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January 31, 2026
 

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Gabriel Dominguez
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's diesel-electric-powered Uzushio submarine sails during an international fleet review to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the MSDF's founding, in Sagami Bay, off Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, in November 2022.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jan 28, 2026
Japan is considering nuclear subs. But are they worth the costs?
The strategic role that the vessels would play remains unclear, with questions brewing about Japan’s ability to deploy these boats between the late 2020s and early 2030s.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te visits a military camp in Taoyuan, Taiwan, in May 2024.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jan 22, 2026
With chips, investments and defense hikes Taiwan aims to appease Trump. Will it work?
The democratic island’s attempts to accommodate the White House’s priorities are critical for shoring up Taipei's crucial relationship with the U.S.
Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command operating area in November.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Jan 20, 2026
U.S. and Japan turn to drones to help offset China’s military advantages
From the United States’ reverse-engineering of Iranian drones to Japan’s building of a drone “shield,” the tech is changing the nature of warfare.
Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro speaks in Kuala Lumpur last July.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jan 18, 2026
As ASEAN chair, Philippines aims for ‘effective’ South China Sea code of conduct
The Philippine’s top diplomat, Theresa Lazaro, is aiming to tackle the daunting task that has eluded the Southeast Asian bloc for years.
An aircraft carrier carved out of ice is seen on display at the Harbin Ice World Park in Harbin, in China's northeast Heilongjiang province, on Dec. 17.
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jan 15, 2026
Chinese Navy’s goal of projecting power around globe gains steam
Long thought to be an ultimate ambition of Beijing, this may become a reality much sooner than anticipated.
A cargo ship is seen at the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong last April. China appears to be quietly contemplating an unconventional approach to rapidly boosting its naval power — transforming its vast commercial shipping fleet into an armada of makeshift warships.
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jan 12, 2026
Civilian or military? China turns to merchant fleet to boost military power.
In one example, a midsize cargo ship appeared to be fitted with advanced tech, including containerized missile launchers and a system for launching large drones.
China has banned the export of dual-use products to Japan following remarks about Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jan 7, 2026
China's dual-use export ban on Japan a decisive escalation
Established trade flows are at risk if the restrictions are fully implemented.
Rescue boats provided by Japan to Malaysia under the official security assistance program
JAPAN
Dec 26, 2025
Japan to expand military aid as OSA budget more than doubles
The Cabinet agreed on a 125% — or ¥10 billion — year-on-year increase in military aid funding, raising the budget to ¥18.1 billion ($116 million) for fiscal 2026.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi with New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins at the signing of the Japan-New Zealand Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement and the Japan-New Zealand Information Security Agreement, at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo on Friday
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 19, 2025
Japan and New Zealand upgrade security ties with two new deals
The deals are key to expanding bilateral and multilateral military activities as the partners seek to boost joint training exercises and enhance interoperability.
Japan’s top uniformed military officer, Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, listens during an interview with The Japan Times at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Monday.
JAPAN / FOCUS
Dec 18, 2025
SDF chief homes in on air defense as threats grow increasingly complex
The “central pillar” in responding to sophisticated threats, Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura said, is for Japan to establish an integrated air and missile defense system.
A mock model of the upgraded Mogami-class frigate is displayed during the Defense Security Equipment International Japan exhibition in the city of Chiba in May.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Dec 17, 2025
Japan has long had tough rules on arms exports. That may soon change.
Japan is likely to scrap long-standing limits on its exports of lethal arms next year — a move that will have lasting implications for the ostensibly pacifist country.
Flags of Solomon Islands and China flutter near the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing in July 2023. A new think-tank report has proposed quasi-allies Japan and Australia divide up efforts to boost ties with Pacific island nations in a bid to maintain critical supply lines and prevent China from gaining a military foothold in the region in the event of a war.
JAPAN
Dec 11, 2025
With eye on Beijing, Japan and Australia urged to divvy up Pacific island aid
An Australian think tank says the quasi-allies should work with the region to maintain supply lines and prevent China from gaining a military foothold in any war.
A member of the Ukrainian State Emergency Service attends a transfer ceremony of special vehicles from Japan to Ukraine in Kyiv in November 2023.
JAPAN / Politics
Dec 10, 2025
Ukraine eyes more nonlethal aid, long-term security ties with Japan: senior official
Kyiv hopes to transform what started as ad hoc, nonlethal aid into a long-term security partnership with Tokyo, the country’s deputy defense chief said.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (right) and his Australian counterpart, Richard Marles, stand in an Australian-made Bushmaster Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle ahead of a bilateral meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Sunday.
