Long range missile deployment set for Kyushu, capable of striking the coast of China and sea around Taiwan. Following the Kumamoto deployment, Oita and even Okinawa are next in line in several years. (31au25)

Splendor of Okinawa: Gazania, roadside Uruma, 31au25


The Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF) has decided on the deployment this year of  an upgraded long range version of series 12 surface to ship guided missiles to  GSDF Camp Kengun in Kumamoto City. 


In order to defend against China’s strong maritime expansion, the Defense Ministry is hustling to reinforce its defense capacity in the southwest island chain (Trans. note: Ryukyu Archipelago).


In a few years hence, deployments are also planned for Camp Yufuin at Yushi City in Oita Prefecture and Camp Katsuren in Uruma City In Okinawa Prefecture.


This deployment is out of concern over a Taiwan crisis (Trans. Note: a Chinese invasion of Taiwan). At the moment, the range for GSDF surface to ship missiles on hand is only several hundred kilometers. The capacity of the newly introduced missile version is in excess of 1,000 kilometers.


If deployed in Kyushu, the coast of China and the sea around Taiwan will be within range. Not only will it eliminate the need for supples being sent to difficult to reach outer islands, but it will also make possible attacks from beyond the range of an invading force.


According to Defense Ministry sources, “This will result in a dramatic increase in deterrence.” There are some with the view that China is readying its preparations for an attack on Taiwan in 2027. The Defense Ministry and SDF, with an increasing sense of danger over concerns of a Taiwan crisis, are getting a step ahead by making their first deployments from 2026. 


The Defense Ministry is proceeding  with consideration in the direction of deploying this increased capability to all 7 surface to ship missile units across the nation in the future, 


Governors express understanding of the deployments, but want the “unease among residents” addressed. As for the deployment to Camp Kenjun, the Defense Ministry’s Kyushu Defense Bureau Chief Kazumi Ito visited Prefecture Governor Takashi Kimura at the Kumamoto Prefectural Office on 29 August to explain the deployment.

　

Governor Kimura showed his understanding, noting, “The result of these discussions that have lasted long years is that national defense is solely the responsibility of the National Government.”  Moreover, on the issue of the “unease felt by residents”, the governor added that he had requested a polite explanation to residents and that measures be taken on such issues as safety in training.


On the other hand, since attacks may well be centered on the deployment destinations, local demonstrations against the deployments are ongoing. Okinawa Prefecture Governor Denny Tamaki met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi in March. The governor argued, “Since the risk of a deployment site becoming the target of an attack can be anticipated, the understanding of the prefecture’s people can’t be had!”


Original Japanese article: Yomiuri Shimbun, published Saturday 30 August 2025 at 11:43.

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/71ca95ae2747ac9caa9746b804891043e15f9aba


Denny in the News:

Denny Tamaki is the governor of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. Although Okinawa is important as an international tourist destination and a key element in strategic US Military Forces, its governor receives very little coverage in the Japanese press and almost none in the English language media. 


This blog hopes to  translate one news article a day on the governor.  It is unsponsored and unauthorized. The translator simply hopes to improve his skills and perhaps give the governor an English speaking audience. 


Any suggestion on improving the translation will be gratefully accepted. However, please leave political comments for another forum.


Where they occur, words and phrases in Ryukyuan (the Okinawan language) are rendered in italics and translated in parentheses. Names  whose readings are uncertain are rendered as Name (=Kanji?) as in Nagayuki (=長行?). Any corrections in such instances would be gratefully appreciated.

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