The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are the armed forces of Japan that were created during the Cold War in response to a possible invasion by the Soviet Union. Article 9 of Japan's constition forbids Japanese possession of an army or navy; thus, the Self-Defense Forces cannot operate outside of Japan. External attacks are left to the United States under the Treaty of Mutual Security and Cooperation. The JSDF defends Japan cooperatively with the United States Forces of Japan (USFJ) while regularly conducting exercises with the United States.
Branches[]
Ground Self-Defense Forces[]
The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) are the land-based defense forces consisting of five "armies:" Northern, North Eastern, Eastern, Central, and Western.
Maritime Self-Defense Forces[]
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) are the naval forces of the JSDF and is split into five districts: Yokosuka, Kure, Sasebo, Maizuru, and Ominato.
Air Self-Defense Forces[]
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) are the avaition forces equivalent consisting of the Northern, Central, and Western Air Defense Forces.