JAPAN
Dec 7, 2025
Japan and Australia launch new ‘strategic defense’ framework
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the move will help ensure the quasi-allies can work together more effectively and with greater strategic alignment.
Participants chat during the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit in Seoul on Sep. 10, 2024. Military systems infused with artificial intelligence are enabling soldiers not only to identify anomalies or threats that might be missed but also to quickly analyze large volumes of data to support critical decision-making on the battlefield.
WORLD / Politics
Dec 4, 2025
Canadian military’s cyber chief touts AI’s advantages but warns against ‘unquestioned’ use
The head of the country’s cybercommand has said that AI can provide critical battlefield advantages, but emphasized the need to prevent misuse.
A Filipino soldier fires a Javelin anti-tank weapon system during a live exercise as part of the annual U.S.-Philippines joint military exercises at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija province, Philippines, in April 2023.
WORLD / Politics
Nov 28, 2025
New U.S.-Philippine military task force could evolve into multinational unit
Task Force Philippines will likely become a larger, combined force featuring personnel from countries that have visiting-forces agreements with Manila, such as Japan.
Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta speaks during a recent interview with The Japan Times at navy headquarters in Manila.
JAPAN
Nov 26, 2025
Philippines seeks more retired MSDF patrol aircraft, navy chief says
The head of the Philippine Navy has said the service is interested in acquiring an additional five retired TC-90 aircraft from Japan to boost its surveillance capabilities.
Incoming U.S. Forces Korea commander Gen. Xavier Brunson speaks during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, in December.
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 19, 2025
Upside-down map highlights role South Korea could play in regional crisis
The move is the latest step by the U.S. to make clear that it views its forces as having “strategic flexibility” in countering not just North Korea but also China.
(From left) Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Foreign Minister Sugiono, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attend a joint press announcement after their meeting at Iikura Guest House in Tokyo on Monday.
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 18, 2025
Japan and Indonesia zero in on maritime security as they agree to boost defense ties
The move could also open up opportunities for trilateral cooperation with Australia following Jakarta’s announcement of plans to upgrade a key defense agreement with Canberra.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi shakes hands with his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, during a visit to the Yokosuka naval base, Kanagawa Prefecture, on Monday in this image posted to Koizumi's X account.
JAPAN / Politics
Nov 17, 2025
Indonesia’s defense chief inspects MSDF vessels as talk of exports grows
Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with Defence Minister Shinjuro Koizumi in Tokyo ahead of a third round of “two-plus-two” talks between both countries’ foreign and defense ministers.
University of Tokyo Hospital head resigns over recent scandals involving staff
University of Tokyo Auditorium
Japan is getting creative with its response to the weak yen
A monitor at the foreign exchange trading company Gaitame.com in Tokyo displays the yen exchange rate against the U.S. dollar at the company's dealing room on Monday.
LDP on track to win standalone majority in general election
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reacts to the audience during a stump speech in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Hiroshima Carp infielder arrested over 'zombie cigarette'
Hiroshima Prefectural Police have arrested Ryutaro Hatsuki, a 25-year-old infielder for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, for allegedly using etomidate, a designated drug also known as the "zombie cigarette."
Are foreign nationals actually dodging their medical bills in Japan?
Travelers at Narita Airport. A new policy package from Japan's government put a spotlight on foreign patients not paying medical fees as a major topic to address, but it may not only be a matter of them dodging the bill.
Time for a revamped Japan-U.K. strategic architecture
British and Japanese flags are displayed ahead of a welcome ceremony as the HMS Prince of Wales, flagship of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group, arrives at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in August.
Are foreign nationals actually dodging their medical bills in Japan?
Travelers at Narita Airport. A new policy package from Japan's government put a spotlight on foreign patients not paying medical fees as a major topic to address, but it may not only be a matter of them dodging the bill.
JIP struggles with perception and unity ahead of Lower House election
Leader of the Japan Innovation Party Hirofumi Yoshimura delivers his first campaign speech for the House of Representatives election in Tokyo on Tuesday.
Japan is considering nuclear subs. But are they worth the costs?
The Maritime Self-Defense Force's diesel-electric-powered Uzushio submarine sails during an international fleet review to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the MSDF's founding, in Sagami Bay, off Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, in November 2022.
Centrists vs. conservatives? It’s not that simple.
Centrist Reform Alliance co-leaders Yoshihiko Noda (second from left) and Tetsuo Saito (third from left) cheer at the launch of their party at the parliament building in Tokyo on Thursday.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

The reflection of one of Ueno Zoo’s twin pandas is seen at their enclosure. The animals’ popularity has prompted concern among local businesses that their departure could hurt foot traffic in surrounding neighborhoods.
What happens when the pandas leave Ueno?
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