JUMProgram

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated that there is no discrepancy in view between Japan and the United States regarding the Taiwan situation. ow.ly/QbOm50YzTYH

A Japanese destroyer has acquired the capability to launch U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, the commander of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's fleet escort unit said Thursday. ow.ly/bukY50YzTYe

The U.S. government said Wednesday that it has approved support for Japan to develop the country's upgraded Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGPs). ow.ly/cCPZ50Yzj6I

The commander of the US Forces Japan has spoken about its reorganization to step up coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to prepare for contingencies. Lieutenant General Stephen Jost said the transformation "is underway at full speed." ow.ly/5vnb50YyV6t

The Philippines' joint maritime drills with Japan and the United States last month near a strategically important waterway south of Taiwan were the latest sign the three countries are exploring how to better respond in the event of a contingency. ow.ly/XuMZ50YxP1I

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi arrived in DC for high-stakes talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to cement Japan's position as America's indispensable partner in Asia even as Trump turns his focus to the Middle East amid the war with Iran. ow.ly/mffU50YwllC

The Defense Ministry has begun considering sending additional liaison personnel to the U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for overseeing the Middle East, it has been learned. The consideration is in response to the tense situation in Iran. ow.ly/xu2m50Yw2oI

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering expressing Japan's desire to cooperate on the U.S. "Golden Dome" next-generation missile defense system at her upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump, Japanese government sources said Tuesday. ow.ly/iOmX50Yvz8o

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps began a joint drill on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sunday. The live-wire drill, dubbed “Iron Fist,” was observed by the press on Monday. ow.ly/gXZ550YoLir

JUMP Quantico featured a panel of experts with LtGen Chip Gregson (USMC, Ret.), former Asst. Sec. of Defense and III MEF Commander, BGen Matthew Tracy (USMC), President of the Marine Corps University; and Col Satoshi Masaka (JGSDF), Military Attache at the Embassy of Japan.

Yesterday, Sasakawa USA & the Embassy of Japan held a JUMP event at the Marine Corps War College at MCB Quantico focusing on "Transitioning to an Operational Alliance: Bilateral Implications of Upgrading U.S. Forces Japan to a Warfighting Command."

Japan and the U.S. have held regular talks on the United States’ “nuclear umbrella,” the two sides said Sunday, with discussions also focusing on China’s “destabilizing nuclear weapons buildup and testing.” ow.ly/hFzi50YkzlZ

It has been learned that the US Department of Defense has told a congressional audit body that MCAS Futenma in Okinawa will not be returned to Japanese authorities unless Tokyo provides a runway longer than the ones at its replacement facility. ow.ly/Q6gO50YhGt9

The Air Force has delayed delivery of the 18th Wing’s first F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, according to the wing. ow.ly/7BnN50Yhb6A

The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) completed Mine Warfare Exercise (MINEX) 26 1JA off the coast of Japan in Ise Bay, Jan. 30 -Feb. 11 ow.ly/RSsT50Yeup1

Following the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory in Sunday's House of Representatives election, the United States plans to enhance cooperation with the Asian ally in security and economic matters. ow.ly/5fSr50Ycmlr

Japan and the US have agreed to streamline foreign military sales (FMS) procurement as Tokyo seeks to resolve shipment issues of weapons acquired from America. ow.ly/3eua50YbU7t

Thank you to the Augusta Military Academy Museum staff in Staunton, VA, for the opportunity to tour your museum yesterday, prior to the JUMP event at @VMI1839.

On Tuesday, LTG Larry Nicholson, former Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force in Japan, (USMC, Ret.) & Col Satoshi Masaka, Military Attaché, @JapanEmbDC, (JGSDF), served as panelists at the JUMP VMI event. @SasakawaUSA President, Dr. Akimoto, served as moderator.

Yesterday, @VMI1839 graciously hosted a JUMP event in Lexington, VA, on the importance of the US-Japan Alliance in the Indo-Pacific. Thank you to ADM Ryo Sakai, former Chief of Staff, (JMSDF, Ret.), for providing the keynote remarks.