Archive · 16 Jan 2026
US and Japan Defense Chiefs Work Out Together
The defense ministers of the United States and Japan had a special workout together before their important meeting.
They did exercises like rowing and lifting weights.
After that, they talked about how to work together to keep their countries safe from threats like China and North Korea.
They promised to do more joint military practices and help each other with defense technology.
This is part of a bigger plan to make their alliance stronger.
Some people thought the workout was a fun way to build teamwork, while others thought it was just for show.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi engaged in a joint workout before bilateral defense talks.
The workout included rowing, push-ups, cross-training, and weightlifting at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall in Virginia.
Koizumi described the American military-style training as 'very tough' on social media.
During their talks, they reaffirmed the US-Japan alliance and pledged to expand joint military drills and cooperation on missile production.
The discussions also focused on strengthening supply chains, including critical minerals, and US support for Japan's defense build-up.
- Who
- US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi
- What
- Joint workout and bilateral defense talks
- When
- January 15, 2025
- Where
- Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, Virginia, and the Pentagon
- Why
- To strengthen the US-Japan alliance and discuss defense cooperation
- Location
- Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, Virginia
- Participants
- US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi
- Activities
- Rowing, push-ups, cross-training, weightlifting
- Focus of Talks
- China, North Korea threats, joint military drills, missile production, defense capabilities
- Alliance Commitment
- Unshaken, solid, and unwavering
- Upcoming Visit
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's planned US visit in March