(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, with Secretary of Defense Hegseth attending from the U.S., the Japan-U.S. Iwo-To Reunion of Honor Ceremony was held in the presence of both the Japanese and U.S. defense ministers for the first time in history, and it was conducted in a very dignified manner. On Iwo-To, a site of fierce battles during the Pacific War, Japan and the U.S., which once fought against each other 80 years ago and now have one of the strongest, most successful and important alliances in the world, were able to demonstrate domestically and internationally that the two countries uphold peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, Secretary Hegseth and I reaffirmed our determination to carrying forward and further elevating the strong alliance built by our predecessors, and contributing to peace in the region and the world. By participating in the Japan-U.S. reunion ceremony together as deeply reliable partners, I believe our commitment has truly resonated across the Indo-Pacific region. During the Battle of Iwo-To, many soldiers perished under harsh conditions, sacrificing their lives to protect their beloved families and their country while worrying about the future of their country and their families. Ten years ago, I attended the Japan-U.S. reunion ceremony for the first time as the incumbent Minister of Defense. It strongly reinforced for me that we must never forget these events, and that peace and prosperity in Japan and the region are built upon these invaluable sacrifices. Now, a decade later, as we mark 80 years since the end of the war, Japan finds itself in the most severe and complex security environment of the post-war era. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities, and as I pledged to Secretary Hegseth, Japan will work closely with our ally, the U.S., and further contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world. Today, I was able to renew this determination and resolve.