Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the British Army are conducting a joint exercise simulating remote island defense.

The first joint drills in four years are being held until November 30th in Gunma Prefecture northwest of Tokyo.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces have invited members of the media to observe drills to rescue nationals in the event that they get caught in emergency situations overseas, including terrorist activities.

About 270 SDF members took part in the exercises on Wednesday. The drills were conducted at Camp Asaka which straddles Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture, and at Hyakuri base in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Russia's military has conducted surface-to-air missile drills on at least one of four islands claimed by Japan.

Russia's Eastern Military District says the S-300 air defense system was moved from a location in the country's Far East.

Russia says it has started military drills on the Kuril Islands. The island chain includes Japan's Northern Territories.

Russia's Eastern Military District announced on Tuesday that more than 1,500 soldiers were taking part in drills on two islands. They are Etorofu and Kunashiri, two of the four Russian-controlled islands claimed by Japan.

Tokushima Prefecture in western Japan held drills overnight on Monday based on the scenario that a mega earthquake hit the region amid the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Japan observes Disaster Prevention Day on September 1 every year to remember the Great Kanto Earthquake which struck Tokyo in 1923.

The Defense Ministry has launched an environmental survey on an island in southwestern Japan where it plans to relocate US military exercises.

About 20 people, including ministry officials, arrived at Mageshima island in Nishinoomote city, Kagoshima prefecture, on Tuesday morning. The ministry says they will first study the island's wildlife and vegetation.