In the shadow of rising tensions in the East China Sea, Japan is holding live fire exercise in the foothills of Mount Fuji until Sunday. Japan has held annual military exercises aimed at protecting its northern territories along its maritime frontier with Russia, although present realities have led to Japan shifting its priorities to island defense.
The exercises, called Fire Power, are aimed at defending outlying Japanese islands from a hypothetical invasion. Fire Power is a first-of-its-kind exercise and follows new national defense guidelines.
The exercise included battle tanks, helicopters, and elite soldiers displaying tactics that could be used if Japan needs to defend, or retake, its island territory in the East China Sea. Altogether, the exercise included 2,300 troops, 20 aircraft, and 80 tanks and other armored vehicles.
Tensions have been steadily increasing in East Asia as China has flexed its muscle, laying claim to places like the Senkaku Islands, which Japan currently views as sovereign territory. The strained relationship between the nations has raised the specter of modern-day great power conflict, and led to direct military competition between Japan and China.
We have included some of the most striking images from the Japanese military exercise below.
In the decades after World War II, the Japanese military played a small role within the country.
Shizuo Kambayashi/AP
However, new policies put in place by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have expanded the nation’s military capabilities.
Yuya Shino/REUTERS
A constitutional reinterpretation conducted by Abe’s cabinet in July now allows Japan to play a greater role in collective self-defense measures.
Yuya Shino/REUTERS
Japan has sought to increase its military capabilities as tensions increase with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
Yuya Shino/REUTERS
Japan has also shifted its military exercises to island defense and island assault.
Shizuo Kambayashi/AP
Japan is establishing new military bases in its southern-most islands that are closer to China.
Yuya Shino/REUTERS
Japan has also expressed interest in further modernization of its armed forces, and is set to purchase several F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.
Yuya Shino/REUTERS
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese sangria is the most refreshing drink you’ll have all week【Recipe】
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Magical girl anime PreCure! has its own themed hotel rooms in Japan
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese sangria is the most refreshing drink you’ll have all week【Recipe】
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Magical girl anime PreCure! has its own themed hotel rooms in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free wallpapers to download and use as backgrounds for video calls
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Fists of Absinthe: Short film about samurai, ninja and drinking is just what your life’s missing!
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Studio Ghibli releases free wallpapers to download and use as backgrounds for video calls
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Fists of Absinthe: Short film about samurai, ninja and drinking is just what your life’s missing!
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Naruto ninja village theme park area, Kyubi coaster being added to Parc Spirou Provence【Pics】
This dorayaki spot is one of the best sweets shop in Tokyo that people don’t know about yet
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Leave a Reply