SASEBO/TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.

Soldiers of Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF)'s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan's first marine unit since World War Two, gather at a ceremony activating the brigade at JGSDF's Camp Ainoura in Sasebo, on the southwest island of Kyushu, Japan April 7, 2018. REUTERS/Issei Kato

In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather.

“Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defense minister, said in a speech.

The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.

The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbors. In its post World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.

The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.

China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defense spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan.

The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

“They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

“If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.”

Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a U.S. Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.

Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters.

The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base.

Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 meters (328.08 ft) long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two.

“The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels,” said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.</s>Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Japan’s unified military command, activated its first marine component since World War II and conducted a training exercise on Friday.

Dubbed the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, or ARDB, the newly formed group displayed their ability to repel and recapture islands from other occupying forces.

The subject of an autonomous, combatant military command is a sensitive subject, given that following World War II, the nation renounced its right to wage war and disbanded its army. In the post-war era, Japanese forces have typically been reserved to natural disaster relief and peacekeeping missions.

However, China’s “unilateral escalation” in the East China Sea and North Korea’s provocations have spurred many Japanese officials to reinterpret the country’s pacifist history and address the emerging threats in recent years.

Check out Japan’s latest marine addition to its Self-Defense Forces:

ARDB is Japan’s first amphibious warfare brigade since World War II, comprised of around 2,100 troops.

A recent 20-minute exercise showed how Japanese forces would recapture an island from invaders.

Japan has been at odds with China over the control of remote, uninhabited islands on the East China Sea. The dispute has strained ties between the two countries due to the potential economic value — such as oil and gas reserves, shipping lanes, and fishing grounds — in the area.

“Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Japan vice defense minister Tomohiro Yamamoto said in a speech.

The ARDB was reportedly modeled after the US Marine Corps’ Marine Expeditionary Units and received advice from US liaisons.

The ARDB is expected to be upgraded to around 3,000 troops, 17 V-22 Ospreys, and 52 Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

Although countries like China greatly outspend Japan in defense spending, some analysts believe Japan’s armed forces could “stand toe to toe with anybody.”

“The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade will show to the international society our firm resolve to defend our islands,” a senior Defense Ministry official reportedly said.</s>TOKYO
• Japan yesterday activated its first marine unit since World War II, trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.

In a ceremony at a military base near Sasebo on the south-western island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up under cold, windy conditions.

"Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate," said Vice-Defence Minister Tomohiro Yamamoto in a speech.

The troops conducted a 20-minute mock exercise to recapture a remote island from invaders.

The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan's neighbours. Japan, in its post-World War II Constitution, renounced the right to wage war.

The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.

China, which dominates the South China Sea and claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, is spending 1.11 trillion yuan (S$231 billion) on its armed forces this year, more than three times as much as Japan.

The activation of the 2,100-strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit which is able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

"If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability," said Colonel Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

Col Newsham, who helped train Japan's first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self-Defence Force, said the country still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.

Japan's Air Self Defence Force wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters.

Separately, the Ground Self-Defence Force may acquire small amphibious ships up to 100m long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War II.</s>Japan activated its first marine unit since the Second World War in its latest move to strengthen its military defense capabilities. The development appears at odds with Japan’s constitution, which outlaws war.

On Saturday, 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) were activated at a ceremony at a military base in Sasebo on the island of Kyushu. They took part in a mock exercise to take back an island from invaders, with some US Marines based in Japan also involved.

READ MORE: US to deploy 5 Ospreys to Tokyo base ahead of schedule despite Japanese calls to ground aircraft

“The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade will show to the international society our firm resolve to defend our islands,” a senior defense ministry official said during the ceremony, Mainichi reports.

“Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Vice Defense Minister Tomohiro Yamamoto said. The marines are the latest addition to Japan’s defense, which has been increasing its military hardware in an effort to deter China. The ARDB unit will primarily defend the country’s remote southwest islands. The new force contains 2,100 marines in total, with this number expected to rise to 3,000.

After World War II, a clause was written into Japan’s constitution which outlawed war and stated that armed forces with the potential to wage war would not be maintained. Japan’s military is called the Japan Ground Self Defense Force.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in March said he intends to revise the country’s post-war constitution. “The time has finally come to tackle constitutional revision, which has been a task since the founding of the party,” he said. “Let’s stipulate the Self-Defense Forces and put an end to a controversy about violation of the constitution.”

The country’s increased militarism has sparked protests from residents already unhappy with the presence of US military bases in the country.

China, Japan, and South Korea dispute territorial ownership of areas in the East China Sea. China has laid claim to Japan-controlled Senkaku islets in the South China Sea, which China calls Diaoyu. Chinese Coast Guard vessels have entered the waters around the islets on a number of occasions, increasing tensions between the two countries.

China is also the biggest fish in the much-contested South China Sea, an area which many countries have conflicting territorial claims to both islands and the sea. The area is a global trade route and other countries want it to remain as international waters. The US and others conduct ‘freedom of navigation’ exercises in the area as a result of this.

