(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have one announcement today at the outset. Regarding the approximately 43-hectare area of the U.S. Forces Japan’s (USFJ) Negishi Dependent Housing Area in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, it was agreed at the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee meeting on March 12 of this year to proceed with the work toward its return, and Japan has been coordinating with the U.S. for the return. I am pleased to announce that the coordination has now been completed, and it has been decided that the entire area will be returned on June 30. As for the specific timing of the handover following the return, the anticipated date is the end of FY2026. It will be considered based on the progress of the land restoration work. Once we are ready to provide the information, we will promptly inform the relevant landowners. The return of the Negishi Dependent Housing Area will contribute to the reuse of former USFJ sites promoted by Yokohama City, and is highly meaningful from the perspective of supporting future urban development. To ensure that the return of the Negishi Dependent Housing Area leads to the effective use of the site for community members, the Ministry of Defense will continue to listen to the views of local residents and take appropriate measures in coordination with Yokohama City and others. That concludes my opening remarks.