Japan, US to commemorate 80th Iwo Jima battle

Japan and the US will hold a joint memorial service on Iwo Jima in late March to mark the 80th anniversary of the 1945 battle. This event will feature Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The memorial is significant as it is the first time top officials from both nations will commemorate the battle together. Japan aims to reinforce its commitment to the security alliance amid ongoing trade tensions. Hegseth is expected to urge Japan to enhance its self-defense capabilities. This comes as Japan faces new tariffs on its aluminum, steel, and vehicles from the US, complicating the diplomatic landscape.