UK Prime Minister Theresa May Visits the Escort Ship Izumo

Transcription

1 The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces No JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS TOPICS UK Prime Minister Theresa May Visits the Escort Ship Izumo SPECIAL FEATURE JGSDF Central Band Performs at Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting Japan-India Defense Industry Forum The Minister of Defense Receives a Courtesy Call from a Delegation Visiting Japan for the Japan-Myanmar Military Officials Exchange Program MOD FY2018 Budget Request Enoshima Class Minesweeper Vientiane Vision Initiative JAPAN-ASEAN Disaster Relief Study Tour Rows of Gingko Trees Cover Photograph : UK Prime Minister Theresa May Visits the Escort Ship Izumo JGSDF Central Band Performs at MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

2 Meeting with Foreign Leaders Topics Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting Minister of Defense Onodera and the Defence Minister of India Shri Arun Jaitley held the annual Defense Ministerial Meeting on September 5th in Tokyo. UK Prime Minister Theresa May Visits the Escort Ship Izumo On August 31st, 2017, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, visited the escort ship Izumo docked in Yokosuka together with Minister of Defense Onodera. While on the Izumo, Prime Minister May received a briefing on the regional situation, Japan-U.K. defense exchanges and cooperation, and a summary of the activities of the Izumo. She also took part in a discussion with divers who participated in the Western Pacific Mine Countermeasure and Diving Exercises (MC- MEX/ DIVEX) and observed curry being prepared in the ship s galley. After the briefing, Prime Minister May stated that she gained a clearer understanding of the recent regional situation, noticed marked advancements in Japan-U.K. defense cooperation, advances in joint training between the two countries will not only improve both countries operational capabilities, but further deepen bilateral cooperation, and she would like to further advance this cooperation in the future. The Ministers exchanged views and ideas with the aim to further strengthen defense and security cooperation under the framework of the Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global Partnership. First, the Ministers exchanged views on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region. They condemned in the strongest terms North Korea s nuclear test of 3rd September 2017, which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments, including under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and called upon North Korea to cease such action which adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond. Dialogue and visits at ministerial, Chief of Staff, and administrative 1 Vice-Minister levels Exchanges between Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Indian Army in the fields of PKO, Counter-Terrorism, and Humanitari2 an Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Exchanges between Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and 3 Indian Navy Exchanges between Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and Indian 4 Air Force through visits of air assets to each other s air bases Education and research exchanges in the field of UN peace 5 keeping operations 6 Defense equipment and technology cooperation Then, the Ministers underlined their intention to explore opportunities for enhancing exchanges and decided to promote cooperation in the following areas: Courtesy call on Prime Minister Abe by Minister for Defence Jaitley (Cabinet Public Relations Office, the Government of Japan) Japan-India Defense Industry Forum On September 5th, the Japan-India Defense Industry Forum organized by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency and Indian Department of Defence Production was held in Tokyo, welcoming national defense officials from both countries as well as representatives from Japanese and Indian companies. A total of 12 companies and two associations from Japan along with approximately 25 companies and federation from India took part in this forum. The ministers of both sides attend the forum to express their expectation that this forum will lead both countries to future defense equipment and technology cooperation and enhance interaction between governments and industries of Japan and India. This first-ever defense industry forum included lectures presented by both governments on various programs related to the defense industry in each country. It also featured presentations by each participating company on their overview, products and proposals to foster exchanges between the defense industries of both countries. Furthermore, a networking session was also organized for both Japanese and Indian companies for exploring opportunities for the bilateral defense cooperation. 2 3

