– Medium – Tokyo’s aircraft carriers once ruled the waves; could they make a comeback?

– US Naval War College Review – A century later, as we observe the relative balance of economic and military powers shifting to Asia and the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Mahan’s teachings on geography are again instructive, as once seemingly insignificant bodies of water and island chains take on a new importance in regional security matters.

– BBC – Japan says it may release evidence to prove a Chinese naval frigate locked its fire-control radar onto a Japanese ship near disputed islands.

– BBC – Who do the Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands belong to? The short answer is I don’t know.

– Associated Press – Japanese military officials said they were keeping a close eye on seven Chinese warships spotted in waters off a southern island Tuesday. It was unclear whether the ship movements were related to a territorial dispute that has prompted both countries to show off their maritime muscles.

– Reuters – The United States and Japan are discussing system upgrades for a pair of Japanese destroyers to boost defenses against a ballistic missile attack.

– The Diplomat – In the third of a series on Asia-Pacific navies, Alessio Patalano argues that Japan has had no choice but to develop a powerful navy.

– New York Times – In what would be a sweeping overhaul of its cold war-era defense strategy, Japan is about to release new military guidelines that would reduce its heavy armored and artillery forces pointed north toward Russia in favor of creating more mobile units that could respond to China’s growing presence near its southernmost islands.

– Defense Technology International – Japan’s decision to increase the size of its submarine force to 24 from 18 is a major response to the rise of Chinese military power and presumably not the last.

Defense Technology International – Japan’s Deep Game in Okinawa

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama is taking a beating from opponents of U.S. bases in Japan for reversing his decision on keeping a Marine Corps airbase on Okinawa. But his reward will be a substantially reinforced, air-launched, tactical ballistic and cruise missile defense for his island nation whose area of responsibility extends to within about 30 mi. of China’s coast.

Yomiuri Shimbun – Mega-China Changing Japan-China relations / Chinese Navy shows flag off Okinotorishima

China’s rapid rise is causing ever-widening repercussions in its relationship with Japan.

Associated Press – Japan wary of Chinese military vessels

Two Chinese submarines and several warships were spotted in international waters off Japan’s southern island of Okinawa at the weekend, and Tokyo is investigating what the military vessels were doing there, the defense minister said Tuesday.

Bangkok Post – Japan refuelling ships end Afghan mission

Japanese naval ships returned home on Saturday ending a refuelling mission for US-led military efforts in Afghanistan, while its peacekeeping troops are now set to depart for quake-hit Haiti.

Daily Telegraph – Japan to build fleet’s biggest helicopter destroyer to fend off China

Japan is set to commission the largest destroyer to join its fleet in response to a Chinese military buildup.

New York Times – Japanese Destroyer Hits South Korean Ship

A Japanese navy destroyer collided with a South Korean freighter in the waters off southern Japan on Tuesday, setting off fires on both boats and injuring three crew members.

Straits Times – Japan navy holds review

Japan’s navy held its triennial fleet review on Sunday, its first major demonstration of power under the country’s new government, which has vowed to cut back on some of its already limited activities overseas.

Washington Post – Japan: No base decision soon

Washington concerned as new leaders in Tokyo look to redefine alliance.

Reuters – Japan leans toward ending Afghan refueling mission

Japan’s defense minister said on Tuesday that Tokyo would end its refueling mission in support of U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan when its mandate expires, but the top government spokesman said a decision had yet to be made.

Daily Telegraph – Incoming Tokyo government threatens split with US

A split is emerging between the United States and Japan over the new Tokyo government’s anti-globalisation rhetoric and its threats to end a refueling agreement for US ships in support of the war in Afghanistan.

Washignton Post – Japan Readies Missile Defense System

Japan ordered its military on Friday to destroy a North Korean missile or its debris, if the launch fails and falling pieces of the rocket seem to imperil Japanese territory. Japan ordered two destroyers equipped with American-built Aegis anti-missile systems into the Sea of Japan, and said it would soon move Patriot land-to-air missiles to the country’s northern coast, over which the North Korean rocket is likely to fly.

…and the US Navy is standing by to assist: CNN – U.S., Japan mobilize for N. Korean launch

Associated Press – Japan orders ships to fight Somalia pirates

Japan’s defense minister Wednesday ordered the dispatch of ships to fight pirates off the shores of Somalia, joining countries ranging from the United States to Iran to China in the battle against the outlaws.

Defense Technology International – In a historic event considering the bitter conflict in the the previous century between the two nations, the first Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warship to visit China since World War 2 arrived in the port of Zhangjiang on June 24, 2008.
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Associated Press – A Japanese navy destroyer departed Thursday to resume the country’s anti-terror mission in the Indian Ocean after a divisive battle in parliament caused a three-month suspension.
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Associated Press – Japan’s defense minister ordered the navy Friday to ready ships for dispatch to the Indian Ocean to join the fight on terror, ending a three-month hiatus but deepening a political battle at home with the opposition.
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BBC – Japan has for the first time shot down a ballistic missile in flight, testing a defence system aimed at warding off any missile threat from its neighbours.
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