Aaron Kidd
@kiddaaron.bsky.social
Pacific Bureau Chief for Stars and Stripes | Tokyo
A city in central Okinawa will test its water for “forever chemicals” after residents discovered a white foam oozing from a manhole near a Marine Corps airfield on Thursday.
Foaming manhole near Marine air station on Okinawa sparks PFAS probe
An Okinawa city will test its water for “forever chemicals” after residents discovered a white foam oozing from a manhole near a Marine Corps airfield.
www.stripes.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:30 AM
A city in central Okinawa will test its water for “forever chemicals” after residents discovered a white foam oozing from a manhole near a Marine Corps airfield on Thursday.
The 8th Fighter Wing is investigating the cause of a recent 11,000 gallon fuel leak at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.
Air Force reports 11,000 gallon fuel leak at fighter base in South Korea
The 8th Fighter Wing is investigating the cause of a recent 11,000 gallon fuel leak at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.
www.stripes.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM
The 8th Fighter Wing is investigating the cause of a recent 11,000 gallon fuel leak at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Tangerines, naval oranges and clementines are familiar fruits for many American children, often eaten on soccer sidelines and in school cafeterias. Students at this U.S. base near Hiroshima are getting a taste of a local alternative, the Japanese mikan.
Japanese farmers drop off 1,600 mikans to students on Marine base near Hiroshima
American students at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni got a special delivery of Japanese fruit when local farmers dropped off 1,600 mikans.
www.stripes.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:14 AM
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Tangerines, naval oranges and clementines are familiar fruits for many American children, often eaten on soccer sidelines and in school cafeterias. Students at this U.S. base near Hiroshima are getting a taste of a local alternative, the Japanese mikan.
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The Hawaii Army National Guard dedicated a memorial Wednesday on the state’s Big Island honoring the 26 guardsmen aboard a transport boat sunk by a Japanese torpedo while near Maui in January 1942.
Memorial honors WWII soldiers torpedoed in Hawaii waters in 1942
The Hawaii Army National Guard dedicated a new memorial honoring the 26 guardsmen aboard a transport boat sunk by a Japanese torpedo in January 1942.
www.stripes.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:05 AM
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The Hawaii Army National Guard dedicated a memorial Wednesday on the state’s Big Island honoring the 26 guardsmen aboard a transport boat sunk by a Japanese torpedo while near Maui in January 1942.
The bill, proposed Aug. 29, promotes the peaceful use of the DMZ, a heavily fortified strip of land about 2½ miles wide and 160 miles long separating North and South Korea.
UN Command raises alarm over South Korea’s plan for civilian DMZ access
The United Nations Command has raised objections to proposed South Korean legislation that would allow non-military access to the DMZ.
www.stripes.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:40 AM
The bill, proposed Aug. 29, promotes the peaceful use of the DMZ, a heavily fortified strip of land about 2½ miles wide and 160 miles long separating North and South Korea.
Japan tracked four Chinese warships transiting a strategic waterway near Okinawa this week, a move that followed U.S.-Philippine military drills near a contested South China Sea atoll that drew complaints from Beijing.
Chinese warship sail near Okinawa after US-Philippine drills in South China Sea
Japan tracked four Chinese warships in a strait near Okinawa, a move that followed U.S.-Philippine military drills near a contested South China Sea atoll.
www.stripes.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Japan tracked four Chinese warships transiting a strategic waterway near Okinawa this week, a move that followed U.S.-Philippine military drills near a contested South China Sea atoll that drew complaints from Beijing.
NAHA, Okinawa — A Japanese court has awarded about $16.3 million to Okinawans affected by Kadena Air Base aircraft noise, the latest ruling in a long-running series of lawsuits over noise from U.S. military airfields on the island.
Japanese court awards $16.3 million over aircraft noise from Air Force base on Okinawa
A Japan court awards millions over Air Force bases’ aircraft noise on Okinawa
www.stripes.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:06 AM
NAHA, Okinawa — A Japanese court has awarded about $16.3 million to Okinawans affected by Kadena Air Base aircraft noise, the latest ruling in a long-running series of lawsuits over noise from U.S. military airfields on the island.
EDITOR'S PICK | The friendly faced military working dog that greets users on the login page for the Department of Defense Global Directory has officially become a veteran.
