A MIM-104 Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile System fires as part of a bilateral live-fire exercise with military members from the Royal Netherlands Ground-based Air Defense Command at McGregor Range in New Mexico on May 11, 2024. (US Army)
A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Uzushio-class submarine participates in an international fleet review at Sagami Bay on November 6, 2022, off Yokosuka, Japan. (Getty Images)
Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), poses in the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election in Tokyo on October 4, 2025. (Getty Images)
Newly elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi celebrates after winning the LDP leadership election on October 4, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. (Getty Images)
A Japan Air Self Defense Force F-15E Strike Eagle performs a demonstration during Air Fest 2025 at Misawa Air Base in Japan on September 21, 2025. (US Air Force)
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles and Japan’s Defence Minister General Nakatani hold a joint press announcement aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Mogami-class stealth frigate JS Mikuma at the JMSDF naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, on September 5, 2025. (Getty Images)
US Commerce Secretary Howard William Lutnick and Japanese Minister for Economic Revitalization Ryosei Akazawa shake hands on on September 4, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a budget committee meeting during an extraordinary session at the Lower House of the Diet on August 4, 2025, in Tokyo. (Tomohiro Ohsumi via Getty Images)