Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces and US Marines invited the media to watch some of their joint exercises aimed at strengthening the defenses of Japan’s remote islands.
On Friday, a drill was held on the islands of Tokunoshima and Kikaijima in Kagoshima Prefecture to simulate an operation to retake the remote island.
About 200 people in boats and amphibious vehicles landed on the coast of Tokunoshima.
About 100 Japanese workers parachuted onto Kikaijima from Japanese and American aircraft.
About 1,700 personnel from both sides are taking part in the joint exercises, which began on February 16 in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions.
This type of joint exercises began in the United States in 2006. It is the first time they have been held in Japan in response to China’s increased military activities around Japan’s Nansei Islands in the East China Sea.
GSDF Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade Chief Nashinoki Shingo said there are many small islands in Kyushu and Okinawa, so the exercise is directly linked to actual operations.
He also said that the joint exercises will contribute to the stability of Japan and the surrounding regions.
Brigadier General Fridrik Fridriksson, commanding general of the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade, said he welcomed the SDF’s intention to conduct joint exercises at various facilities across Japan.
He said he looks forward to opportunities that allow the Marine Corps to grow with its partners.
Joint exercises will last until March 12.