Pentagon’s most recognizable military working dog is hanging up his goggles
Nick, the 9-year-old German shepherd who greets users on the login page for the DOD Global Directory, will retire during a ceremony at Fort Meade, Md.
www.stripes.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:27 AM
EDITOR'S PICK | The friendly faced military working dog that greets users on the login page for the Department of Defense Global Directory has officially become a veteran.
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — You could say Leo Plummer, an Air Force technical sergeant who works at this airlift hub in western Tokyo, kept a family tradition alive.
Yokota-born airman is third generation to serve at airlift hub in western Tokyo
An Air Force technical sergeant continues a family tradition, working at Yokota Air Base, where his father and grandfather were stationed before.
www.stripes.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:09 AM
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — You could say Leo Plummer, an Air Force technical sergeant who works at this airlift hub in western Tokyo, kept a family tradition alive.
The U.S. Navy has marked Spiritual Awareness Month on a global scale for the first time, an initiative aimed at supporting sailors of all beliefs, including those who find meaning through community rather than organized religion.
From yoga to therapy dogs, Navy expands its definition of spiritual support
The Navy has marked Spiritual Awareness Month on a global scale for the first time, aimed at supporting sailors of all beliefs.
www.stripes.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:03 AM
The U.S. Navy has marked Spiritual Awareness Month on a global scale for the first time, an initiative aimed at supporting sailors of all beliefs, including those who find meaning through community rather than organized religion.
A general with 35 years of experience that includes combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan has been tapped to lead the Marine Corps’ operations in Japan.
Trump taps decorated Iraq, Afghanistan combat veteran to lead Marine Corps in Japan
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Japan.
www.stripes.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:25 AM
A general with 35 years of experience that includes combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan has been tapped to lead the Marine Corps’ operations in Japan.
North Korea fired four missiles from an improved version of a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher in a test overseen Tuesday by leader Kim Jong Un, according to the state-run news agency.
North Korea claims successful test of improved multiple rocket launcher
North Korea is claiming its latest missile launch verified an improved rocket launcher’s strike capability, mobility, intelligence and accuracy.
www.stripes.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:20 AM
North Korea fired four missiles from an improved version of a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher in a test overseen Tuesday by leader Kim Jong Un, according to the state-run news agency.
Reconnaissance Marines had four run-ins with bears during recent parachute training in northern Japan, according to the commander of an Alaska-based U.S. Army battalion.
Several bear encounters interrupt US troops’ parachute training in northern Japan
www.stripes.com
January 28, 2026 at 1:03 AM
Reconnaissance Marines had four run-ins with bears during recent parachute training in northern Japan, according to the commander of an Alaska-based U.S. Army battalion.
A Pentagon undersecretary met with South Korea’s defense minister this week to discuss alliance priorities, including the transfer of wartime operational control and Seoul’s plans to pursue nuclear-powered submarines.
Pentagon policy chief discusses nuclear submarines, wartime control with South Korea
Elbridge Colby met with South Korea’s defense minister to discuss alliance priorities, including the transfer of wartime operational control and Seoul’s plans to pursue nuclear-powered submarines.
www.stripes.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:56 AM
A Pentagon undersecretary met with South Korea’s defense minister this week to discuss alliance priorities, including the transfer of wartime operational control and Seoul’s plans to pursue nuclear-powered submarines.
A U.S. Navy warship made a port call this week at a Cambodian naval base whose recent expansion was largely paid for by China.
US Navy warship makes rare visit to Cambodian port expanded by China
A U.S. Navy warship made a port call at a Cambodian naval base whose recent expansion was largely paid for by China.
www.stripes.com
January 27, 2026 at 7:55 AM
A U.S. Navy warship made a port call this week at a Cambodian naval base whose recent expansion was largely paid for by China.
The Army has posthumously commissioned seven University of Hawaii ROTC cadets of Japanese descent who were killed during World War II while fighting as enlisted soldiers in Europe.
Hawaii soldiers receive commissions that fate and death denied them during WWII
The Army has posthumously commissioned seven University of Hawaii ROTC cadets of Japanese descent who were killed during World War II.
www.stripes.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:19 AM
The Army has posthumously commissioned seven University of Hawaii ROTC cadets of Japanese descent who were killed during World War II while fighting as enlisted soldiers in Europe.
U.S. and Japanese forces will team up again next month for an expanded version of annual exercises around Japan, especially in the island chain that includes Okinawa.
