Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel and US Marine Corps personnel attend a ceremony at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Kengun base in Kumamoto, Japan, June 20, 2026. (Photo: VCG)
The ongoing series of US-Japan military exercises in southwestern Japan has sparked opposition from local residents and raised concerns about regional stability, with critics warning that the drills could further heighten tensions between Japan and neighboring countries.
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps commenced the Resolute Dragon field exercise for the so-called "island defense" skills on Saturday, set to continue through June 30 across the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan and Okinawa Prefecture, Nikkei Asia reported.
Meanwhile, the US army's Typhon mid-range missile system was temporarily deployed to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture for the US-hosted Valiant Shield 2026, which began on Monday, according to Asahi Shimbun.
Besides, the biennial "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) naval exercise will be held from June 24 to July 31 in Hawaii and surrounding waters, with 31 countries participating. Japan will also take part and serve as deputy commander of the joint task force during the exercise.
The planned exercises have triggered strong opposition and concern among members of the Japanese public, with protesters calling for an end to the drills and warning that they could further escalate regional tensions.
A resident in Tokyo told China Media Group (CMG) that under the banner of "enhancing defense capability," Japan and the US are competing to strengthen military power.
"I don't think this brings any benefit. It only deliberately escalates tensions. Instead of this, diplomatic efforts should come first to resolve issues."
A view of the US army's Typhon mid-range missile system. (Photo: CMG)
Residents also expressed strong opposition to the deployment of the US Typhon intermediate-range missile system in Kagoshima Prefecture, saying it would only heighten regional tensions.
One protester told CMG that local residents oppose the missile deployment and have been continuously protesting, but Japan's Ministry of Defense is ignoring public demands and pushing ahead with the plan. "Although the suppression is intense, we will not yield and will fight firmly to the end."
Public intellectuals have also expressed opposition. Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement, told CMG that Japan is continuing to build missile bases across its southwestern islands despite local resistance.
He warned that such actions could lead other countries to believe Japan is preparing for war, thereby increasing regional military tensions. He added that these developments are undermining peace and security in the region and are a "foolish" course of action.
Military commentator Wei Dongxu told CMG that Japan's successive participation in major military exercises indicates an attempt to prepare for potential offensive operations in the Western Pacific, which require sustained large-scale training to enhance island-seizure and maritime warfare capabilities.
Wei noted that the Typhon missile system is being temporarily deployed to Kanoya Air Base, adding that the location of the deployment suggests close coordination between the US and Japan to strengthen firepower deterrence and maritime chokepoint control in the southwestern islands.
Through continuous participation in joint exercises and strengthened external military cooperation, the Japan Self-Defense Forces' intentions for "preparing for war" are obvious, undermining regional peace and disrupting regional order, Wei said.