U.S. Embassy Tokyo Grant: Enhancing Northern Japanese Journalist Understanding of USMC Aviation in Okinawa

In December 2021 in Sendai and October 2022 in Hokkaido, U.S. Marine Corps units from Okinawa participated in the first two Resolute Dragon joint training exercises together with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. For the Hokkaido-based exercise, although the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing brought several aircraft including F/A-18 Hornets, CH-53E Super Stallions, AH-1Z Vipers, UH-1Y Venoms, KC-130J Super Hercules, and the MV-22B Osprey, local journalists fixated their coverage on the inclusion of Osprey aircraft and published numerous articles expressing concern about its noise and safety record. Many articles inaccurately suggested that Osprey aircraft were comparatively unsafe and presented a risk to the local community.

This program will provide an opportunity for Japanese journalists in Tohoku and Hokkaido based around Camp Sendai, Misawa Air Base, Camp Higashi Chitose, and the Kami-Furano and Yausubetsu training areas to travel to Okinawa and engage with U.S. Consulate General and Department of Defense interlocutors to better familiarize themselves with the U.S. Marine Corps, including the Okinawa-based III Marine Expeditionary Force, and their mission within the U.S.-Japan alliance to help defend Japan and support the mutual goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Participating journalists from Northern Japan will gain a better understanding of the various aircraft used by the USMC and their capabilities, safety records, and training/safety protocols. During their time in Okinawa, they will also have time to liaise and network with Okinawan journalists. The U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo invites proposals from eligible institutions and individuals to execute this program.