Expanded Iron Fist puts US, Japanese troops at more island training sites
U.S. and Japanese naval forces are teaming up for an expanded version of annual exercises around Japan.
www.stripes.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:17 AM
U.S. and Japanese forces will team up again next month for an expanded version of annual exercises around Japan, especially in the island chain that includes Okinawa.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – The chief of naval operations has recognized a Marine staff sergeant for repairing a sophisticated radar system used to defend troops against aerial threats.
Quick repair by Marine keeps critical radar functioning on Okinawa
The chief of naval operations has recognized a Marine staff sergeant for repairing a radar system used to defend troops against aerial threats.
www.stripes.com
January 26, 2026 at 8:08 AM
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa – The chief of naval operations has recognized a Marine staff sergeant for repairing a sophisticated radar system used to defend troops against aerial threats.
To reduce accidents and suicides in the ranks, a special civil-military advisory committee has recommended South Korea’s military adopt wireless technology to tag and track its firearms.
South Korea’s military may track firearms wirelessly following rise in suicides
South Korea’s military should adopt wireless technology to track its firearms to reduce accidents and suicides in the ranks, an advisory committee said.
www.stripes.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:19 AM
To reduce accidents and suicides in the ranks, a special civil-military advisory committee has recommended South Korea’s military adopt wireless technology to tag and track its firearms.
Twelve hospitals and one clinic on U.S. military bases worldwide have earned top designations from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization that evaluates health care quality on behalf of consumers and businesses.
Record number of military hospitals make national list for quality care
Twelve U.S. military hospitals and one clinic have earned top designations from a nonprofit that evaluates health care quality.
www.stripes.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Twelve hospitals and one clinic on U.S. military bases worldwide have earned top designations from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit organization that evaluates health care quality on behalf of consumers and businesses.
Rotor wash — the powerful wind generated by helicopter blades — forced a teacher’s umbrella open and knocked her off balance, leading to a fatal fall last year at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, according to an Air Force accident investigation released Wednesday.
Helicopter rotor wash caused teacher’s fatal fall at Okinawa base, Air Force says
An investigation says powerful wind created by a helicopter’s blades led to a DODEA teacher’s fatal fall at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa last April.
www.stripes.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:08 PM
Rotor wash — the powerful wind generated by helicopter blades — forced a teacher’s umbrella open and knocked her off balance, leading to a fatal fall last year at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, according to an Air Force accident investigation released Wednesday.
The Amazing Samurai Race on Thursday was one of several activities under a yearlong Samurai Challenge aimed at building strength, camaraderie and reinforcing the “warrior ethos” across the installation, according to the 374th Airlift Wing’s website.
Tokyo-based airmen test strength and teamwork in ‘Amazing Race’-inspired competition
The race is part of the Samurai Challenge aimed at building strength and camaraderie while reinforcing ‘warrior ethos’ at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo.
www.stripes.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:41 AM
The Amazing Samurai Race on Thursday was one of several activities under a yearlong Samurai Challenge aimed at building strength, camaraderie and reinforcing the “warrior ethos” across the installation, according to the 374th Airlift Wing’s website.
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa — Two Marines recently provided first aid to a Japanese man in his 80s who was choking while experiencing a seizure at a ramen shop in northern Okinawa.
Marine training kicks in at an Okinawa ramen shop, saving a choking man’s life
A Marine saves a man’s life at an Okinawa ramen shop
www.stripes.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:59 AM
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa — Two Marines recently provided first aid to a Japanese man in his 80s who was choking while experiencing a seizure at a ramen shop in northern Okinawa.
A mural of historical front pages and photos covers a wall inside Stars and Stripes Pacific headquarters at Akasaka Press Center in Tokyo, Jan. 20, 2026.
January 23, 2026 at 6:34 AM
A mural of historical front pages and photos covers a wall inside Stars and Stripes Pacific headquarters at Akasaka Press Center in Tokyo, Jan. 20, 2026.
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Army Garrison Hawaii is doubling up soldiers in barracks rooms on Oahu to deal with the influx of personnel transferring to the 25th Infantry Division as part of an Army transformation.
Soldiers are asked to share barracks rooms as Army division grows in Hawaii
Army Garrison Hawaii is doubling up soldiers in barracks rooms to deal with an influx of personnel transferring to the 25th Infantry Division.
www.stripes.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:12 AM
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Army Garrison Hawaii is doubling up soldiers in barracks rooms on Oahu to deal with the influx of personnel transferring to the 25th Infantry Division as part of an Army transformation.