Japan's Self-Defense Forces end annual ceremony amid mounting duties

Japan's Defense Ministry has decided to discontinue the Self-Defense Forces' annual review ceremony, citing increased duties amid security challenges posed by China, Russia, and North Korea.The ministry said in a press release late last month that it has become "difficult to continue" the ceremony, as it needs to "maintain our nation's watertight defense posture in the face of the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II."The SDF's ground, maritime and air services had been taking turns hosting the event every fall, and this year the Maritime Self-Defense F…READ FULL ARTICLE