(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
This is my first visit to the main island of Okinawa since assuming office as Minister of Defense. I visited the Sakishima Islands last November, and it has been my wish to visit the main island of Okinawa at the earliest opportunity. I am very happy that this visit has been realized. Today, I first visited the National War Dead Peace Mausoleum and offered flowers. Reflecting on the horrifying history of the war, I renewed my commitment to my mission, as Minister of Defense, to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese people and resolutely defend Japan’s territorial land, waters, and airspace. This was followed by a meeting with Lieutenant General Roger Turner, Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Okinawa Area Coordinator. It was confirmed that we would steadily mitigate the impact of bases in Okinawa while firmly maintaining the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. In addition, I just met with mayors from the three-municipality liaison council on Camp Hansen, the Mayor of Nago City, and mayors from the three Kube districts. I received a request from Mayor Toguchi of Nago City to dispel public concerns and to protect the living environment. He also asked for continued support for regional revitalization. I conveyed that I would take these requests seriously and respond accordingly. Tomorrow, I will again meet with local government officials, as well as visit the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Naha Air Base and the Air Self-Defense Force’s Naha Air Base. As Minister of Defense, I will listen carefully to opinions and requests, deepen understanding of the severe security environment surrounding Japan, and take all possible measures for the defense of Japan.