Like this story? Share it with a friend!</s>SASEBO/TOKYO: Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War II trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.

 In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather.

 “Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defence minister, said in a speech.

 The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.

 The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbours. In its post World War II constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.

 The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.

 China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defence spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan.

 The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

 “They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

 “If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.”

 Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defence Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.

 Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defence Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have said.

 The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base. — Reuters</s>"The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade will show to the international society our firm resolve to defend our islands," a senior Defense Ministry official said at a special ceremony, as quoted by the Kyodo news agency.

Based in the port city of Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, the new 2,100-strong unit is supposed to evolve into a 3,000-member force, according to the media outlet.

The formation of the new brigade and rhetoric around it may be seen as controversial since, under the constitution enacted after World War II, Tokyo pledges to never maintain "land, sea, and air forces, as well as another war potential" in order to "forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes."

READ MORE: Japan Intends to Deploy Anti-Ship Missiles to Counter China — Reports

The Senkaku Islands, also known as the Diaoyu Islands, have been disputed between China and Japan for decades. China says that the contiguous islands have been part of its territory since ancient times. The islands are currently controlled by Japan, which argues that the islands have been under its territory since 1895. After World War II, the islands fell under US control as part of the occupation of Japan and were then transferred to Tokyo in 1972.</s>Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Japan's unified military command, activated its first marine component since World War II and conducted a training exercise on Friday.

Dubbed the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, or ARDB, the newly formed group displayed their ability to repel and recapture islands from other occupying forces.

The subject of an autonomous, combatant military command is a sensitive subject, given that following World War II, the nation renounced its right to wage war and disbanded its army. In the post-war era, Japanese forces have typically been reserved to natural disaster relief and peacekeeping missions.

However, China's "unilateral escalation" in the East China Sea and North Korea's provocations have spurred many Japanese officials to reinterpret the country's pacifist history and address the emerging threats in recent years.

Check out Japan's latest marine addition to its Self-Defense Forces:</s>Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

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SASEBO, TOKYO: Japan yesterday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.

In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather.

“Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice-defence minister, said in a speech.

The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbours. In its post World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.

The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.

China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defense spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan (US$176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan.

The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

“They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

“If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.”

Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defence Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.

Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defence Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters.

The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base.

Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 metres long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two.

“The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels,” said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media. — Reuters</s>The Japanese government under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is focused on the modernization of the armed forces. This is based on the changing geopolitical landscape and having various territorial disputes with several regional nations in Northeast Asia. Hence, with China increasingly showing its military might, that equally threatens to encroach on territory belonging to Japan in outlying areas, then the first Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) is aimed at boosting the defense of Japan.

Of course, from a military point of view, it is imperative that Japan develops the military by centralizing the armed forces and restructuring areas of weakness. After all, the maritime policies of China insist that vast disputed areas with countless nations actually belong to China. Therefore, Japan can’t afford to sit back and solely rely on the armed forces of America.

It is known that the ARDB will be based in Sasebo, Nagasaki. The brigade numbering just over 2,000-members will be focused on defending islands in outlying areas. This notably applies to keeping an eye on China’s military ambitions in areas of dispute with Japan in the East China Sea.

According to a senior spokesperson for the Japanese Defense Ministry, “The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade will show to the international society our firm resolve to defend our islands.”

In time, the ARDB will develop into a force that comprises of 3,000-members. Other military developments to boost the ARDB applies to utilizing the V-22 Osprey and Amphibious Assault Vehicles-7.

The Vice Defense Minister, Tomohiro Yamamoto, uttered, “Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate.”

Reuters reports, “The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.”

Regionally, many nations with extremely cordial relations with Japan will welcome this sleeping giant finally waking up. This is based on China’s encroachment throughout the South China Sea. Of course, restrictions remain on the armed forces of Japan but Abe is intent on overriding many constraints. Therefore, the military posturing of China and North Korea is providing Abe the opportunity that the armed forces of Japan need.

Modern Tokyo News is part of the Modern Tokyo Times group

DONATIONS to SUPPORT MODERN TOKYO TIMES – please pay PayPal and DONATE to sawakoart@gmail.com</s>In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the 



"Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate," Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defense minister, said in a speech.



The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.



The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan's neighbours. In its post World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.



The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter SASEBO/TOKYO: Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather."Given the increasingly difficult defense and security situation surrounding Japan, defense of our islands has become a critical mandate," Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defense minister, said in a speech.The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan's neighbours. In its post World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.



China, which dominates the 



The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.



"They've already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires concerted effort," Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.



"If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability."



Newsham, who helped train Japan's first amphibious troops as a U.S. Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment. China, which dominates the South China Sea , is outpacing Japan in defense spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan.The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base."They've already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires concerted effort," Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies."If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability."Newsham, who helped train Japan's first amphibious troops as a U.S. Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.





Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters.



The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan's Ise and close to the ARDB's base.



Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 meters (328.08 ft) long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two.



"The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels," said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.
Japan activates a 2,100-member Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, its first marine force since World War II.