(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I had the opportunity to visit the Yaeyama Islands for the first time since assuming office as Minister. I had wanted to visit the site as soon as possible after my assuming office. The current security environment is the most severe and complex since the end of World War II, also in the Yaeyama Islands, and the situation in the surrounding sea and airspace in the region including the Yonaguni Islands, is increasingly severe. I was finally able to visit there today and hear about the situation of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel on the ground and in the region. I inspected the units at Camp Ishigaki yesterday, and Camp Yonaguni today, and I was able to understand the actual situation. It was very significant to be able to directly encourage the personnel who are engaged in noble missions, watching them work as they continue surveillance with utmost seriousness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without a moment to spare under great tension. In addition, I visited Taketomi Town Office yesterday, and had a briefing about the efforts on the evacuation of residents as part of civil protection measures. They have extremely detailed plans, and I strongly felt their acute crisis awareness as a border island. I received the impression that they have been promoting enthusiastic and practical considerations. Today, I visited Taketomi Island and Hateruma Island to inspect the airports and ports that would serve as bases of evacuation from the island. The Ministry of Defense and SDF have a significant role to play in civil protection. I renewed my recognition that it is extremely important to further strengthen cooperation with local governments through various exercises conducted by the Government of Japan and prefectural government, including joint exercises for civil protection by Okinawa Prefecture. I felt it is essential to continue coordinating with local governments, listening carefully to their voices at first, and concretely advancing efforts to ensure the safety and security of local residents. Furthermore, I met with Mayor Itokazu of Yonaguni Town earlier. Nearly nine years have passed since the establishment of the camp on Yonaguni Island. I expressed gratitude for the warm reception the residents have given to the SDF units, as well as received various requests from the mayor and promised to address them properly. Through my visit, firstly, I strengthened my belief that Japan must protect the lives and property of its people, and its territory, territorial waters, and airspace. Next, I realized that the robust defense system is supported by the efforts of each personnel member, and that we need to develop an environment where each personnel member can focus on their noble mission of national defense with honor and pride, as I gave instructions earlier, while having a sense of security, confidence, pride, and enjoyment in their work, regardless of location. Lastly, it is essential to gain local cooperation, and we will further close coordination with local communities. I intend to make every effort for Japan’s national defense through continuing to visit sites and units at every opportunity, and directly listening to the voices of personnel and local residents.