Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers simulate a ground attack at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 26, 2023. (Mitchell Austin/U.S. Marine Corps)

TOKYO — The Japanese army suspended training at a firing range in central Japan after a private first class gestured to reporters there with his middle finger, the nation’s defense minister said Tuesday.

The reporters were covering the range’s reopening on Monday, five months after authorities said an 18-year-old Ground Self-Defense Force recruit shot and killed two other soldiers there and injured a third.

The reopening of the range in Hino, in Gifu prefecture, was marred by a soldier who made the gesture, generally considered profane, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said at a news conference.

“It is extremely regrettable … that there was a member who acted inappropriately on such a day,” he said.

The soldier, in his 20s, was in a military vehicle entering the range when he gave a two-fingered peace sign to reporters, followed by his lone middle finger. The soldier admitted his actions after shown footage broadcast by the media, Kihara said.

The unnamed soldier is assigned to the 35th Infantry Regiment, 10th Division at Camp Moriyama in Nagoya city.

Kihara said the Ground Self-Defense Force is looking into the details, including why the soldier made the gesture.

Training at Hino is suspended while the military imposes preventative measures, including thoroughly disciplining its personnel, Kihara said.