Japanese and US army troops have started this year's joint drill to confirm chains of command in case of an emergency in the Japanese neighbouring area.

It started Tuesday at the base of the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces at Higashi-Chitose in Hokkaido. Computers have been set up connecting Hokkaido to bases in the U.S.

4,300 Japanese soldiers from the Northern Army in Hokkaido and 1,500 U.S. Army personnel are taking part in the drill, which will run until February 1st.

The joint drills have been conducted twice a year since 1981, with the two countries taking turns to host them.

Source: CRIENGLISH.com