The Japanese government has cast doubt on the legitimacy of a video clip that surfaced on social media, purportedly showcasing drone footage of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Izumo destroyer. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara expressed skepticism about the video during a press briefing on April 2, hinting that it could be falsified with malicious motives. The short video, lasting around 20 seconds, depicts an aerial view of the Izumo, with the camera maneuvering over the vessel's deck while stationed at the Yokosuka Naval Base, located in the Kanagawa Prefecture.
Notably, the visual material in question contains the emblem of the prominent Chinese video-sharing platform "bilibili" in its top left corner, sparking further intrigue into the origins and authenticity of the footage. The potential breach of laws governing drone operations around defense establishments has also been highlighted, with regulations stipulating that drones must not fly over sensitive military sites like the Yokosuka base without proper authorization. Despite declining to divulge specifics about security protocols, Minister Kihara emphasized the ongoing surveillance efforts employed to monitor unauthorized aerial activities, including drones, near such critical defense installations. Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, Kihara refrained from disclosing elaborate details that could compromise the security measures in place.