Suffolk soldier Private Jake Curran, of Holbrook, near Ipswich, sent to Japan to train with its military

A Suffolk soldier has been sent to Japan to train with its military.

Private Jake Curran, of Holbrook, is on the island of Kyushu for Exercise Vigilant Isles, a military exercise that links British troops with the Japanese Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF).

Jake, part of B Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, will learn how to defend against an invading force.

The 20-year-old said: “We’re here to build a relationship with the Japanese, and they’ve been so welcoming to us. It’s been interesting to see how another army operates.

“There are a lot of similarities, but also little differences and we’ve learnt a lot from each other.”

Jake has previously trained in Estonia, France and the Falklands Islands.

Jake joined the army in 2023 after attending Holbrook Academy.

He said: “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with myself after school.

“My best friend had joined up, he seemed to be enjoying myself, and I thought I’d give it a go. I haven’t looked back since.”

Exercise Vigilant Isles is being run for the third time this year and is designed to deepen the military relationship between the UK and Japan.

It is hoped this would illustrate a shared commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

The UK is the only country to conduct two-party military training in Japan

“The travel opportunities are part of why I joined the Army,” Jake said.

“We’ve got a few days off in Tokyo at the end of the exercise, and it’ll be interesting to get out and experience the city and Japanese culture.”