One of the Members Pointed Middle Finger at Journalists, Japanese Military Stops Their Training

Illustration of the training of Japanese GSDF personnel. (Wikimedia Commons/Rikujojieitai Boueisho)

JAKARTA - The Japanese Defense Minister said on Tuesday that the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) training at a shooting range located in Japan was being suspended, after a GSDF member carried out inappropriate behavior, including raising the middle finger at journalists.

The incident occurred Monday in front of a Gifu Prefectural shooting range, which had recently been reused for GSDF training.

"It is very unfortunate (this happened) on the day of resumption (of training) after preparations. We will handle this matter strictly," said Defense Minister Minoru Kihara at a press conference, reported by Kyodo News, November 8.

The GSDF member in his 20s flashed the middle finger, before flashing a peace symbol through the vehicle window to media crews, as he entered and exited the shooting range.

The member admitted his inappropriate actions after viewing footage released by the press, according to Defense Minister Kihara.

Meanwhile, the GSDF said training at the shooting range was suspended indefinitely.

"We will implement thorough instructions and provide more safety education," said a GSDF official.

Previously, training at the field was suspended last June, after an 18-year-old recruit shot dead two instructors and injured another.

It is known that both the recruit, the fired shooter, and the shooting victim were members of the same regiment based in Nagoya, central Japan, according to GSDF.