noun
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force; JGSDF
Official name of Japan's army branch; often abbreviated as 陸自 (りくじ) in news and conversation.
日本陸上自衛隊は災害派遣でも活躍している。
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is also active in disaster relief missions.
Compound of 日本 (Japan), 陸上 (ground, land), and 自衛隊 (Self-Defense Force). The term follows the naming pattern of Japan's post-war defense forces.