Carter: U.S. Japan Both 'Thinking Big' on Strategy
US Military News
As the United States rebalances its defense strategy toward the Asia-Pacific region, America's "central and anchoring" ally, Japan, also is beginning a strategic shift, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter told reporters in Tokyo.
Source: American Forces Press Service News Feed
U.S. military vows new measures in Okinawa after suspected rape
Local Japanese News In English
The U.S. military said on Thursday it would soon announce new measures to "ensure responsible behavior" by American troops on Japan's southern island of Okinawa, after the suspected rape of a Japanese woman threatened to strain ties between the allies. (Reuters)
Source: News On Japan
U.S. gov't approves Japan's participation in TPP talks: Abe
Local Japanese News In English
The U.S. administration of President Barack Obama has approved Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, as the two countries reached agreement Friday on contentious issues in preparatory talks, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said. (Kyodo)
Source: News On Japan
Secretary Thanks Japans Defense Minister For Futenma Efforts
US Military News
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel thanked Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera for the Japanese government's efforts in securing approval of the landfill permit request to build a replacement facility at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay for Marine Corps Air Station Futenma on the Japanese island of Okinawa.
Source
Hagel Japanese Security Advisor Discuss Bilateral Cooperation
US Military News
During their meeting at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi welcomed the establishment of Japan's National Security Council and discussed ways to deepen and enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.
Source
Hagel Foreign Minister Discuss U.S.-Japan Alliance
US Military News
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met at the Pentagon to discuss ways to deepen and enhance bilateral cooperation.
Source
Obama: Senkakus 'within scope' of U.S.-Japan treaty:
Article 5 stipulates U.S. Defense obligations to Japan, which apply to territories under the administration of Japan. Obama's comment therefore means the United States will defend Japan in the event of a Chinese incursion on the islets, over which China also claims sovereignty. Ref. Source 1
Poll: Japanese have low opinion of Americans:
Seventy years after they were mortal enemies, Americans have a high regard for the character of Japanese. But the Japanese view of Americans? Not so much, a survey out Tuesday shows. Ref. Source 7