(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I had a full schedule today, so my remarks will be long. Today, I had my first opportunity to visit Miyakojima Island and Ishigakijima Island since I was appointed Minister of Defense. Since assuming office, the severity of the security environment surrounding Japan has been felt keenly day by day, and I had wanted to visit the Sakishima Islands as early as possible to observe national defense activities and to exchange views with the local communities that host the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Today, I first visited units at the Miyakojima Sub Base of the Air Self-Defense Force. Responding to threats from the air, including North Korea’s ballistic missile launch soon after I assumed office, is one of our top priorities. It was very meaningful to be able to offer encouragement to the personnel who, as the “eyes” of the SDF, are engaged in defense activities on the front lines around the clock to protect Japan. In Miyakojima Island, I exchanged views with Mayor Kakazu, and in Ishigakijima Island, with Mayor Nakayama. Amid the various opinions on the activities of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the SDF, the community members have consistently shown understanding for and cooperated with the MOD/SDF’s activities, have warmly welcomed the SDF units, personnel, and each of their family members, and have allowed the personnel to have exchanges with the island residents through a range of community events, for which I expressed my gratitude. I conveyed that we would steadily address the various requests received from the mayors. I also explained the importance of reinforcing the SDF’s defense capabilities and regularly conducting trainings and various exercises, including Japan-U.S. bilateral training, thereby enhancing the deterrence and response capabilities of Japan and the Japan-U.S. Alliance. I stated that thorough explanations are being provided on these matters under my responsibility. Additionally, in Miyakojima Island, I met with members of cooperating organizations that regularly support SDF personnel and their families, and as Minister of Defense, I expressed my appreciation for their continued assistance. I also had an opportunity to take photographs, converse, and interact with the personnel’s families. The Family Association and Taiyukai shared with me then that some people in the area carry out protests against the SDF’s activities, and that excessive protests were deeply regrettable. They said that the families do not want such protests to discourage personnel who devote themselves to their duties day and night, driven by a desire to serve others. They asked that I listen to such voices and make sure to communicate them. I share their feelings completely. I will speak out as Minister of Defense, keeping their voices firmly in mind. In Ishigakijima Island, I visited Japan Coast Guard’s Ishigaki Coast Guard Office. This visit was arranged at my request to hear from those on the front line who are guarding Japan’s territorial waters. Hearing about the tense situation at sea from the Coast Guard personnel who literally work on the front line each day to ensure maritime security, including guarding territorial waters, further renewed my sense of resolve and responsibility as Minister of Defense. I was truly grateful, and it filled me with pride to meet colleagues who may belong to different organizations but share the same aspirations as the SDF who devote themselves wholeheartedly to their duty of safeguarding the nation’s security. Visiting Ishigakijima Island and Miyakojima Island has reinforced three commitments for me: first, protecting the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese people and defending Japan’s territorial land, waters, and airspace in any situation; second, to this end, providing careful explanations and timely, appropriate information to the local residents to gain their understanding and cooperation for the MOD/SDF’s activities; and third, improving treatment for personnel in remote islands and other challenging working environments. Tomorrow, I will continue visiting units on Ishigakijima Island and will visit Yonagunijima Island for a more in-depth understanding of the current severe security environment and the candid views of local residents. This concludes my lengthy opening remarks.