. Japan’s Vice Defense Minister also posted a picture to its Twitter account that included what looked like a hypersonic guided missile able to attack both ships or ground targets. According to a local source, this is a new hypersonic anti-ship missile developing by Acquisition, […]
How much does it cost to be spirited out of Japan in a specially converted musical equipment case? At least $862,000, since you are asking. That is the amount of money allegedly transferred by the fugitive former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn to a company controlled by the sons of Mike Taylor, 59, the former U.S. Green Beret who is currently under arrest for his alleged role in helping the millionaire executive flee Japan disguised as a double bass. However sources told the Financial Times, which reported on new court documents revealing the amount Wednesday, that this may have just been a […]
Nature is characterized by the concept of survival of the fittest and is often brutal and unfair. For penguins, this means having to get creative when nature calls while they’re protecting their nests. Achinstrap and Adélie penguins are reluctant to leave their eggs unguarded in the nest, even when they need to relieve themselves. Since doing their duty in the nest would make for an uncomfortable home space, a penguin looking after eggs will instead point its rear end away from the nest and fire a projectile of fecal matter, which lets it keep the nest clean without ever leaving the […]
Inundated houses due to heavy rain are shown from above in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture on July 4, 2020. STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images Inundated houses due to heavy rain are shown from above in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture on July 4, 2020. STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images At least 15 people are presumed dead and several more are missing after torrential rains pounded southern Japan on Saturday, flooding residential areas, causing mudslides and knocking out power for thousands. Officials asked more than 200,000 people to evacuate. Fourteen of those found without vital signs […]
In the wake of a US Marine being reprimanded for violating social distancing rules on Okinawa, the family member of another Marine has been recorded as the service’s first COVID-19 infection on the island. A Thursday statement from Marine Forces Japan detailed that the family member case of the novel coronavirus was the first on the island prefecture since April 30. The release went on to detail that the family member had returned from the US on June 19 and authorities and Navy health officials are now performing contact tracing “to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed,” reported Stars and […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107688/94/1076889494_0:181:1920:1261_1200x675_80_0_0_eb088751696eec7fdc158ad729053c20.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/military/202007011079762597-us-marine-in-japan-accused-of-punching-local-man-while-violating-covid-19-restrictions-/ A US Marine based in Okinawa, Japan, was arrested by police Sunday after allegedly punching a 21-year-old local college student at a nightclub in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture. Cpl. John William Thomas III, 24, of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Hansen, was arrested on suspicion of assault outside the nightclub in Naha’s Kumoji neighborhood at around 4:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, Military.com reported. US Marines are currently not allowed to visit bars and nightclubs in Japan due to restrictions intended to contain the spread of the COVID-19 novel […]
The new research is expected to aid studies aimed at neutron stars, as the interiors of these celestial bodies “may provide the conditions” under which the particle mentioned in the study could exist. Scientists at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) in Japan have predicted that adding a particle known as Xi hyperon to a helium nucleus with three nucleons could produce a temporary stable nucleus, phys.org reports. As the media outlet explains, normal atomic nuclei consist of protons and neutrons (known collectively as nucleons), which in turn are comprised of up to three quarks; and while there are […]
TOKYO (Sputnik) – The government of Japan is inclined to authorize use of force by patrol vessels of its Self-Defence Forces to protect Japanese commercial vessels in the Middle Eastern waters, national media reported on Sunday. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun daily, the government’s opinion is that should a Japanese commercial vessel be attacked by a third party vessel while there is a Japanese patrol ship in immediate vicinity, the latter’s use of force would not be in violation of the constitution’s Article 9, dubbed “peaceful” and prohibiting Tokyo from using force for settling international conflicts. Last June, a tanker of […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107973/85/1079738549_0:204:2001:1329_1200x675_80_0_0_ba02a3bdfab9e1d3f9978d7cc596ffd4.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202006281079738579-seoul-aims-to-boost-marine-shipping-industry-ties-with-china-japan-amid-pandemic—report/ MOSCOW (Sputnik) – South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on Sunday that Seoul was planning to grow its ties with neighbouring China and Japan in the marine shipping industry to cope with COVID-19 pandemic by using advanced technologies, the state-run Yonhap news agency reported. According to the media outlet, the country is expected to discuss such prospects with Beijing and Tokyo during an online ministerial meeting scheduled for Monday. “South Korea, China, and Japan have been enjoying economic growth through specialization and cooperation, connected by marine logistics”, Oceans Minister Moon Seong-hyeok said, […]
