Japanese civic groups, residents protest against large-scale US-Japan military drills

TOKYO - Civic groups and local residents in Japan have voiced opposition to a large-scale US-Japan joint military exercise, which began Saturday across the Kyushu region in southwestern Japan and Okinawa Prefecture.

Protesters have called for the suspension of the Resolute Dragon field exercise, warning that it could heighten regional tensions and increase security risks for local communities.

Residents of Yamato Town in Kumamoto Prefecture recently submitted a protest statement to relevant authorities, expressing concern over low-altitude training flights by US military transport aircraft scheduled as part of the exercise. Protesters also stated that the joint drills could further destabilize the regional situation and worsen Japan's relations with neighboring countries.

Earlier this month, a civic group in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture, held a press conference demanding the cancellation of the exercise, criticizing its potential impact on residents' daily lives and sense of security. Similar protests and petitions have also been organized by civic groups and residents on Miyako Island and in other parts of Okinawa.

According to local media reports, approximately 9,600 personnel from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the US Marine Corps are participating in the Resolute Dragon exercise. The drills, focusing primarily on so-called "defense of remote islands," are scheduled to continue through June 30.

Joint military drills between Japan and the United States have been conducted frequently across Japan in recent years, drawing persistent opposition and strong concern from local residents.