(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I am Koizumi Shinjiro, and I have been appointed Minister of Defense. I am looking forward to working with all of you. My first announcement is about the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea today. Based on the instructions from Prime Minister Takaichi, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) is taking all possible measures in close coordination with the U.S., the Republic of Korea, and other countries, including collecting and analyzing the necessary information. As Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II, I have been entrusted with the noble duty of defending Japan, which forms the foundation of Japan’s survival. I am deeply honored, while at the same time feel a great responsibility. Upon assuming office, I received instructions from Prime Minister Takaichi. The first is to implement a more strategic and systematic national security policy, fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities, and work on reinforcing the defense production and technology bases as well as the human resource base of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Another is to further enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, alongside promoting bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation and exchanges, evolving a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” and leading efforts to further secure the security and stability of the region. Another is to maintain deterrence while advancing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, and mitigate the impacts of U.S. military bases on local communities, including Okinawa. Next is to conduct surveillance and intelligence gathering with a sense of urgency, and respond appropriately based on Japan’s laws and regulations depending on the situation. The next instruction is to make every effort to secure trust in the MOD/SDF, take every possible measure to ensure that the SDF executes its duties faithfully, as well as respond to successive natural disasters, conduct rescue operations, and provide support for affected people. 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 Defense Minister, along with the approximately 250,000 SDF personnel, will put our utmost efforts into ensuring the peace and stability of Japan and the rest of the world, in order to meet the expectations of the people of Japan. In order to act swiftly on all matters with a strong determination, I have just received a briefing from the Joint Staff regarding the security environment surrounding Japan, as well as the SDF’s responses to ballistic missile launches, measures against airspace intrusions, and other incidents, and confirmed that the SDF maintains readiness. I have also visited the JSDF Joint Operations Command (JJOC) in Ichigaya, Tokyo and saw firsthand how units across Japan are commanded. By observing the actual conditions of the personnel conducting operations, I have further strengthened my resolve to give my total commitment to fulfilling the grave mission of resolutely defending Japan’s peace and independence together with the 250,000 MOD/SDF personnel.