3 Special Feature Special Feature Interview with Brigadier David Allfrey, the Chief Executive and Producer o ry Tatto urgh Milita Edinb Military Ta has been held from 1950, and this year marks the 68th event. Top-quality military bands selected from the world gathered at the ta. This year, in addition to the military bands from the UK, the JGSDF Central Band participated in this event for the first time from Japan along with the military bands from France, the US, India and Principality of Monaco. During the 25 performances, the JGSDF Central Band entertained a live audience of 220,000 by its stunning rendition incorporated Japanese traditional culture, such as wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance and shell horn blowing as well as sword-fighting demonstration by the samurai-armored JGSDF personnel. Overwhelming sound and beautiful formation triggered a thunderous applause, and at the finale, the entire audience was enchanted by the angelic voice of breathtaking soloist in kimono, Leading Private (LPT) Matsunaga. A1: My impression on Self-Defense Force A2: Above all, I am delighted to welcome Japan for the first time to the Royal. As everybody will see their performance is fantastic, it is world class. We are very privileged to have them here. Band is extraordinary. The quality of music, the gravity, the elegance of the soldiers is fantastic. The music has a sublime quality to it. They deliver a very accomplished performance, and everybody on the cast has said so. Furthermore, the Pooley Sword of Honour was awarded to the JGSDF Central Band for its outstanding performance and rendition. It is the only award given to a band in the ta and the award started in The winner is chosen by votes of the entire cast of 1,200 performers. Colonel (COL) Higuchi, Commander of the band, was granted an honorable prize of Sword of Honour from the Governor of Castle. Q2: How would you think the JGSDF Central Band contributes to success of the Royal? impression on the performance of the JGSDF Central Band? JGSDF Central Band Performs at, an international military band festival was held from August 4th to August 26th in, Scotland. Q1: Would you please share your Interview with COL Higuchi and LPT Matsunaga Q: Could you tell us how you A: COL Higuchi A: LPT Matsunaga I believe that JGSDF Central Band made a remarkable progress by participating in this famous ta. The reception of the Pooley Sword of Honour at the finale became the brightest moment in the 66-years history of the Band. The Band could made such a wonderful achievement thanks to all personnel who never gave up and never stop pursuing their best in their performance. At the Ta, communicating with members of foreign tas was a very exciting experience. Though I usually sing in JSDF uniform, this time I wore kimono in order to represent Japanese culture. I was very tense everyday, but praises for our performance from audience and performers encouraged me. I got a chance to sing Leonard Cohen s Hallelujah at the finale. A lot of audience turned on light with their cellphone, and it was like I sang under the night sky full of stars. Participating in this ta became one of the most wonderful experiences in my life. feel after finishing the event? 4 5

