Japan gearing up for a Marine Corps...Training with the 11th MEU at Dawn Blitz 2013

Camp Pendleton Calif. -- Memebers of the Japanese Self Defense Force offload personnel and behicles from the Japanese ship Huyga here May 31. Dawn Blitz 2013 is a multinational amphibious exercise designated to test Navy and Marine Corps forces at the Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) level, while promoting military-military cooperation and interoperability with partnered nations. Participating countries include Canada, Japan, New Zealand and military observers from seven countries.

If this isn't proof that the Japanese are gearing up for a Marine Corps I don't know what is!  Additionally notice that they're offloading from the Huyga LHD!

I accept your apology for doubting me.