(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
It has been four days today since I left Japan. Following on from Honolulu and Los Angeles, I remain committed to further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, here in Washington, D.C. Two days ago, in Los Angeles, I first visited Neros Technologies, a U.S. startup, and received an overview briefing on the company’s drone business. Afterwards, I attended a reception hosted by the Japanese Consul General in Los Angeles to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Operation Tomodachi and the 71st anniversary of the Self-Defense Forces. At the reception, I exchanged views with representatives from Japanese and U.S. defense industries and others and emphasized my strong resolve to strengthen the defense industry. Yesterday, I held meetings with U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith, Senator William Hagerty, Senator Roger Wicker, Senator Pete Ricketts, Congressman Mike Rogers, and Senator Chris Coons. I expressed my gratitude for the U.S. Congress’s continued support of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and we discussed a wide range of issues, including the importance of a strong Japan-U.S. Alliance for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In the evening, I exchanged views with Japanese corporate expatriates and heard firsthand perspectives from the business world. Today, I laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. I also paid a courtesy call on Vice President Vance at the White House, and for approximately 30 minutes, we discussed the regional security environment and Japan’s efforts to strengthen defense capabilities. In addition, in the early morning, Secretary Hegseth and I deepened our friendship through sweating together during U.S. military-style trainings. Subsequently, we held a Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting from 2:00 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes. This was my fourth Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting within the short period that I have been appointed Minister of Defense. We affirmed that there is no wavering in the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and that the two countries are working together closely. Considering the security situation in the Indo-Pacific that is rapidly becoming severer, a candid exchange of views took place on concrete measures to further strengthen Japan-U.S. defense cooperation. I later received a briefing from the Department of War on how the U.S. forces utilize the latest artificial intelligence (AI). Tomorrow, I will engage in discussions with members of think tanks and visit companies before catching my flight to Japan in the late afternoon.