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Japan army unit’s gun-toting AI-generated elephant logo gets trampled by critics
NEWS
5/5/2026

Japan army unit’s gun-toting AI-generated elephant logo gets trampled by critics

A Japanese infantry unit has withdrawn a new patch designed by artificial intelligence after it was criticised for being immature, “aggressive” and out of step with the public image of the country’s Self-Defence Forces (SDF). The 1st Infantry Regiment’s patch was unveiled on April 29 and features an elephant in a helmet and other combat gear, holding a machine gun across its chest. The elephant has chains across its shoulders and a human skull apparently attached to its chest, with blue flames...

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SCMP Economy
Three Japanese Tank Crew Killed in Rare Turret Explosion During Drills
Developing
Defense·4/25/2026AI summary

Three Japanese Tank Crew Killed in Rare Turret Explosion During Drills

Three Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force crew members were killed when a round exploded inside the turret of a Type 10 tank during training exercises at the Hijudai training area in Oita prefecture on Tuesday. The incident, which also left a driver seriously injured, is extremely rare as detonations inside tank turrets are virtually unheard of. The last similar accident in Japan occurred in 1979. The GSDF has suspended firing drills while investigators examine the anti-tank rounds, self-loading mechanism and breech system.

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SCMP Economy