Keishi Koja
@keishirkoja.bsky.social
📤 152
📥 4
📝 253
Okinawa-based reporter and translator for Stars and Stripes.
More than 800 evacuated from city on Okinawa for WWII bomb removal
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More than 800 evacuated from city on Okinawa for WWII bomb removal
People were evacuated from an Okinawa city while the Japanese army removed an American-made bomb believed to be left over from World War II.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-21/okinawa-uxo-ww2-bomb-removal-21737633.html
3 days ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
4 days ago
Marines took their first steps toward using drones in combat and relief missions as they practiced maneuvering the unmanned aircraft through obstacles at Camp Schwab in northern Okinawa on Wednesday.
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Marines showcase drone piloting skills during training course on Okinawa
Marines took their first steps toward using drones in combat and relief missions as they practiced maneuvering them through obstacles at Camp Schwab.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-05-20/marines-drone-operator-course-okinawa-21727037.html
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Marine to make sleep-disorder insanity defense at sexual assault trial on Okinawa
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Marine to make sleep-disorder insanity defense at sexual assault trial on Okinawa
A Marine accused of sexual assault at Camp Foster gym restroom in Okinawa claims sleep disorder insanity defense ahead of June trial.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-20/marine-insanity-defense-sexual-assault-okinawa-21727636.html
4 days ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
6 days ago
The Marine Corps has left a gap “unfilled” in the Indo-Pacific by moving an expeditionary unit from Okinawa to the Middle East to support operations against Iran, the service’s top leader told lawmakers.
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Marine commandant acknowledges Indo-Pacific gap after Middle East deployment
The Marine Corps has left a gap in the Indo-Pacific by moving an expeditionary unit from Okinawa to the Middle East, the service’s top leader said.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-05-18/marines-okinawa-meu-middle-east-21705464.html
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Marine probe blames ‘ignorance’ for Okinawa helicopter bag drop incident
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Marine probe blames ‘ignorance’ for Okinawa helicopter bag drop incident
A Marine Corps investigation found that “ignorance” and procedure failures led to a helicopter dropping a 40-pound bag of emergency equipment over northern Okinawa last year.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-15/marine-helicopter-bag-drop-okinawa-21677156.html
9 days ago
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Russian vessels make ‘rare’ passage near Japan’s southwestern islands
www.stripes.com/theaters/asi...
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Russian vessels make ‘rare’ passage near Japan’s southwestern islands
Japan monitored a rare transit of 10 Russian vessels, including two frigates, sailing between Okinawa islands into the Pacific, raising regional security interest.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-14/russia-rare-passage-okinawa-islands-21667396.html
10 days ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
13 days ago
U.S. service members who live off-base on Okinawa will soon receive $400 to $500 more per month from the U.S. government to pay their rent, according to the commander of the Air Force’s 18th Wing.
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Housing allowance increase coming to US service members on Okinawa
U.S. service members who live off-base on Okinawa will soon receive $400 to $500 more per month to pay their rent, the Air Force’s 18th Wing said.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-11/oha-okinawa-kadena-air-force-kadena-21636999.html
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
13 days ago
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, Okinawa — Rainy season failed to dampen the spirits of thousands of Japanese and Americans who turned up for the annual Flight Line Fair at this air base over the weekend.
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Thousands disregard Okinawa rain to view aircraft at Marine Corps flight line fair
Rain failed to dampen the spirits of thousands of Japanese and Americans who turned up for the Flight Line Fair at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-05-11/okinawa-mcas-futenma-flightline-fair-marines-21636767.html
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China scaled back airspace challenges and drone flights in fiscal 2025, Japan says
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China scaled back airspace challenges and drone flights in fiscal 2025, Japan says
Chinese pilots dramatically scaled back their approaches toward Japanese airspace, reducing Japan’s air force response to its lowest level in more than a decade.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-06/japan-china-air-space-scramble-senkaku-21598397.html
17 days ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
18 days ago
Two squadrons of F-22 Raptors recently arrived at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa for rotational duty with the 18th Wing, while a permanent fleet of replacement F-15EX Eagle IIs remains delayed.
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F-22s arrive at Air Force base on Okinawa as F-15EX delivery stalled
Two squadrons of F-22 Raptors recently arrived at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa for rotational duty with the 18th Wing, while a permanent fleet of replacement F-15EX Eagle IIs remains delayed.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2026-05-06/kadena-okinawa-raptors-alaska-elmendorf-21589967.html
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
20 days ago
The Defense Department high school at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan, is warning parents about a viral social media game in which seniors target each other with water guns.
