Explosion at Japan Self-Defense Forces Training Ground, Resulting in Three Deaths and One Serious Injury

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Japan, Lin Xueyuan] On the morning of the 21st, an explosion occurred during training at the "Nichihon Seidai Exercise Ground" of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Oita Prefecture, resulting in 3 deaths and 1 serious injury. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences on social media, stating that the government "will work to determine the cause of this incident and strive to ensure thorough safety management." Japan's Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi expressed "deep regret" during a session of the Senate Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Masayoshi Arai, apologized at an impromptu press conference, saying, "We sincerely apologize for causing distress and concern to local residents and the general public."

According to reports from Kyodo News and The Japan Times, the "Nichihon Seidai Exercise Ground" covers approximately 4,900 hectares, making it the largest exercise ground for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in western Japan, and it is also used for live-fire training by the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in Japan.

At around 8:40 AM on the 21st, while the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force was conducting live-fire training with a Type 10 main battle tank, a shell unexpectedly exploded prematurely inside the barrel, leading to the accident. This model of tank is domestically produced in Japan and is designed to carry a crew of 3. For safety reasons, a total of 4 people, including a safety officer, were on board during the training. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force stated that the 3 deceased men were all members of the Western Army Tank Brigade, identified as the tank commander, gunner, and safety officer, while the seriously injured woman was the driver.

Currently, the Ground Self-Defense Force has suspended live-fire training with this model of tank. The Western Army Command has established an accident investigation committee to investigate the details and causes of the incident. 

The Japan Times recalled that this is another major accident involving the Self-Defense Forces since May of last year, with previous incidents more often involving aircraft. On May 14 of last year, a Japan Air Self-Defense Force T-4 trainer aircraft crashed into an artificial reservoir a few minutes after taking off from Komaki Base in Aichi Prefecture, resulting in the deaths of 2 people on board. On April 20, 2024, two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60K helicopters collided during nighttime training near an island in Tokyo, resulting in the deaths of all 8 people on board. On April 6, 2023, a UH-60JA helicopter crashed into the sea near Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture, resulting in the deaths of all 10 people on board.