Japan has enacted a bill to incorporate space operations into the Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF). This move will lead to the renaming of the ASDF by the end of fiscal 2026, marking the first name change for any branch of the Self-Defense Forces since its establishment in 1954.

China has expressed concern over Japan's decision to send members of its Self-Defense Forces to NATO's Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces fired an anti-ship missile at a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship during a joint drill with the US and allies off the coast of Paoay in the northern Philippines, facing the South China Sea.

Japan is considering revising its Self-Defense Forces Act to allow the export of surplus defense equipment, a move a Chinese expert views as pushing Tokyo toward remilitarization.

The number of emergency scrambles by the Japan Self-Defense Forces against potentially invading aircraft was approximately 600 last fiscal year, marking the lowest figure in the past decade, according to the Ministry of Defense.

Japanese official Koizumi stated that a Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officer's performance at an LDP convention was not a political act. Opposition parties had argued it violated Article 61 of the Self-Defense Forces law, which restricts political activities by SDF members.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces carried out foreign military asset protection activities 11 times in 2025 under national security laws, primarily for the U.S. and British militaries.

A recent poll indicates that support for the Takaichi Cabinet has dipped to 58%, while 49% of respondents oppose the dispatch of Japan's Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East.

A member of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) reportedly broke into the Chinese Embassy in Japan, an incident a Chinese expert claims exposes growing far-right ideology within the SDF.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are reorganizing major units, a move interpreted by Chinese experts as having offensive traits and potentially challenging the post-WWII order, with China reportedly in mind.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that no decision has been made regarding the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz, despite G7 chair France considering escorting vessels amid ongoing blockades.

An incident involving a US boat highlights the presence of exile groups advocating insurgency in Cuba, a marginal but historically significant strategy within the opposition.

Japan has denied China's claim that its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) harassed a Chinese aircraft carrier group. Tokyo rejected the accusation, maintaining its position on the incident.

Japan will send four Self-Defense Forces officers to the NATO Security Assistance and Training Organization for Ukraine, marking the first time it has done so, to assist in planning and coordinating security assistance.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces have conducted their first-ever firing of anti-ship missiles during joint military exercises with the Philippines. The missiles struck a decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette approximately 75 kilometers off the coast of Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Members of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party in the House of Councillors have established a parliamentary league to promote constitutional reform, focusing on issues like explicitly mentioning the Self-Defense Forces and resolving "gappei" (combined electoral districts). They plan to hold public dialogue sessions to advance their agenda.

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi reiterated his view that Self-Defense Forces members singing the national anthem at a party convention did not violate the SDF law, but admitted there were issues with information sharing within the Ministry of Defense.

A discussion has emerged regarding whether Tokyo should apologize for an incident involving a Self-Defense Forces officer breaking into the Chinese Embassy, with considerations on the cultural implications of apologies.

The Mainichi newspaper features a news quiz asking about public support for sending Japan's Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East.

Japan will send Self-Defense Forces personnel, including 'combat' troops, to participate in the annual Balikatan military exercises in the Philippines for the first time, marking a new milestone in regional security cooperation.

The commander of US forces in Japan has indicated a commitment to accelerating the reorganization plan aimed at strengthening cooperation with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in preparation for contingencies.

The Japanese government has decided to allow its police and self-defense forces to access and neutralize sources of cyberattacks starting October 1st, aiming for proactive defense and deterrence against threats.

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi inspected a Self-Defense Forces base in Miyagi Prefecture damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, vowing to apply lessons learned to future disaster prevention and strengthen equipment and training.

The Philippine military conducted its first joint exercise with Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the US military near the Bashi Channel, located between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Japan's Ministry of Defense has begun concrete discussions, including the creation of a new organization, to enhance support for retired Self-Defense Forces personnel and their families, covering financial aspects and welfare.

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi inspected a Self-Defense Forces base in Hokkaido, stressing the importance of maintaining a robust defense system due to increased Russian military activity in the Far East.

A forest fire in Ōtsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, has been contained with no further spread, but over 1000 firefighters and self-defense forces are still working to extinguish remaining hotspots that could reignite.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces are slated to participate in the Balikatan exercise, a move that a Chinese expert claims exposes Tokyo's attempt to revive its militarism.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated that Self-Defense Forces members singing the national anthem at a Liberal Democratic Party convention does not violate the SDF law restricting political activities. However, he acknowledged that it could lead to political misunderstanding and should be reflected upon.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have set a new target to increase the proportion of women in their ranks to 13% by March 2036, up from the current 9%. This initiative aims to enhance diversity and address recruitment challenges.

China's Foreign Minister has questioned the kind of ideas instilled by the Self-Defense Forces in a military officer who broke into the Chinese Embassy.

Japan is considering whether to dispatch Self-Defense Forces (SDF) minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz, with the decision dependent on the situation and legal basis.

China has accused a member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces of breaking into its embassy in Tokyo, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

While government officials deny the possibility of an immediate Self-Defense Forces deployment, U.S. calls for support mean discussions are sure to intensify.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary announced that a Self-Defense Forces transport aircraft will be on standby in the Maldives to evacuate Japanese citizens from the Middle East.