(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have three announcements at the beginning today. The first is about the Review Committee for Fundamentally Reinforcing the Human Resource Base. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are required to ensure the building of the capacities prescribed in the three strategic documents, and to take all possible measures for the defense of Japan. On the other hand, the recruitment status for SDF personnel has deteriorated in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. This problem is becoming increasingly clear even for administrative officers other than members of the SDF, such as the securing of technical officers in research positions to meet the growing work demands of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA). In light of this, the MOD has established the Review Committee for Fundamentally Reinforcing the Human Resource Base chaired by State Minister of Defense Oniki, and the first meeting of the Committee will be held next Monday on July 8.
This Committee will undertake reviews on the following three points. The first is to enhance the appeal of jobs, including the aspects of compensation; the second is to enhance the sophistication of units by labor-saving and automation through the use of AI; and the third is to utilize external resources such as former personnel and the private sector. Reinforcing the human resources base is essential toward fundamentally strengthening our defense capabilities, and we anticipate active discussions under State Minister of Defense Oniki to bring forth proposals of concrete measures that are not constrained by existing ways of thinking.
The second is the FY2024 Harassment Prevention Month for MOD Personnel. Under my leadership, the MOD is advancing various harassment prevention measures. While we implemented the initiative of Harassment Prevention Month this January, we decided to set July 8 to August 9 as the first Harassment Prevention Month in this fiscal year to ensure that the effects of the measures extend to all parts of the organization. We plan to designate this Harassment Prevention Month twice a fiscal year. For the upcoming Harassment Prevention Month, under the theme of changing the mindset of personnel toward preventing harassment, we will continue to deliver the top message from the commanders at all levels and others, and to conduct surveys about harassment on all employees. At the same time, with regard to harassment prevention seminars conducted by external lectures and harassment tests for personnel, we intend to extend the venues and scope of participation. Through the initiatives during Harassment Prevention Month, we aim to improve personnel’s awareness on harassment, and to create renewed opportunities for every personnel to think seriously about harassment as an issue that affects them personally. We will continue to make efforts to build an environment where harassment is not tolerated in any way.
The third is about a special defense inspection on submarine repair contracts. With regard to the submarine repair contract between Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF), the General Accident Investigation Committee of the Maritime Staff Office is currently investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct and the violation of discipline by personnel when entering into the submarine repair contract, while the ATLA is investigating if there have been any overpayments due to fictitious transactions. As the Minister of Defense, I take very seriously the fact that the allegations have arisen this time. As we advance the fundamental strengthening of our defense capabilities, we will naturally execute our budget more rigorously than ever before, and we must not allow anything to arouse suspicion and distrust among the people. Therefore, it is necessary for the MOD to further strengthen our investigative posture. To that end, today, I have instructed the Defense Inspector General to conduct a special defense inspection on the relationship between personnel involved in submarine repairs and the contracting party, as well as the appropriateness of the relevant contracts. Going forward, we will implement promptly the special defense inspection and take strict measures to address any issues based on the facts identified through the inspection.