In a gesture of goodwill, American, Australian, and Japanese naval ships and planes will hold a joint one-day drill in the East China Sea west of Japan's southern island of Kyushu.
Officials from the ministry said two destroyers and two P-3C anti-submarine patrol planes from the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan will take part in the exercise.
One P-3C patrol plane each from the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force will also join the drill.
The drill is set for Oct. 17.
Where's the submarine in that line-up?
Isn't it hard to play "hide and seek" if everyone's seeking and no one's hiding?
