Alastair Gale

Russia conducted a rare missile exercise involving naval vessels and a land-based launcher near islands in its Far East that are also claimed by Japan, adding to recent friction between the two nations.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has defended her tendency to stay at her residence unless she has official duties outside, saying it allows her to work long hours without putting an excessive burden on her staff.

Takaichi has become well known for a round-the-clock working style and a preference for poring over documents alone at her residence.

The US military has scrapped an amphibious landing exercise with South Korea because of shortages related to deployments to the Middle East, according to Seoul, the first apparent confirmation of a major cut to scheduled American military training in the Asia-Pacific region because of the US war against Iran.

“Work conducted at the official residence, such as meetings held there, are not reported as part of the prime minister's daily schedule, but from

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan would defend the International Criminal Court as it comes under increasing pressure from the US, most recently through the sanctioning of its Japanese president.

Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking record spending of around $56 billion in the fiscal year starting in April, and the final bill could be considerably larger as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to launch a new military buildup plan later this year.

Japan needs to stand firm against US pressure as its close security ally challenges international norms and laws under President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, according to a veteran Japanese lawmaker.

Okinawa set to elect new governor on Sunday after head-to-head race

A candidate backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling party ousted the incumbent governor of Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture in an election on Sunday, delivering a boost to the premier’s push for a stronger military to stave off threats from China.