US Military Holding 'Valiant Shield' Training Exercise in Japan

Jun 14, 2024 | News On Japan

Jun 14, 2024 (NHK) - The US military is conducting a large-scale field training exercise in the Pacific region, including bases in Japan for the first time.

The US Indo-Pacific Command holds the exercise, Valiant Shield, every two years in Guam and elsewhere in the Pacific, involving the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other forces.

The 10th Valiant Shield that is taking place from June 7 to 18 is being conducted under a multinational framework for the first time. It covers a wider area than previous exercises.

On Thursday, three F-16 fighter jets based on the US mainland were seen arriving at the Hachinohe Air Base of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force in Aomori Prefecture.

Two other F-16s from the US mainland also landed at the Matsushima Air Base of the Air Self-Defense Force in Miyagi Prefecture.

Japan's Defense Ministry explains that the US fighter jets were involved in a drill designed to prepare them for a contingency in which a US air base in Japan came under attack and became unusable. In that case, the US fighters would be deployed to SDF bases instead.

The two Japanese air bases involved in the exercise are home to SDF fighter jets and reconnaissance planes. But it is believed this is the first time that US fighter jets have landed there as part of a training exercise.

Valiant Shield 2024 has seen the US military and the SDF holding joint drills in other locations in the country, such as Hokkaido, Kyushu, and the Pacific island of Ioto.

Analysts say the US decision to conduct part of the biennial exercise in Japan is aimed at strengthening its rapid-response capability in the event of a military contingency situation in areas surrounding Japan, apparently with China in mind.

Players to Watch When Japan Faces the Netherlands

Japan's World Cup campaign begins on June 14 when the Samurai Blue face the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium in Texas, a clash that will showcase some of the game's most talented players and pit two ambitious teams against one another in a crucial Group F opener. While Japan arrives without injured winger Kaoru Mitoma, one of its most recognizable stars, the squad still boasts a wealth of talent drawn from Europe's top leagues.

El Nino Returns, But Japan Faces Another Hot Summer

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that an El Niño phenomenon is believed to have developed this spring, warning that Japan is likely to experience above-average temperatures nationwide this summer despite the climate pattern's traditional association with cooler summers.

Narita Airport Advances Compulsory Land Acquisition for Runway

Narita International Airport Corporation is expected to announce next month that it will apply to the national government for project certification as part of the process to enable compulsory land acquisition for the construction of a new runway at Narita Airport, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Fire Destroys Historic Arima Inari Shrine

A fire broke out at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort area in Kobe on the night of June 9th, destroying multiple buildings and leaving an elderly Shinto priest and his wife with minor injuries.

Japan National Team Holds First Training Session in Nashville

Japan's national soccer team arrived in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 8th from Monterrey, Mexico, where it had been conducting a pre-World Cup training camp, and held its first practice session at its base camp for the FIFA World Cup in North America.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Imperial Family Reform Plan Advances as Parliament Seeks to Preserve Royal Numbers

Japan's parliament is expected to formally adopt a proposal on June 10th aimed at maintaining a stable number of Imperial Family members, endorsing measures that would allow female royals to retain their status after marriage and permit the adoption of male-line descendants from former imperial branches, while leaving the current line of succession unchanged.

Komeito May Join Centrist Reform Alliance

Komeito has begun considering a plan under which all of its Upper House lawmakers would join the Centrist Reform Alliance, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Nationalism on the rise: Anti-foreign rhetoric gains ground in Japan?

For several months, Japan has been moving in a more nationalist and conservative direction. The shift has been fuelled by economic challenges at home and growing regional tensions with China.

Controversy Erupts Over Prime Minister Takaichi’s Alleged Smear Video

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations that members of her campaign were involved in distributing online videos that disparaged rival candidates during the February House of Representatives election, with opposition parties intensifying their questioning in the Diet and demanding further clarification.

Japan Calls for Next Generation Hunters; Bear Sightings Exceed 50,000

The Japanese government approved its 2026 Environment White Paper at a Cabinet meeting on June 5th, warning that a record-high 50,000-plus bear sightings recorded nationwide during fiscal 2025 have become a serious threat to public safety while also highlighting growing concerns over Japan's aging hunting population and the need to train a new generation of hunters.

Prime Minister Takaichi Says 'I Won't Become a Paid Member'

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faced intense questioning in the House of Representatives Budget Committee on June 4th over allegations surrounding defamatory campaign videos, telling lawmakers she had not verified newly released audio published by Weekly Bunshun because she had no intention of becoming a paid subscriber to the magazine's online service.

Japan Weighs 1% Food Tax as Speedy Alternative to Zero

The Japanese government has presented estimates showing how long it would take to implement a reduction in Japan's consumption tax on food products, indicating that cutting the rate to either zero percent or 1 percent would require significant preparation time.

Cabinet Approves Supplementary Budget Including Middle East Contingency Reserve

The Japanese government approved a supplementary budget proposal exceeding 3 trillion yen on June 3rd, including the creation of a new contingency reserve aimed at responding to developments in the Middle East and addressing rising energy prices.

< 2 3 4 5 >