Reference News, March 11 report. According to Japan's "Mainichi Shimbun" website on March 9, Japan plans to deploy long-range missiles at the Kyushu Self-Defense Force's Kusatsu Garrison in the eastern district of Kumamoto City to form a "retaliatory capability" in case of emergencies. On the night of the 8th, the Ministry of Defense transported equipment related to missile launches into the Kusatsu Garrison. The Self-Defense Forces will then carry out activities such as equipment maintenance and personnel training, and it is expected that the missile deployment will be completed within this month. This will be the first time that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deploys missiles with "retaliatory capabilities."
According to the Kumamoto local government, some media reported on the evening of the 7th that missile-related equipment was about to arrive at the Self-Defense Force garrison, but the local government had not received any information from the Ministry of Defense.
Kumamoto City Mayor Kazuhito Ohkawa issued a statement on the 7th: "We learned about this through the media, which is deeply regrettable. For important matters involving national security, appropriate information sharing should be carried out."
Kumamoto Prefectural Governor Yasuhiro Kimura stated on the 7th: "Some residents in the prefecture are worried about the missile deployment and hope the government can provide more detailed explanations than before."
The Kusatsu Garrison is located in an area with many residential buildings and schools. Many residents are concerned that the area may become a target in case of an emergency.
In November 2025, about 1,200 people participated in a rally calling on the Ministry of Defense to stop deploying long-range missiles in the area. Although some people suggested that the Ministry of Defense should hold public explanation sessions, the Japanese government did not respond.
Regarding the media reports about the arrival of missile-related equipment at the Self-Defense Force garrison, Professor Masahiko Yamashita of the University of Tokai angrily pointed out: "The government has advanced the missile deployment without holding public explanation sessions, which caught the local residents by surprise. We find it difficult to understand the government's approach."
On the evening of the 8th, people who opposed the government's missile deployment gathered in front of the Kusatsu Garrison, causing a very chaotic scene. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7615835303504380468/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.