30-07-2025
Japan Defense Ministry ends Self-Defense Forces review ceremonies
Japan's Defense Ministry says it will no longer hold annual review ceremonies of the Self-Defense Forces, citing security concerns.
The ministry announced on Wednesday that the reviews will not take place unless the security environment surrounding Japan changes significantly.
The ministry noted that the country's current security situation is the most severe and complex since the end of World War Two. It pointed to the need to reduce the burden on SDF personnel and focus more on monitoring and other activities to maintain a fully prepared defense posture.
The ministry held the reviews every autumn, with the prime minister in attendance, to display the results of the SDF's regular training. The events, hosted in turn by the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces brought together units and equipment from across the country.
The events were scaled down in fiscal 2020 onward to ease the workloads of SDF units.
The ministry plans to organize other types of event, such as equipment exhibitions and flight experience programs, in various locations to deepen public understanding of the SDF's activities.