A Japanese university has awarded the first-ever degree in ninja studies. Students at Japan’s Mie University can now answer the question “can I major in the study of ninjas,” with “shuriken!” Masters student Genichi Mitsuhashi, 45, spent two years examining historical documents on the true nature of the stealth fighters while perfecting his martial arts skills, reports AFP. In March, he completed the master’s course at Mie University in central Japan. Part of Mie Prefecture was once known as Iga Province and is considered to be where ninjas originated from. Mitsuhashi previously studied rural development at Kyoto University’s graduate school, and […]
The government of Japan’s recent decision to suspend work on its Aegis Ashore installation has raised concerns about the U.S.-Japan alliance and generated protests from missile defense advocates. Critics of the decision argue the system is needed to protect Japan from a North Korean ballistic missile attack and can do so more efficiently than today’s approach of using a flotilla of Aegis destroyers rotationally deploying to the Sea of Japan. The critics are partly right, as the program’s cost doubled from the government’s original optimistic estimates. However, at about $1.8 billion each, the two planned Aegis Ashore facilities are less expensive […]
TOKYO — Japan’s National Security Council has endorsed plans to cancel the deployment of two costly land-based U.S. missile defense systems aimed at bolstering the country’s capability against threats from North Korea, the country’s defense minister said Thursday. Taro Kono said the country will now revise its missile defense program and scale up its entire defense posture. The council made its decision Wednesday, and now the government will need to enter negotiations with the U.S. about what to do with payments and the purchase contract already made for the Aegis Ashore systems. Kono announced the plan to scrap the systems earlier […]
Last week, Japanese Defence Minister Taro Kono announced Tokyo’s readiness to suspend deployment of the US land-based missile system Aegis Ashore, citing the project’s high cost. Japanese public broadcaster NHK on Thursday reported that the country’s National Security Council may consider a replacement for the US missile defence system Aegis Ashore by October. Reuters, in turn, cited Japanese Defence Minister Taro Kono as saying that the country is considering acquiring a first-strike weapon as an alternative to Aegis Ashore, something that was earlier suggested by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Aegis Ashore Weapon System The developments come after Kono confirmed Japan’s decision […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107167/64/1071676491_0:155:3000:1842_1200x675_80_0_0_f1e589bb98a95079b2bdf6029c958f55.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/world/202006251079713692-japan-abandons-plans-to-deploy-us-aegis-ashore-missile-defence-system–reports/ MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Japan has abandoned its plans to deploy US Aegis Ashore land-based missile defence system, the Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday, citing Defence Minister Taro Kono. The suspension of the costly and controversial US-made defence system was announced suddenly last week. Kono said that the deployment of the US Aegis Ashore missile defence system in the country was no longer reasonable, as it would cost the budget some $1.86 billion to fix existing technical issues. In December 2017, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved plans to install two US-made Aegis Ashore […]
American and Japanese naval ships, aircraft and personnel take part in bilateral exercises while sailing together in the South China Sea amid increased Chinese activities in the region. In a release late Wednesday, Command Destroyer Squadron 7 reported the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kashima class-training vessel JS Kashima (TV-3508) and Shimayuki-class training vessel JS Shimayuki (TV-3513) jointly held a naval exercise in South China Sea. In the same region, were previously spotted Chinese electronic surveillance aircraft. Japan identified Chinese Shaanxi Y-9JB (GX-8) electronic warfare and surveillance plane flying along the […]
On Monday, Japan’s defense ministry said it scrambled fighter jets to intercept a People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force electronic surveillance aircraft over the Sea of Japan. Japan identified Chinese Shaanxi Y-9JB (GX-8) electronic warfare and surveillance plane flying along the borders. Subsequently, there have been no violations of the Japanese state borders. – Advertisement – The Chinese electronic surveillance aircraft is based on the airframe of the new Y-9 transport aircraft. The design incorporates high-mounted wings with drooping outer wing panels. The aircraft is recognisably different from the baseline transport aircraft in that it has several appendages and other fairings […]
