TOPICS
Recent Telephone Conferences/JGSDF Hand Washing Video
Defense Minister’s Telephone Conferences
Canada/Australia/India/Philippines/New Zealand/Singapore/Indonesia/Italy/Mongolia
Minister Kono had telephone conferences with the Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence of Canada on May 1st, Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, Minister for Defence of Australia on May 7th, H.E. Rajnath Singh, Minister for Defence of India on May 8th, and H.E. Delfin N. Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines on May 12th. Minister Kono then had a video teleconference with the Hon. Ron Mark, Minister of Defence of New Zealand, followed by telephone conversations with H.E. Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence of the Republic of Singapore and H.E. Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia respectively on May 19th. Furthermore, he also had a telephone conversation with the Hon. Lorenzo Guerini, Minister of Defence of Italy on May 20th, and a video teleconference with H.E. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister of Defence of Mongolia on June 1st.
In these conversations, Minister Kono and the respective ministers exchanged views on issues such as the roles to be played by the defense authorities given the global spread of COVID-19. Minister Kono explained the JSDF activities on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, border control measures and operations to prevent community infection, as well as the infection-preventative measures undertaken in the JSDF operation and analysis of cases examined at the SDF Central Hospital, among other topics, by using a presentation document. Each of the ministers explained the situation with COVID-19 and measures taken by the military in their respective countries. The ministers of each country agreed to share information, knowledge and lessons learned about the measures towards overcoming COVID-19.
In addition, the ministers exchanged views on the regional situation. Minister Kono also expressed the importance of continuing and strengthening defense cooperation and exchange with each country.
U.S.
On May 15th, Minister Kono had a teleconference with U.S. Defense Secretary Esper. The two ministers exchanged views on the response to COVID-19, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region including North Korea, and stable stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan.
The MOD/JSDF will further deepen defense cooperation and exchange with each country, and develop bilateral/interregional foundation of security.
| Date | Country | Name of the Counterpart |
|---|---|---|
| May 1 |  | Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence |
| May 7 |  | Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, Minister for Defence |
| May 8 |  | H.E. Rajnath Singh, Minister for Defence |
| May 12 |  Philippines | H.E. Delfin N. Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense |
| May 15 |  | Hon. Mark T. Esper, Secretary of Defense |
| May 19 |  New Zealand | Hon. Ron Mark, Minister of Defence |
| May 19 |  | H.E. Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence |
| May 19 |  | H.E. Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defense |
| May 20 |  | Hon. Lorenzo Guerini, Minister of Defence |
| June 1 |  | H.E. Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, Minister of Defence |
JASDF Chief of Staff’s Telephone Conferences
General Marumo, Chief of Staff, Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) had teleconferences with Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force on May 11th, Lieutenant General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander, Fifth Air Force / United States Forces Japan, and Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force on May 27th respectively. In each of these talks, the air senior leaders exchanged views on the impacts of COVID-19 and regional security issues. In addition, the air senior leaders also confirmed their commitment to developing defense cooperation, exchange and collaboration between the respective air forces.
Video on Preventing Infections of the JGSDF
The JSDF carried out a series of operations against COVID-19, such as activities on the cruise ship Diamond Princess in which a mass infection occurred; accepting infected patients at the SDF Central Hospital; disaster relief activities to provide medical and other support in response to requests from local governments, etc. Throughout these activities, no infections have been reported from the deployed JSDF personnel.
Accomplishing zero infection throughout the operations was possible because the JSDF has been actively working on infection prevention measures on a daily basis. The JSDF has implemented various measures by making use of the know-how accumulated from such efforts in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The JGSDF made and posted videos on the YouTube channel of the MOD that fully introduce the JSDF-style infection prevention measures in order to instruct private business persons, medical staff and local government staff who respond to COVID-19, as well as to inform people about these measures.
The videos that feature sneezing and coughing etiquette, proper way to wear masks, and hand washing techniques are particularly very popular, as these can be easily put into practice at home.
https://www.youtube.com/user/modchannel
Salute Flyover by JASDF Blue Impulse
On May 29th, the JASDF aerobatic demonstration team, Blue Impulse, performed an approx. 20 minute flyover in the sky above central Tokyo to honor and thank those currently responding to COVID-19.
A lot of people, including medical staff, are currently working to fight against COVID-19 nationwide. The MOD/JSDF arranged the flight performance in order to express their respect and appreciation to those people.
Blue Impulse was blessed with clear skies on the day, as it made two flyovers above central Tokyo. The flights were held in perfect order, first in delta formation, then in phoenix formation.
Minister Kono also observed the Blue Impulse flight performance from the MOD head office.
Blue Impulse gave strength and smiles to many people.
The MOD will continue to provide necessary support to the medical staff battling against COVID-19 and all the people working hard to prevent the spread of infection.
Blue Impulse
A specialized team of the JASDF which performs spectacular aerial acrobatics at JASDF airshows and large national events, such as the Olympic ceremony. Their official name is the 11th squadron of the 4th Air Wing, based at Matsushima Air Base, Miyagi Prefecture. The flight performance by six planes colored blue and white is highly praised both at home and abroad as beautiful, majestic, splendid and precise.
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