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DODEA warns against students using water guns in viral ‘Senior Assassin’ game
The Defense Department high school on Kadena Air Base is warning parents about a viral game in which seniors target each other with water guns.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-04/kadena-senior-assassin-viral-water-pistol-21569835.html
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Japan military exercise focuses for first time on islands close to Taiwan
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Japan military exercise focuses for first time on islands close to Taiwan
The Japanese army’s highest operational command will focus on remote southwestern islands near Taiwan for the first time in training that includes command-and-control drills with U.S. Marines.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-05-01/nansei-okinawa-taiwan-china-japan-marines-21543825.html
23 days ago
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TRAVEL | Feel the earth’s heartbeat at Sakurajima, one of Japan’s many active volcanoes
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Feel the earth’s heartbeat at Sakurajima, one of Japan’s many active volcanoes
Sakurajima volcano on Japan’s Osumi peninsula averages around 200 eruptions per year, but there is a sizable population base just a few miles away.
https://www.stripes.com/living/pacific_travel/quick_trips/2026-04-30/sakurajima-volcano-kagoshima-kyushu-21508579.html
23 days ago
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Chinese research vessel spotted near Japan for third time in a month
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Chinese research vessel spotted near Japan for third time in a month
A Chinese vessel near Japan’s southwest islands departed Wednesday after two weeks, the third such incident in a month, Japan coast guard says.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-29/china-research-vessel-japan-nansei-21522947.html
25 days ago
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Marine corporal dies in motorcycle crash just outside Okinawa base gate
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Marine corporal dies in motorcycle crash just outside Okinawa base gate
A Marine corporal died after his motorcycle collided with a taxi outside a U.S. base in Okinawa, the Marine Corps and police said.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-04-27/marine-okinawa-fatal-motorcycle-crash-21499575.html
26 days ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
27 days ago
Lt. Gen. Roger Turner was nominated by President Donald Trump to command Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Fleet Marine Force Pacific, both based at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, the Pentagon announced.
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Trump nominates Okinawa-based commander for Indo-Pacific’s top Marine post
Lt. Gen. Roger Turner has been nominated by President Donald Trump to command Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Fleet Marine Force Pacific.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-27/trump-turner-marine-corps-pacific-21498709.html
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Chinese warships sail through Japanese waters as regional tensions grow
www.stripes.com/theaters/asi...
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Chinese warships sail through Japanese waters as regional tensions grow
Two Chinese naval vessels sailed between Japan’s southwestern islands in a passage that follows training in the Western Pacific and comes amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-23/china-warships-japan-waters-21459555.html
about 1 month ago
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Okinawa surveys find elevated PFAS levels downstream from 2 Marine bases
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Okinawa surveys find elevated PFAS levels downstream from 2 Marine bases
A survey pinpoints Marine Corps Air Station Futenma as the likely source of toxic “forever chemicals” as much as 60 times higher than the legal limit.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-04-22/okinawa-pfas-survey-marine-bases-21449639.html
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Stars and Stripes
about 1 month ago
Chinese aircraft carrier makes first Taiwan Strait passage since December
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Chinese aircraft carrier makes first Taiwan Strait passage since December
The aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through the Taiwan Strait this week.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-21/china-aircraft-carrier-taiwan-strait-21440494.html
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Marine Corps on track to return parts of housing area to Okinawa by year’s end
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Marine Corps on track to return parts of housing area to Okinawa by year’s end
The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee finalized an agreement for the return of approximately 12 acres in the Kishaba Housing area on Camp Foster.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-04-21/okinawa-kishaba-camp-foster-marine-corps-21440318.html
about 1 month ago
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Air Force bars Okinawa newspaper from base briefing amid Iran headline dispute
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Air Force bars Okinawa newspaper from base briefing amid Iran headline dispute
An Okinawa newspaper and two press unions accused the 18th Wing of violating press freedoms after barring reporters from an on-base news event.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2026-04-20/iran-headline-dispute-kadena-okinawa-21431196.html
about 1 month ago
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Marines won’t meet with Okinawa officials over unplanned landing near sports field
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Marines won’t meet with Okinawa officials over unplanned landing near sports field
The Marine Corps has rejected a request to meet with Okinawa officials over a precautionary landing by a helicopter that disrupted a youth baseball practice.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-04-14/marine-helicopter-baseball-field-landing-21370815.html
about 1 month ago
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Orientation for US military personnel on Okinawa may change after local feedback
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Orientation for US military personnel on Okinawa may change after local feedback
U.S. military officials are considering changes to the newcomers briefing as part of a broader response to sexual assault cases on the island.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-14/okinawa-sofa-newcomers-orientation-21369314.html
about 1 month ago
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Okinawa town finds elevated PFAS levels near Marine base in annual water survey
