Izuru Ikeuchi News Today

Japan's 2013 National Security Strategy, citing North Korea's expanding nuclear and missile programs and China's on-going military modernization and lack of transparency, characterized Japan's security environment as becoming ever more severe. The intervening years have only underscored the reality of an ever-increasing need for strengthening deterrence.

Judo instructors say the arrival of new uniforms from Japan has had a positive impact on children's approach to the sport.

The Kaga, one of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces two Izumo-class carriers, completed a rare mission last fall -- carrying judo uniforms from Japan to children in the Pacific island nation of Palau.