(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I attended an event commemorating the opening of the Ground Self-Defense Force’s (GSDF) Camp Saga. It is deeply moving to mark today with many people attending, including personnel who will actually be working here and members of the community. Exactly ten years ago, I was Minister of Defense and was highly involved in the opening of Camp Saga and the deployment of Ospreys. Ten years ago, I asked Governor Yamaguchi to accept the Ospreys. I also visited the Mayor of Saga City, the Saga City Council, other people concerned, and members of the fishery cooperative federation and asked for their understanding on relocating the Ospreys. A decade has passed since then. I am grateful to be able to attend this opening commemorative event, see the camp’s establishment with my own eyes, and meet the personnel who will be working here. The opening of the camp and the relocation of Ospreys would not have been possible without the understanding and cooperation of everyone, especially the local municipalities and numerous people concerned. Today, many of them were in attendance, and they warmly extended congratulations and expressed their understanding and support. I would like to once again pay tribute and express my appreciation and gratitude to everyone who was involved. Regarding the significance of this camp, as I stated earlier, the security environment surrounding Japan is very complex and challenging. Therefore, it is an urgent task to reinforce the defense architecture, especially in the southwestern region. The opening of Camp Saga and the deployment and relocation of the GSDF’s Ospreys are critical for the defense of Japan. Notably, the establishment of Camp Saga will enable integrated operation with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade units based at Camp Ainoura and nearby. Furthermore, reinforcing the architecture for defending islands, including the Southwestern Islands, has great significance for enhancing Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities. In addition, the Osprey’s outstanding mobility and deployment capabilities are extremely beneficial for disaster relief and transportation of emergency patients. I boarded an Osprey earlier, and I saw that its functionality and flexibility are truly excellent. You think you are rising on vertical mode, and the next thing you know, the aircraft has shifted to flight mode and is able to travel very quickly. From riding the aircraft, I could tell that the aircraft is safe. It operates remarkably smoothly. Many guests were present today, and I believe they came away with the same feeling. Additionally, as I stated in my address to GSDF personnel, I ask them to carry out their work safely and faithfully. I expect that they will devote themselves fully to their duties to meet the very high expectations and trust that are placed in the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) at this time. This morning, I woke up early, and I went from my hotel near Saga Station to Saga Restoration Plaza and to the park at the site of a former spinning mill. Suddenly, a local resident thanked me for bringing the Osprey and offered words of encouragement to the SDF. Indeed, the trust, support, and understanding of the community members are of foremost importance. I ask that the unit operate reliably, love Saga, and aim to make a camp loved by the people of Saga.