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Okinawa town finds elevated PFAS levels near Marine base in annual water survey
Kin town on Okinawa discovered PFAS levels as much as four times higher than is permissible in Japan, according to an annual survey.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-09/pfas-kin-town-okinawa-camp-hansen-21323021.html
about 1 month ago
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Japan to deploy missile launchers to remote island administered by Tokyo
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Japan to deploy missile launchers to remote island administered by Tokyo
Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force plans to send a launcher for its Type-12 missile to Minamitorishima sometime between June and July.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-26/japan-surface-to-ship-missiles-tokyo-island-21184338.html
about 2 months ago
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Air Force base on Okinawa contains diesel fuel spill that ‘affected’ stormwater system
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Air Force base on Okinawa contains diesel fuel spill that ‘affected’ stormwater system
The Air Force contained 575 gallons of diesel fuel that spilled at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa which “affected” its stormwater system.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-25/diesel-fuel-spill-kadena-okinawa-21183418.html
about 2 months ago
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Japanese town near air base to compensate residents for noise from F-35B stealth jets
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Japanese town near air base to compensate residents for noise from F-35B stealth jets
Shintomi in southern Japan will play its residents about $500 over four years to help offset noise from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s new fighter jets.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-25/japan-f35b-noise-compensation-21175027.html
about 2 months ago
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US sailor gets suspended sentence in Japan for attempting to import psychedelic drug
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US sailor gets suspended sentence in Japan for attempting to import psychedelic drug
A Japanese court handed a U.S. sailor a suspended sentence after convicting him of attempting to smuggle magic truffles through the Japanese mail system.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-03-24/sailor-okinawa-attempted-drug-smuggling-21166149.html
2 months ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
2 months ago
Sending a Marine expeditionary unit from Okinawa to stand by in the Middle East leaves a gap in U.S. power in the Indo-Pacific while increasing the defense burden on its Asian allies, according to analysts.
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Defense experts warn of Indo-Pacific gap as Marines deploy from Japan to Middle East
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-19/tripoli-okinawa-marines-middle-east-21115116.html
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Chinese vessels chase Japanese fishing boat into disputed waters, Japan says
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Chinese vessels chase Japanese fishing boat into disputed waters, Japan says
Chinese coast guard vessels entered waters Japan claim’s around the disputed Senkaku Islands while chasing a Japanese fishing boat.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-19/china-coast-guard-senkaku-islands-21114472.html
2 months ago
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School trip to ‘learn about peace’ turns tragic as boats capsize near Okinawa base
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School trip to ‘learn about peace’ turns tragic as boats capsize near Okinawa base
Two people died after a pair of motorboats capsized near Camp Schwab, according to Japan’s coast guard.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-16/boats-capsize-okinawa-airfield-construction-21082960.html
2 months ago
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Marine will not appeal attempted sexual assault conviction to Japan’s Supreme Court
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Marine will not appeal attempted sexual assault conviction to Japan’s Supreme Court
Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton will serve the remainder of his seven-year sentence after choosing to forgo a final appeal of his conviction.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-03-13/marine-okinawa-attempted-sexual-assault-appeal-21047871.html
2 months ago
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Japan’s missile move reflects deeper US-allied defense strategy, analysts say
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Japan’s missile move reflects deeper US-allied defense strategy, analysts say
Japan will deploy upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missile to Camp Kengun in an effort to strengthen defenses against threats from China and North Korea.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-12/japan-type-12-missile-deployment-21036511.html
2 months ago
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Okinawa youth baseball team evacuates their field as Marine helicopter lands nearby
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Okinawa youth baseball team evacuates their field as Marine helicopter lands nearby
A city in northern Okinawa has lodged a formal protest after a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter made a precautionary landing near a youth baseball practice.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-03-09/marine-helicopter-youth-baseball-field-21002361.html
3 months ago
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8 rescued after boat capsizes at Marine runway construction site on Okinawa
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8 rescued after boat capsizes at Marine runway construction site on Okinawa
Eight crew members were rescued unharmed after a work boat capsized at the construction site of a new U.S. Marine Corps airfield in Okinawa.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-09/boat-capsize-marine-airfield-construction-21002075.html
3 months ago
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US, Japanese marines train to seize enemy-held town during Iron Fist exercise
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US, Japanese marines train to seize enemy-held town during Iron Fist exercise
The drill marked the first time forces conducted simulated enemy combat during this year’s Iron First exercise, a spokesman told Stars and Stripes.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-08/seize-enemy-town-iron-fist-okinawa-21000705.html
3 months ago
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Japanese appeals court upholds Marine’s conviction for attempted sexual assault
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Japanese appeals court upholds Marine’s conviction for attempted sexual assault
