(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I visited units at the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Ishigaki and Camp Yonaguni and gained an understanding of their situation. It was very meaningful for me to offer encouragement to each and every personnel who are working around the clock to defend Japan with high morale and vigilance, despite the challenging working environment posed by strong sunlight and salt damage. I was once again filled with deep pride in these front-line personnel standing beside me today. At Camp Ishigaki, I met with members of cooperating organizations that regularly support Self-Defense Force (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 and interact with the personnel’s families. Members of the Family Association and Taiyukai informed me that, due to the thoughtless actions of some individuals who oppose the SDF, the personnel’s children and families sometimes feel that they cannot walk with their heads held high. I, as Minister of Defense, have a mission to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese people, and therefore, to protect the SDF personnel and their families, and I am deeply saddened that they should have to experience such feelings. They are the pride and treasure of our nation. Due to the thoughtless actions of some people, including excessive protests, not only SDF personnel but even their children and families are made to feel out of place. This situation must surely be changed. With a renewed commitment, I will make every effort to change this, including outreach and improving the environment. In the afternoon, I met with Mayor Uechi of Yonaguni Town. As I also conveyed to Mayor Kakazu and Mayor Nakayama yesterday, amid the various opinions on the activities of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the SDF, the people of Yonaguni have shown understanding for and cooperated with the MOD/SDF’s activities, and have warmly welcomed the SDF units, personnel, and each of their family members, for which I expressed my gratitude. I conveyed that we would steadily address the various requests received from the mayor. 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 will be provided on these matters under my responsibility. Today, I visited Ishigakijima Island and Yonagunijima Island and renewed three commitments. The first is protecting the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese people and defending Japan’s territorial land, waters, and airspace in any situation. Secondly, to this end, we will provide careful explanations and timely, appropriate information to the local residents to gain their understanding and cooperation for the MOD/SDF’s activities. The third is improving treatment for personnel in remote islands and other challenging working environments. In connection with these three points, as Minister of Defense, I will continue to always stand at the forefront of all SDF personnel and, together with them, fulfill the noble mission of defending Japan, or national defense. I will continue visiting the SDF units whenever possible and take all possible measures to ensure Japan’s defense while listening firsthand to the personnel and local residents.