(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, firstly, I would like to report on the response to the earthquake in Kumamoto. Two days ago, on September 13, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) ended all of their activities, including support for daily needs, following a request for their withdrawal from the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture. As a result, the disaster relief mission undertaken locally by a total of 24,000 JSDF personnel over the 48 days since the disaster occurred has ended. I think that the support rolled out by the JSDF during the first three days of the response to the Kumamoto Earthquake was particularly noteworthy. Firstly, within 24 hours after the disaster occurred, a force of approximately 4,600 personnel gathered damage information using Ground, Maritime, and Air SDF aircraft while simultaneously launching ground-based search and rescue operations and water supply support. Furthermore, within 48 hours, they were able to rapidly carry out operations to protect the lives and daily needs of those affected; for example, the transport of patients and collaboration between the JSDF, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and private companies to transport large numbers of coolers. Moreover, within 72 hours, the force was increased to approximately 5,100 personnel in order to strengthen the lifesaving operations and water supply support, searches were carried out by disaster rescue dogs, and relief supplies were transported by four Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) vessels. There is no organization other than the JSDF that has the capability to achieve operations on this scale this quickly within 72 hours. In addition, the public and private sectors, including the relevant ministries and agencies, Kumamoto Prefecture, and private sector companies, joined forces to smoothly run the bathing and accommodation support provided by HAKUOU II. Moreover, the rapid provision of support by both Japan and the United States (U.S.) demonstrated to Japan and the world the strength of the ties in the Japan-U.S. Alliance and that the alliance functions effectively in disaster victim support scenarios. I personally encouraged the JSDF personnel operating on the ground through telephone calls, video conferences, and on-site inspections. When doing so, I directly listened to feedback from the JSDF personnel, such as the heartwarming words shared with them by people affected by the disaster throughout this disaster relief mission and the fact that those words made them realize the true meaning of their service in the JSDF and feel glad they had joined the organization. I was deeply impressed by that feedback, and I was also very pleased by the extremely flexible response shown by everyone, including officers and superior officers, whenever JSDF personnel on the ground raised issues such as the need for heat countermeasures, and their commitment to immediately acting on that feedback. I think that this attitude was a highlight of the disaster response effort, and I wish to replicate it in future disaster responses. Finally, as the Minister of Defense, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of the JSDF personnel who carried out their mission day and night, and all the families who supported them. When I went to Kumamoto, Commanding General of the Western Army Seiji Toriumi, told me about the reporters on the ground covering the events in the midst of the disaster, which highlighted the JSDF’s attentiveness to detail. There were also many individuals working behind the scenes on coordination efforts whose contributions may not have been immediately visible. I would like to express my gratitude to all of those people once again, and hereby conclude my comments upon the end of the operations in response to the present request to withdraw. We will ensure that the experience gained from this earthquake is not merely relegated to the past; instead, we will remain fully prepared for any contingency in order to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the people when the need arises. This concludes my first announcement.
My second announcement concerns the public opening of the Memorial Cenotaph for the JSDF Personnel Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has decided to open the Memorial Zone with the Memorial Cenotaph for the JSDF Personnel Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty located in the Ichigaya area of the MOD to the general public. This initiative was established to provide an opportunity for not only the bereaved families and other related parties but also members of the general public who wish to express their gratitude and condolences to pay tribute to JSDF personnel who strove to complete their missions for the sake of the nation and its people, disregarding personal danger, and ultimately sacrificed their lives while serving, before they had done everything they wanted to do in their lives. Currently, 2,142 JSDF personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty are commemorated in the Memorial Cenotaph for the JSDF Personnel Who Lost Their Lives in the Line of Duty. I hope that many people will visit this memorial cenotaph, which commemorates the great achievements of JSDF personnel who dedicated their bodies and souls to their duties and made the ultimate sacrifice, to reflect on the souls of the fallen. This opening for the general public is planned for October 29 (Thursday) and will be the second opening after the opening in July this year. Application in advance is required and we start receiving applications today; those interested are encouraged to apply via the MOD website. That concludes my announcements.