Japan

Lt. Gen. Nagumo Kenichiro is the first head of Japan’s Joint Operations Command. The new Command aims to strengthen the effectiveness of joint operations among the three Self-Defence Forces, especially considering the complex security environment.

Yonaguni Island is experiencing militarisation due to its proximity to Taiwan. The build-up includes radar sites, missile units, the Japanese Self-Defence Force's Camp Yonaguni, and expansion of the port and airport.

The author argues that choosing the Mogami design over the German Meko A-200 would strengthen interoperability between Australia and Japan. The acquisition would also deepen industrial cooperation and capability thus enhancing regional security and leveraging Japan's maritime expertise.

Australia and Japan have signed a bilateral agreement to jointly develop robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) for undersea warfare.

Women form part of Japanese Self Defence Force (JSDF) Marine Unit Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.

The world's first lithium-ion battery powered submarine is able to undertake faster and longer underwater missions.

Japan’s recently reshuffled parliament has 5 women out of 19 ministers; however this has not represented an overall improvement in women’s positions within the Government.

The railgun is framed specifically as a protective measure. It is designed to stop incoming attacks via air or sea, by firing high-speed bullets.

Kaizen is widely associated with Toyota, which made the practice famous in its factories. The term literally translates as ‘good change’, and the general concept dates all the way back to ancient Rome.

During WW2, the Japanese released 9,000 balloons, each carrying a bomb—1,000 balloons reached the USA—apart from the party from Oregon, there were no other casualties.

Milne Bay is located on the easternmost tip of mainland PNG. During WW2, it was of significant strategic value as Japan would first have to capture Milne Bay to gain air superiority over the sea approaches to Port Moresby.

Japan has one of the world's lowest gun crime rates due to its strict laws on gun ownership—the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe using a homemade gun has horrified the Japanese public.

In the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, Japan defeated Russia paving the way for its expansion into Korea and Chinese Manchuria.

Australia and Japan have both agreed on the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA); the RAA is more important than it seems as it indicates that both Japan and Australia share a common strategic outlook.

This Dec 21 ASPI article argues that because it might take until 2040 before Australia acquires nuclear submarines, buying second-hand Japanese submarines might be worth exploring as an interim step.

Undersea cables are vulnerable to being tapped; therefore, Australia, Japan and the US are working together to maintain control over new undersea Pacific cables.

Japan and Vietnam are working together to ensure they are prepared to counter the growing number of cyberattacks; many of these attacks appear to originate from China.

The USA defeated the Japanese Navy at the Battle of Midway because of poor Japanese planning, groupthink, and the failure of the Japanese to allow any criticism of their flawed operational plan.

The Battle of Milne Bay PNG was a significant confidence booster for the WW2 Allies as it showed that Australia could beat the Japanese invaders.

This ASPI article argues that the strong Australia –Japan relationship is likely to continue under new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Australia's relationship with Japan has grown from one based on trade to one where mutual military cooperation is vital for the region's security.

Japan and the UK are forming a unique partnership to develop their combat fighter aircraft—a partnership which may have important lessons for Australia’s aircraft procurement programs.

Japan is planning to build its own fighter the F-X as an eventual replacement for the F-35.

The Japanese supercomputer the Fugaku—designed to deal with real-world problems such as climate change—is officially three times faster than any of its rivals.

Japan wants a closer relationship with Australia.