A joint exercise by the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps was shown to the press in Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday, amid efforts to strengthen the defense of the Nansei island chain.
The exercise, which was held on the islands of Tokunoshima and Kikaijima, included parachute training and landings with amphibious assault and airborne units.
The SDF and U.S. forces are holding an Iron Fist exercise in Japan for the first time. The exercise, which has been conducted in the United States in the past, started on Feb. 16 and is set to continue to March 12.