A Japanese court upheld a U.S. Marine’s conviction for strangling and attempting to sexually assault a woman at her Okinawa home in May 2024.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-05/okinawa-attempted-sexual-assault-appeal-20957456.html
3 months ago
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Stormy weather reshapes US-Japan island defense training in East China Sea
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Stormy weather reshapes US-Japan island defense training in East China Sea
U.S. Marines observed Japan’s only amphibious unit carry out a beach-landing drill this week as part of joint exercise, Iron Fist.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-03-02/iron-fist-island-defense-japan-china-20934218.html
3 months ago
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Precautionary landing keeps Air Force Osprey at Japanese civilian airport
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Precautionary landing keeps Air Force Osprey at Japanese civilian airport
An Air Force CV-22 Osprey remained parked at a civilian airport in Japan after making a precautionary landing earlier, Japanese defense officials said.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-25/air-force-osprey-precautionary-landing-japan-20868863.html
3 months ago
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Japan moves to bolster air defenses on island near Taiwan
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Japan moves to bolster air defenses on island near Taiwan
Type-03 medium-range surface-to-air guided missiles are expected to be stationed at Camp Yonaguni during fiscal 2030, Japan’s defense minister said.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-24/japan-missiles-yonaguni-taiwan-china-20858588.html
3 months ago
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US, Japanese troops begin island-defense drills to prevent ‘war before it happens’
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US, Japanese troops begin island-defense drills to prevent ‘war before it happens’
The Iron Fist series of exercises is aimed at strengthening island defense amid increasing regional tensions.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-02-23/iron-fist-island-defense-exercise-japan-20849446.html
3 months ago
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Tokyo says Pentagon language on return of Marine base on Okinawa is nothing new
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Tokyo says Pentagon language on return of Marine base on Okinawa is nothing new
A Pentagon statement that it will not return Futenma to Japan until it provides a replacement runway is not new, Japan’s defense minister said.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2026-02-23/mcas-futenma-okinawa-relocation-20849326.html
3 months ago
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Police say man used fake US military ID to enter Navy base in Japan
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Police say man used fake US military ID to enter Navy base in Japan
Japanese police arrested a Tokyo man on suspicion of using a forged U.S. military ID to gain entry to Yokosuka Naval Base.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-02-20/fake-military-id-arrest-yokosuka-japan-20813476.html
3 months ago
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Japan halts Osprey flights on Okinawa during exercise with Marine Corps
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Japan halts Osprey flights on Okinawa during exercise with Marine Corps
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has decided to halt its training with V-22 Ospreys in the prefecture during the Iron Fist exercise.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-19/osprey-tiltrotor-japan-self-defense-okinawa-20798571.html
3 months ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
3 months ago
The Air Force has delayed delivery of the 18th Wing’s first F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, according to the wing.
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Air Force delays arrival of permanent F-15EX Eagle II fighters on Okinawa
The delivery of the 18th Wing’s first F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base was delayed because of a Boeing strike, an official said.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2026-02-17/air-force-eagle-ii-kadena-boeing-20770728.html
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Okinawa city found trace PFAS levels in water from manhole near Marine Corps air station
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Okinawa city found trace PFAS levels in water from manhole near Marine Corps air station
Ginowan city found levels of “forever chemicals” well below Japan’s legal limit in water sampled from a manhole oozing white foam near a Marine airfield.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-17/pfas-futenma-manhole-20770669.html
3 months ago
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US Army eradicates invasive ant species at port on Okinawa
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US Army eradicates invasive ant species at port on Okinawa
After a five-year effort, the U.S. Army on Okinawa said the browsing ant is no longer at Naha Military Port.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-13/army-okinawa-invasive-ant-species-20723881.html
3 months ago
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Fishermen say Japan’s coast guard is warning them away from Senkaku Islands amid China row
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Fishermen say Japan’s coast guard is warning them away from Senkaku Islands amid China row
Commercial fishermen on a remote Japanese island say the Japan coast guard has urged them to avoid fishing near the disputed Senkaku Islands.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-12/japan-coast-guard-fishing-senkaku-islands-20712153.html
3 months ago
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reposted by
Keishi Koja
Brian McElhiney
3 months ago
A Navy Seabee unit with historic ties to Okinawa has returned to the island to support exercises and building projects across the Indo-Pacific region.
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Navy Seabee battalion that provided namesake for Okinawa base returns to island
https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2026-02-11/navy-seabee-camp-shields-okinawa-20699348.html
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Chinese coast guard ships make second incursion near Senkaku Islands this year
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Chinese coast guard ships make second incursion near Senkaku Islands this year
Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands for the second time this year amid ongoing tensions.
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-02-11/china-coast-guard-senkaku-islands-20698718.html
3 months ago
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