Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) soldiers run after landing in a helicopter for a rescue operation near the peak of Mt Ontake on Monday. At least 36 people are believed to have died after the volcano erupted without warning at the weekend, raining ash and stones on hikers.
© Japan Today
Rescue work
©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.
12 Comments
Login to comment
tinawatanabe
They're JSDF personnel, not soldiers.
borscht
tina,
What's the difference between JSDF personnel and JSDF soldiers? Serious question.
gogogo
Really bad way to die
tinawatanabe
There is no soldiers in Japan. There is no Military in Japan. Until Japan drops Article 9 of Constitution, those terms are not used for JSDF.
USNinJapan2
A little surprised they actually landed that helo there. The ash kicked up by the rotor's down wash could have made quick work of the turbines.
ReformedBasher
Could be another planet (one with atmosphere that's breathable and sufficiently dense to allow helo flight)
I'll be rude and answer.
They're supposed to be the same as other government officials. But if they act, speak (more politely than some), and fight like soldiers, then for practical purposes, that's what they are.
ohayo206
No comment on Japan's SDF...but great photo op. Nice use of perspective.
ReformedBasher
I was surprised to see aircraft flying seemingly close to the plume on the weekend. Hard to judge due to distance / comparative size, plus footage was taken with telescopic lenses so it may have only appeared that way.
USNinJapan2
Let's see now. Soldiers are defined in the dictionary as personnel in a military force. The JMSDF is defined as a military force and personnel in the JGSDF are referred to as soldiers in Wikipedia. So yup, these troops are most definitely soldiers. What's next? We can't call members of the JMSDF sailors and the JASDF airmen?
Moderator
Back on topic please.