(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
At today’s Cabinet meeting, I presented an explanation of “Defense of Japan 2024,” which was then distributed. This year’s edition of “Defense of Japan” was compiled with a focus on the events of FY2023, aimed at facilitating easier understanding of the security environment surrounding Japan, and of the efforts by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities based on the three strategic documents. Furthermore, with a view to deepening understanding of security among elementary, junior high, and high school students who are the leaders of the future, we have also published “Complete Understanding! Japan’s Defense” at the same time as a compact, easy-to-understand edition of “Defense of Japan.” We hope that these publications will help further understanding among the people about Japan’s defense.
I will now report inappropriate incidents within MOD/SDF. Firstly, with regard to specially designated secrets, in response to the incident of unauthorized disclosure of classified information we announced this April, we have conducted an intensive inspection of the handling of specially designated secrets throughout MOD. As a result, numerous cases that are regarded as unauthorized disclosure or inappropriate handling of specially designated secrets under the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets were identified. While all cases occurred within the respective agencies or units and unauthorized disclosure to external parties was not confirmed, we imposed on approximately 120 personnel concerned disciplinary actions, including suspension, pay cuts, and admonition. These include the Vice-Minister, Chiefs of Staff, and the Director General of the Defense Intelligence Headquarters. Next, within the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF), the fraudulent receipt of diving allowances by personnel assigned to the submarine rescue ships “Chihaya” and “Chiyoda,” as well as fraudulent meal claims at Atsugi Air Base, MSDF Service Activity, Tokyo, and Coastal Defense Group Tsushima, were confirmed. To address these fraudulent activities, we imposed on approximately 100 personnel concerned, including the Chief of Staff of the MSDF, disciplinary actions, including dismissal, demotion, and suspension. There were also confirmed acts of power harassment by one designated official and two divisional directors within the Ministry’s internal bureaus. In response, we imposed on these three senior officials effective today disciplinary actions including suspension and pay cuts. Furthermore, the resignation of Admiral Sakai, Chief of Staff of the MSDF effective July 19, was approved in today’s Cabinet meeting. In light of the various incidents within the MSDF that I have just described, we have deemed it necessary to rebuild the MSDF under a new organizational structure. Therefore, Vice Admiral Saito, the incumbent Commander in Chief of the Self-Defense Fleet, will be taking over the position of Chief of Staff of the MSDF. As the Minister of Defense, I myself keenly feel responsibility that these recently publicized incidents have damaged the trust of the people in MOD/SDF. Therefore, I have decided to voluntarily return one month’s worth of my salary as the Minister of Defense. The activities of MOD/SDF are established upon the trust of the people, but all the incidents made public recently betray that trust and should never have happened. As the Minister of Defense, I would like to apologize sincerely to the people. To regain their trust in MOD/SDF, it is vital not only for senior officials, but also every individual personnel, to address these issues seriously going forward. To that end, I have decided to send a video message to each individual personnel. MOD/SDF will work united as one to take thorough steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, and to regain the trust of the public.