On Thursday, August 8, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) 1st Division released a video on its official X account showcasing a dramatic emergency response drill conducted in the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, often referred to as the “Underground Temple.”
The exercise, part of their crisis response training, captured the attention of viewers with its cinematic visuals and intense action.
The video quickly went viral, with comments such as “The fourth frame is so cool!” and “This should be made into a movie!”. The footage depicts heavily armed JGSDF personnel infiltrating the vast subterranean facility to rescue a hostage, showcasing the unit’s preparedness for real-world emergencies.
The drill was meticulously planned and executed in several stages. It began with the assembly and operational preparation of the 34th Infantry Regiment, followed by coordination with local authorities and the issuance of orders. The next phase involved securing the perimeter of the facility while the rescue team, fully equipped, moved in to extract the hostage.
【首都圏外郭放水路を活用した事態対処訓練】#第１師団は、#第３４普通科連隊 を主体とした事態対処訓練を実施しました。動画をアップしております。
師団は首都機能の維持に寄与するため、引き続き、各種事態に対処するための訓練に励んでまいります。#陸上自衛隊 #第１師団 pic.twitter.com/4v4eHVQ2fY— 陸上自衛隊 第１師団【公式】 (@NFirstdivision) August 7, 2024
The video features a tense moment where the hostage, bound at the wrists, cries out for help. Communication between the rescue team and their command center is highlighted, confirming the identity of the hostage as “Mr. Yamada,” who was dressed in a white shirt and black pants. The facility, known among the personnel as the “Underground Temple,” provided a visually striking backdrop for the exercise.