Japan, USA, & South Korea began the second iteration of exercise Freedom Edge, a trilateral multi-domain exercise demonstrating the 🇯🇵-🇺🇸-🇰🇷 defensive posture & unbreakable will to promote trilateral interoperability & protect freedom for peace & stability in the Indo-Pacific.

While joint exercise #KeenSword25 may have concluded, more action-packed videos are to come via the YouTube links below! Keen Sword 25 took place in & around Japan to enhance 🇯🇵-🇺🇸 joint response & operational capabilities as well as to strengthen cooperation with 🇦🇺 & 🇨🇦 forces.

At an award ceremony at the Imperial Palace, Japanese Emperor Naruhito conferred upon Former @US_CYBERCOM Commander Paul Miki Nakasone the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for his contributions in strengthening the 🇯🇵-🇺🇸 relationship in the field of national defense.

Since October 20, F-35B operations have been underway aboard Japan's Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga. These tests are conducted with the joint support of the @USMC, @USNavy, and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (#JMSDF). 🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the 🇯🇵 Self-Defense Forces! Ambassador Yamada and Defense & Naval Attaché RADM Hayamizu hosted a reception to celebrate the occasion with DOD officials, think tank experts, & military officers from around the world.

Japan-US joint exercise Keen Sword 25 continues! Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (#JGSDF) have joined with @USMC and the @USArmy to conduct HIMARS firing exercise in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. #USJapanAlliance💪🇯🇵-🇺🇸

🇯🇵 Self-Defense Forces and 🇺🇸 military are currently conducting #KeenSword25! Amphibious operations are underway in the waters and airspace west of Kyushu, Japan's southernmost of the 4 main islands. #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force participated for the first time in Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 25-01 (#JPMRC 25), a multinational exercise hosted by the @USArmy to demonstrate joint operational capabilities on the Hawaiian islands.🏝️ 📽️Action scenes below!

Self-Defense Forces join US military to conduct 🇯🇵-🇺🇸 joint exercise #KeenSword25 to improve readiness & interoperability. Seen below, Chief of Staff GEN Yoshida expressed his strong determination to “never allow the status quo to be changed by force in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Last week, 🇯🇵 Ground Self-Defense Force delegates joined the @AUSAorg Annual Meeting held here in DC. They attended various panels, enjoyed the latest equipment exhibitions, and held meetings with senior military officials from 🇺🇸 @USArmy & other countries. 🇯🇵🇺🇸🇦🇺🇨🇦🇫🇷🇵🇭 #AUSA2024

From October 14-18, the Air Force Forum was held in 🇯🇵 by the Air Self-Defense Force to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the #JASDF's founding. Many leaders from the Indo-Pacific region participated, including @USAirForce Chief of Staff General David Allvin. ✈️🌏🤝

🇯🇵 Maritime Self-Defense Force joined @USNavy & @Philippine_Navy for joint exercise Sama Sama, which means "together" in Tagalog. While other naval exercises may focus on joint patrols & security, Sama Sama includes anti-surface, anti-air, & anti-submarine warfare drills. #JMSDF

Today in Japan: 🇯🇵 Vice Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with @IIIMEF Commander LtGen Turner to discuss expanding cooperation between 🇯🇵 #JSDF & 🇺🇸 @USMC in the alliance's deterrence & response capabilities as the security environment becomes increasingly challenging.

🇯🇵 Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers Kashima & Shimakaze conducted joint training exercises with the @USNavy littoral combat ship USS St. Louis in the Pacific, further deepening the unprecedentedly strong 🇯🇵-🇺🇸 relationship and working towards a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

3...2...1...💥ACTION!💥 👇Check out this exciting video demonstrating airborne operations, amphibious operations, & combat shooting. @JGSDF_pr joined live exercises with 🇺🇸 forces & others in Indonesia to further contribute to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. youtube.com/watch?v=PqCKKj…

ICYMI: Enhanced bilateral interoperability in action!📽️ Resolute Dragon is a joint exercise showcasing the longstanding partnership between 🇯🇵 Ground Self-Defense Force & @USMC #JGSDF has strengthened mutual cooperation with 🇺🇸 Marines at the operational & tactical levels.

After leaving Japan in May, #JMSDF training ships Kashima and Shimakaze began a round-the-world training voyage. Below, they can be seen participating in a 🇯🇵-🇺🇸joint training with the @USNavy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford. #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific #FOIP

As Prime Minister Kishida has said, "Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow."🇯🇵🇺🇸🇺🇦 Last week, #JGSDF Military Attaché Colonel Masaka joined the @JUMProgram discussion about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how the lessons learned may apply to Indo-Pacific strategy.

📢Calling all band music fans!🎺 On September 23, the @USFleetForces Band will join forces with the Japan Training Squadron Band of @JMSDF_pao_eng to give a magnificent performance in Virginia Beach! 🎼This 🇯🇵-🇺🇸 concert is FREE and open to the public! 🎼We hope to see you there!

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is continuing to strengthen ties with like-minded countries, & that includes other #RedWhiteBlue nations! #JGSDF began 🇯🇵-🇫🇷 bilateral exercise Brunet-Takamori 24 for the first time in Japan, further contributing to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.