TOKYO, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Japan and the United States started joint military exercises on Sunday in central-western Japan, with around 600 troops taking part, Kyodo News reported.

    The exercises are held at the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) training field in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, and are scheduled to last until March 3, with some exercises planned at the GSDF training field in Nagi, Okayama Prefecture, the report said.

    The drills are to include an anti-terrorism scenario on Thursday at the facility in Takashima.

    About 350 members of the GSDF No. 8 infantry regiment, based in Yonago, Tottori Prefecture, and around 250 personnel from the Marines' reserve unit in Texas are taking part, according to the officials. Enditem