USFJ News

U.S. Forces Japan News

USFJ provides multi-day airlift for quake-struck Kumamoto
August 12, 2026 — Demonstrating the rapid readiness and strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, U.S. Forces Japan conducted an airlift support mission Aug. 9-11 to deliver humanitarian relief supplies to Kumamoto Prefecture. ... MORE

Alliance transformation in motion: How USFJ's transformation creates a stronger partner for Japan
August 12, 2026 — Just over one year ago, with strong support from both the American and Japanese governments, U.S. Forces Japan began a major shift in how our headquarters at Yokota Air Base operates... MORE

USFJ, JSDF stress-test bilateral disaster relief capabilities during JXR 26
July 27, 2026 — Training for the day when theoretical projections become a disastrous reality, U.S. Forces Japan personnel joined the Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command for Joint Exercise Rescue (JXR) 2026, July 20-24. During the week-long exercise, the alliance partners conducted a large-scale, bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief simulation designed to test and strengthen their emergency response capabilities... MORE

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members with 13th Brigade, Middle Army, carry a stretcher to a JGSDF UH-1Y helicopter during Exercise Nankai Rescue at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 16, 2025.

Anticipated changes to Japan COLA rates
July 13, 2026 — Service members based in Japan will likely see a reduction in their overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in the coming weeks due to a long-term drop in the value of the Japanese yen and a corresponding increase in the value of the U.S. dollar... MORE

A 1,000 yen note is passed from a U.S. service member to a Japanese civilian at Yokota Air Base, Japan July 13, 2026.

USFJ hosts first Northeast Asia International and Operational Law Conference in Japan
June 8, 2026 — The U.S. Forces Japan Staff Judge Advocate’s office and the Tri-Command Office of the Judge Advocate co-hosted the 2026 Northeast Asia International and Operational Law Conference May 19-21, at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan... MORE

U.S. Army Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea commander, delivers a keynote speech during the 2026 Northeast Asia International and Operational Law Conference May 19, 2026 at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan.