Japan Launches Review of Key National Security Policies

Apr 28, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The Japanese government held the first meeting of an expert panel on April 27 to begin discussions on revising three key security-related documents, including the National Security Strategy.

During the session, participants called for stronger preparations for emerging forms of warfare, including consideration of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, expanding the use of unmanned systems, and enhancing capabilities that make use of AI, or artificial intelligence.

The 15-member panel is made up of security specialists as well as senior figures from the business community and media organizations. Kenichiro Sasae, former ambassador to the United States, was appointed chair of the group.

The panel is expected to compile recommendations for submission to the government in the coming months.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Typhoon No. 27 Forms as Typhoon No. 26 Passes Kanto

Typhoon No. 26 made its closest approach to the Kanto region on October 1 before heading north without making landfall, while a newly formed Typhoon No. 27 is expected to strengthen as it moves toward the Ogasawara Islands early next week, raising concerns about further unsettled weather across Japan as Tokyo extended its record-breaking streak of consecutive rainy days to 36.

First Emergency Bear Shooting Carried Out in Tokyo

Tokyo authorities carried out the capital's first emergency shooting of a captured bear in Hachioji after an adult Asiatic black bear was found caught in a trap near a residential area about 8 kilometers from Takao Station.

Japan's Population Falls to 122.97 Million

Japan's total population, including foreign residents, stood at 122.97 million as of October 1, 2025, down 3.17 million from the previous census in 2020, marking only the third decline since the national census began in 1920.

World’s First iPS Cell Heart Surgery Performed in Osaka

A woman in her 50s with severe heart failure underwent what was described as the world's first surgery using commercially available iPS cell-derived heart muscle sheets at an Osaka hospital on September 29, marking the first practical use of the regenerative treatment.

Tokyo Sets All-Time Record With Rain for 34 Straight Days

Tokyo recorded rain for a 34th consecutive day on September 29, setting a new all-time record for the capital, but the prolonged wet spell could finally end after Typhoon No. 26 passes the Izu Islands between the night of September 30 and the morning of October 1.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Former SDF Officer Admits Chinese Embassy Intrusion

A former Ground Self-Defense Force officer accused of entering the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo with a kitchen knife and threatening diplomatic staff admitted to trespassing and violating Japan's weapons laws at his first court hearing on October 1, but disputed whether his statements constituted criminal threats.

Tax Relief and Electoral Reform in Focus at Next Extraordinary Diet Session

Japan's government plans to convene an extraordinary Diet session on October 5, with proposed legislation to reduce the consumption tax on food and plans to cut the number of seats in the House of Representatives expected to be among the main issues.

Takaichi Pushes Intelligence Reform As Diet Battle Nears

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moved on September 28 to strengthen Japan’s intelligence functions as her government prepared for an extraordinary Diet session that is expected to test its ability to pass tax relief, defend its economic policy and manage rising security pressure from China.

Takaichi Faces Autumn Test After Trump Talks And BOJ Rate Hike

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is entering the autumn political season under growing pressure to show that her government can manage relations with Washington and Beijing while keeping Japan’s economic policy on a credible path after the Bank of Japan’s latest rate hike.

Takaichi Finalizes LDP Appointments After Returning From US

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi returned to Japan on the morning of September 24 following talks with US President Donald Trump and immediately headed to the Prime Minister's Office to finalize key appointments within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party ahead of an extraordinary Diet session in October.

Japan-US Leaders Hold Talks, Confirm Close Coordination on China

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump held talks at United Nations headquarters in New York in the early hours of September 23 Japan time, demonstrating the strength of the Japan-US alliance and confirming close cooperation on China ahead of an upcoming US-China summit.

Takaichi, Trump Confirm Alliance Unity

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump met in New York on September 22, confirming close cooperation on security and economic issues ahead of Trump’s planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Japan Warns of Anti-Japanese Sentiment Rising in China

China held commemorative events across the country on September 18 to mark the 95th anniversary of the Mukden Incident, the 1931 railway explosion that Japan's Kwantung Army used as a pretext to seize Manchuria and which became a major turning point in the deterioration of relations between Japan and China.

< 2 3 4 5 >