My good buddy Mike Yeo has the info on the Japanese 8x8!

Mike writes for Defense News and you can follow his tweets @The Base Leg!

via Defense News.

 Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) has unveiled a prototype eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier (APC) as part of a research project for a new class of modular vehicles. 
The project, known for now as the Wheeled Armoured Vehicle (Improved), will eventually lead to a new vehicle type to replace the Type 96 eight-wheel drive armored personnel carrier in use by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). 
The new vehicle will feature improved protection against a variety of threats such as improvised explosive devices, versatility and room for future growth in capabilities compared to the Type 96 it is replacing. It will also be fitted with a more powerful engine and a strengthened suspension to cope with the increased weight and payloads. 

Just a tease...head here to read the rest of the article. 

Defense News got a great guy with their hiring of Mike.  More than most defense writers these days he covers a broad array of defense related subjects (not just an another so called aviation expert) and has his nose to the ground when it comes to armor issues and trends...especially in the Pacific region.

I've been a follower of his for quite awhile now.  If you're not then you're missing out!