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
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
The 10 best castles in Japan, as chosen by experts and fans
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
The 10 best castles in Japan, as chosen by experts and fans
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
This Osaka laundromat wants to clean more than your clothes; it also wants to clean you
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Burger King Japan’s newest all-you-can-eat burger deal is its smelliest yet
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Japan’s first made-to-order natto store will make you fermented beans without the putrid smell
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
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
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
This Osaka laundromat wants to clean more than your clothes; it also wants to clean you
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Burger King Japan’s newest all-you-can-eat burger deal is its smelliest yet
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Japan’s first made-to-order natto store will make you fermented beans without the putrid smell
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
10 Japanese expressions that sound delightfully strange and funny when translated
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Two Piece 【Episode #1】
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Death Vote 【Episode #6】
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Leave a Reply