4 Activities Activities MOD FY2018 Budget Request The Ministry of Defense (MOD) released its overview of FY2018 budget request in late August. The budget request for FY2018 states that the MOD will continue to steadily improve defense capabilities in order to develop a Dynamic Joint Defense Force, as the last fiscal year of defense build-up in accordance with the Medium Term Defense Program based on the National Defense Program Guidelines approved by the Cabinet in While working on further improvement of joint functions of the JSDF, the MOD will build defense capabilities with particular emphasis on ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities, intelligence capabilities, transportation capabilities, command and control, information and communications capabilities, as well as response to attacks on remote islands, response to ballistic missile attacks, response in outer space and cyber space, response to major disasters, and response in international peace cooperation activities, and other similar activities in light of securing technological superiority and maintaining defense production and technological bases. These defense capabilities will allow the MOD/JSDF to seamlessly and swiftly play such roles as practicing effective deterrence and responding to various situations, stabilizing the Asia-Pacific region and improving global security environments while working to further improve joint functions of the JSDF. In light of the increasingly severe fiscal situations, the MOD will strive to achieve greater efficiency and streamlining of the budget compatible with other national policies through initiatives such as long-term contracts. The Minister of Defense Receives a Courtesy Call from a Delegation Visiting Japan for the Japan-Myanmar Military Officials Exchange Program On August 21st, Minister of Defense Onodera received a courtesy call from a delegation visiting Japan for the Japan-Myanmar Military Officials Exchange Program organized by the Nippon Foundation. The delegation was led by Lieutenant General Aye Win, Inspector General Defense Services, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and accompanied by Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation. Vientiane Vision Initiative JAPAN-ASEAN Disaster Relief Study Tour On August 30th and September 1st, The Ministry of Defense (MOD) conducted JAPAN-ASEAN Disaster Relief Study Tour based on the Vientiane Vision, inviting participants from Embassies of ASEAN countries in Japan. In total of 18 defense attachés and diplomats from Brunei, Lao People s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam joined the program. On August 30th, the group visited the Cabinet Office (Disaster Response Operation) and received an explanation about disaster management framework and disaster response operations of the Government of Japan (GOJ). Then, the group visited The Ariake no Oka Core Wide-area Disaster Prevention Base and received an explanation of the facility from staffs of the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. After looking around the facility, the group joined the disaster prevention experience-learning tour at SONA AREA TOKYO. On September 1st, the group visited the venue for Nine Cities and Prefectures joint disaster prevention training in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The participants paid a courtesy call on the Defense Minister Onodera there. Furthermore, the group visited the Disaster Prevention Fair, and the training area with citizen participation and observed the Search and Rescue exercise. During this 2-day program, there were lively discussions, and it was a precious opportunity for the MOD to introduce the participants not only disaster management and disaster response of the GOJ but also cooperation among national and local governments and grass-roots disaster prevention initiatives. In addition to the above, both sides discussed bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges, including Japanese language education at Myanmar Army Officer Training School and various supports JSDF providing in the field of capacity building. Minister of Defense expressed that he was happy to welcome the delegation for the Japan-Myanmar Military Officials Exchange Program. The Minister also stated this program, which marks its fourth time being held, fulfills an important role for advancing exchanges between the two countries and that he would like to continue with defense cooperation and exchanges in various fields with Myanmar, including this program. In response, the delegation head, Lieutenant General Aye Win expressed his great honor for being able to meet with the Minister of Defense at this time. He also noted that this program is meaningful not only for participants, but for the entire Myanmar Armed Forces as well, and that they hoped to learn a great deal in Japan. Meeting with Lieutenant General Aye Win Enoshima Class Minesweeper For this edition, we will take a closer look at the latest Enoshima class minesweeper. The minesweeper Enoshima is the first minesweeper in the JMSDF fleet to be made from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), instead of the conventional wood-built vessels. The Enoshima class minesweeper is also one of the largest vessels in the world. This FRP-built minesweeper is difficult to detect by magnetic resonance mines, as wood-built vessels are. This type of vessel is expected to play an active role not only in Japan, but overseas as well, given the fact it offers superior durability and is lighter weight than conventional wood-built vessels. Specifications Displacement: 570t (standard) approx. 45 Length: 60m Beam: 10.1m Crew: 6 Draft: 4.5m 14kt one 20mm machine gun one minesweeping unit Speed: 7

5 Column Rows of Gingko Trees Showa Kinen Park J apan has four distinct seasons, and autumn brings fall foliage, which can be seen in every part of the country. One of the most beautiful trees during this season is the gingko covered with its golden yellow leaves. There are actually male and female gingko trees. The male variety is most often planted along streets. Female trees are typically planted at parks and Shinto shrines. Male and female trees can be told apart by the presence of fruit. This fruit contains the gingko nut, which is known for its peculiar odor. These nuts called ginnan in Japanese are also edible. Although streets lined with rows of gingko trees can be seen in many parts of Japan, Showa Kinen Park, a popular spot for fall foliage, has two rows of gingko trees that are 200 meters and 300 meters long. In mid to late November, you can see the stunning and magical beauty of these golden yellow leaves. Showa Kinen Park is located in Tokyo s Tachikawa City, which is also home to JGSDF Camp Tachikawa. It is the only JGSDF facility in the capital area to have an airfield. The base plays an important mission in defense security as well as the dispatch of personnel to assist with large-scale disaster relief. LATEST NEWS Courtesy Call by Admiral Scott H. Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (Sept.6th) Japan-Cambodia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Sept.12th) Courtesy Call by General Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army (Sept.15th) Admiral Scott H. Swift General Tea Banh, Minister of National Defense General Mark A.Milley JDF NEWSLETTER Be the first to receive updates! Send us a blank message at jdfmod@mod.go.jp to sign up for our newsletter. For inquiry, contact following office: Public Affairs Division, Ministryof Defense, Japan TEL: (switch board) Web: October 2017: " We Are Tomodachi Autumn 2017" Released 8