Japan's defence ministry calls for stronger military shield over Hokkaido

Japan must maintain and strengthen its defense capabilities on the northern island of Hokkaido, Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said, according to NHK.

Speaking during an inspection of military bases in northern Japan, Koizumi noted that while the importance of reinforcing defences in the country’s southwestern region is increasing, Hokkaido remains a strategically important area that requires a reliable defense posture.

He expressed concern over Russia’s continued military activity in the Far East and its growing strategic cooperation with China.

Responding to questions about the possible deployment timeline of long-range missiles on the island—systems intended for potential counterstrike use in the event of an attack on Japan—Koizumi said the issue is still under review.

By Jeyhun Aghazada