(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have been appointed Minister of Defense once again, eight years after I last served in this position in 2016. I feel extremely honored to be appointed, while at the same time feel a great responsibility. Upon assuming office, I received nine instructions from Prime Minister Ishiba. The first is to cooperate with the relevant ministers under the National Security Council to make the national security policy further strategic and systematic, in order to resolutely defend the lives of Japanese nationals and their livelihoods. In this regard, my first priority will be to work on the fundamental reinforcement of our defense capabilities. The second instruction is to strengthen our defense production and technology bases. The third is to work on reinforcing the human resource bases of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) looking ahead to its future ways of warfare, with regard to improving the treatment and working environment of SDF personnel. The fourth instruction is to further enhance the joint deterrence and response capabilities of Japan and the U.S. In this context, I am required to work to improve the frameworks of our respective command and control and to strengthen cooperation, while establishing a cooperative posture with the U.S. to exercise Japan’s counterstrike capabilities more effectively. Next, for realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” I will promote bilateral and multilateral exchanges on defense cooperation including joint exercises and equipment and technology cooperation, while positioning the Japan-U.S. Alliance as a cornerstone to such efforts. At the same time, I will work with the relevant ministers to lead efforts to further secure the safety and stability of the region. The fifth instruction is related to Okinawa. In cooperation with the Minister in charge of Mitigating the Impact of U.S. Forces in Okinawa, I am required to work to maintain deterrence while advancing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including the relocation of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and strive to mitigate impacts on the local communities including Okinawa. Next, in relation to the surveillance of Japan’s territorial land, waters, and airspace, we will work on intelligence gathering with a sense of urgency, as well as respond appropriately based on Japan’s laws and regulations depending on the situation. The next instruction is to make every effort to enhance the relationship of trust between the Ministry of Defense and the SDF, and to take every possible measure to ensure that the SDF executes its missions faithfully, including missions based on Japan’s Legislation for Peace and Security. The next instruction is to work on rescue operations and support for the people affected by successive natural disasters. The eighth instruction is to cooperate with the Chief Cabinet Secretary towards infrastructure development for deterrence, including the development of security-related legislation. The last instruction is to take charge of work on the Legislation for Peace and Security. Based on these instructions issued by the Prime Minister, I, as the Defense Minister, along with the 250,000 personnel under the Ministry, will put our utmost efforts into ensuring the peace, security, and stability of Japan and the rest of the world, in order to meet the expectations of the people of Japan. I ask for your continued support.