(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Yesterday, I visited the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Mishuku and Camp Narashino. First, I visited the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital at Camp Mishuku. The Ministry of Defense also has a responsibility to provide comprehensive medical care to Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel who have sustained injuries or fallen ill while performing rigorous duties for the nation. The provision of high-quality medical services is the foundation of an environment where SDF personnel can work with peace of mind. Furthermore, the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital is a hospital that is open to the general public, and in this regard, supports healthcare in the community. We will continue to ensure an SDF medical system that fully supports and protects SDF personnel, their families, and members of the community. Next, at Camp Narashino, I visited the Special Forces Group. The Special Forces Group is a specialized unit possessing high mobility and advanced close-combat capabilities in order to respond to attacks by guerrillas and special operations forces. During this visit, I observed training demonstrations and offered encouragement to SDF personnel. In the course of the visit, I received a request from the commander of the Special Forces Group to set up a flexible framework that would allow personnel in the field to treat themselves in the event of an injury. I immediately instructed the Director General of Health and Medicine to consider the necessary framework. By observing up close the training of SDF personnel who are engaged in demanding duties every day, I renewed my determination to quickly create an environment where SDF personnel, who bear the noble mission of national defense, can carry out their activities with pride. Through visits, I will continue to see with my own eyes the realities faced by SDF personnel engaged in demanding duties every day, listen to voices from the ground, and establish an environment where SDF personnel can demonstrate their capabilities to the fullest. That concludes my opening remarks.