(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I inspected the Winter Season Special Physical Training section of the Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Physical Training School located at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Makomanai, as well as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chitose Air Base. At Camp Makomanai, the Winter Season Special Physical Training section of the JSDF Physical Training School is marking its 10th anniversary this year. Personnel selected from units across Japan gather there and engage in daily training aimed at developing skills in Winter Olympic events such as cross-country skiing and biathlon. These events are highly compatible with fundamental skills important for JSDF personnel, including marksmanship and endurance, and are positioned as activities that enable personnel to pursue both athletic training and professional military capabilities. During my conversations with the athletes, the personnel shared a variety of requests. We will continue making efforts so that Makomanai can produce medalists and so that the athletes can concentrate on their training with peace of mind. Afterwards, through exchanges with members of supporting organizations and the families of personnel, I was once again reminded that it is thanks to everyone’s tremendous support and encouragement that these athletes are able to devote themselves fully to their rigorous daily training. I believe such support from those around them helps each athlete maximize their abilities and strongly supports their success as representatives of Japan. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt gratitude. Next, here at Chitose Air Base, I inspected the 2nd Air Wing, which conducts activities such as scrambles against aircraft that may violate Japan’s airspace. In addition to observing a scramble demonstration, I received a briefing at the ready room where personnel remain on standby in preparation for emergency scrambles. These responses to airspace violations are physically and mentally demanding missions that must be carried out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I was greatly encouraged to see firsthand how every personnel member engaged in these missions—including not only the pilots who fly the fighter aircraft, but also the ground controllers and maintenance personnel—maintains a high level of morale and works together as one team. During our exchange of views, the personnel also shared a variety of requests, which I intend to take back for further consideration. Furthermore, I set aside time to meet with armored unit personnel and their family members from the nearby JGSDF Camp Kitachitose, Camp Kitaeniwa, and Camp Minamieniwa. Following the accident that occurred last month at the Hijudai Maneuver Area, some personnel and their family members continue to feel anxious. For this reason, the Chief of Staff of the JGSDF and I provided explanations regarding the thorough implementation of safety management measures in an effort to ease those concerns as much as possible. Through this inspection, I was able to deepen my understanding of the current state of the units. At the same time, I renewed my firm determination that in order for the JGSDF to be an organization that places the highest value in the world on the lives of its personnel, we must devote every effort to implementing the necessary measures, and that as Minister of Defense, I will stand at the forefront alongside our personnel to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the Japanese people. I also reaffirmed my strong resolve to protect each and every service member carrying out this mission, as well as their families. Later today, I am scheduled to have the opportunity to interact with members of support organizations associated with Chitose Air Base and with the families of JSDF personnel. As Minister of Defense, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who support us on a daily basis. That is all from me at the outset today.