Securitize Japan became the first global token issuance platform to join the Japan Security Token Offering Association (JSTOA), the company announced Thursday. The Japanese subsidiary of U.S.-based Securitize, the company token platform could not join the association until now because JSTOA only accepts Japanese-regulated entities into its ranks. Securitize co-founder and Chief Executive Carlos Domingo told CoinDesk that a leading Japanese financial services company, SBI Holdings, was one of the founding members of JSTOA, and is a Securitize shareholder. Six major Japanese brokerages created JSTOA as a self-regulatory organization last year in a bid to consolidate expertise on securities and develop […]
Despite the full version awaiting release, the book “The Room Where It Happened”, written by the former national security adviser to Trump, John Bolton, has already revealed juicy details on the president’s approach to foreign policy decision-making in teasers cited by media outlets. John Bolton, ex-Trump administration appointee, revealed in his memoir, a piece of which has been obtained by The Guardian, that the US president shared his opinion on world leaders, naming some as “closest to him” and being a lot less sympathetic toward others. In particular, Bolton wrote that Trump thought everything the French president, Emmanuel Macron, touches “turns to […]
Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighters, US Navy E/A-18G Growlers and two US Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers linked up over the Sea of Japan on Wednesday to conduct a number of training missions and demonstrate their joint readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. Pacific Air Forces detailed in a June 17 news release that US and Japanese service members were able to conduct a number of realistic, lengthy missions while demonstrating the forces’ “unwavering commitment to the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.” The B-52s were observed conducting long-range escort and intercept training with four F-2s and 12 F-15s of […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107957/01/1079570158_0:192:1200:867_1200x675_80_0_0_99731d2d53a07da5dcccb7bee63bcd72.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/videoclub/202006091079570251-sweet-toddler-loves-pet-cat/ We love our pets, as they are cherished members of the family. Oftentimes this love for our animals is best shown by children, as an adorable toddler recently demonstrated. Footage shared on Instagram captures Nagi, an adorable toddler residing in London and Tokyo, in a compiled series of loving moments over a recent weekend cuddling with Pimms, one of the family cats. The sweet tot who is a little over a year old already knows to be kind to one’s animal friend. Such precious companions! Source link
TOKYO—Hana Kimura’s bright pink hair, sometimes in semi-dreadlocks, signalled she was a rebel in Japan—a country where students are forced to dye their hair black to attend school, even if their natural hair color is something else entirely. She was a 22-year-old pro wrestler, and her speciality in the ring was the “big boots” kick: the flat of the foot into the opponent’s face. Japanese professional wrestling is a performance and a sport, just as it is in the United States, and Hana Kimura usually was cast as the villain—“the heel,” as they say here—facing off against a good guy or […]
Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces have demonstrated the capability of its new advanced fourth-generation main battle tanks, called the Type-10, during the annual live-fire exercise at the Higashi-Fuji firing range in Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture. The Type 10 is the main battle tank built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). The tank entered service with the JGSDF in 2012 and claims outstanding mobility. Type 10 is a new generation of Japanese tanks with improved capabilities for anti-armor combat, mobile strike and countering an attack against special operation units. According to JGSDF’s website, the most remarkable characteristic […]
A new report from the Center for Strategic and Intentional Studies tries to classify the six types of space weapons. Source link
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that Japan will lift a state of emergency for Tokyo and four remaining areas later in the day. Social distancing curbs were loosened for most of the country on May 14 as new infections fell, but the government has kept Tokyo and four other prefectures under watch. Abe also told reporters that it would still take considerable time to get back to normal life while controlling infection risks. Japan had managed to get the coronavirus infection under control in just one-and-a-half months, in its own way, he said, adding that this showed the strength […]
The suspected leak involves sensitive information about a prototype of a cutting-edge, high-speed gliding missile intended for deployment for the defense of Japan’s remote islands. Source link
Japan’s Ministry of Defense publicly unveiled the newest Howa Type 20 assault rifle, designed to replace the 5.56x45mm Type 89 that was adopted 30 years ago. The first time in over 30 years, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) members will get new assault weapons. The new assault rifles were displayed to the media on May 18 at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. As The Asahi Shimbun reported, the rifle will be indigenously produced in Japan by Howa. Each rifle is expected to cost around 275,000 yen – the equivalent to $2,600. This is calculated from the 2019-20 military budget. […]