(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to make one announcement at the outset today. Tomorrow, May 23, I plan to visit the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Camp Makomanai in Hokkaido and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chitose Air Base. At Camp Makomanai, I will inspect the Winter Season Special Physical Training section of the JSDF Physical Training School, which develops athletes in Winter Olympic events such as cross-country skiing and biathlon, while also providing training in capabilities that can be applied in responses to heavy snow disasters. In addition, at Chitose Air Base, I will inspect the JASDF 2nd Air Wing, which is responsible for defending Japan’s skies on a 24-hour basis through measures such as responses to airspace violations. At both locations, I intend to encourage the personnel who are carrying out their duties with high morale on the front lines, while also hearing directly from the family members who support them. Furthermore, following the accident that occurred last month at the Hijudai Maneuver Area, some personnel in armored units who serve aboard tanks, as well as their family members, continue to feel anxious. For this reason, at Chitose Air Base, I will set aside time to meet with armored unit personnel and their families from the nearby Camp Kitachitose, Camp Kitaeniwa, and Camp Minamieniwa. This will include providing explanations regarding the thorough implementation of safety management measures, in an effort to ease those concerns as much as possible. Through these inspections, I will deepen my understanding of the current state of the units, and make all efforts to implement necessary measures so the JSDF is an organization that places the highest value in the world on the lives of its personnel.