Japan-U.S. CPX 'Yamasakura' begins

Ignoring public criticism, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Marine Corps began their annual one-week Command Post Exercise "Yamasakura 45" at the GSDF Asaka Base in Saitama Prefecture on January 25.

About 3,900 Japanese and U.S. forces took part in the exercise which is aimed at improving command and control for bilateral operations between the two forces.

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. side, the Commander of the U.S. 1st Army Corps commended the SDF dispatch to Iraq as a milestone in the bilateral partnership.

The JGSDF Eastern Army commanding general in reply said that the SDF dispatch showed that the Japan-U.S. military alliance is increasing in importance. (end)