JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS. SDF Marching Festival Dec No. Third ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting - Plus and Bilateral Talks SPECIAL FEATURE

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1 The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces 71 No. Dec JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS SPECIAL FEATURE SDF Marching Festival 2015 TOPICS Third ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting - Plus and Bilateral Talks Japan-Republic of Korea Defense Ministerial Meeting Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting Rising Thunder - FY2015 Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Army UN PKO Training of Trainers Omisoka - New Year s Eve - Cover Photograph : SDF Marching Festival 2015 Third ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting - Plus and Bilateral Talks Rising Thunder - FY2015 Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Army - MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

2 Topics Topics Third ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting - Plus and Bilateral Talks From November 2nd to 4th, Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani visited Malaysia where he attended the third ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) and held bilateral talks with defense ministers participating in the meeting. 1 The 3rd ADMM-Plus (1) On November 4th, the third ADMM-Plus was held in Kuala Lumpur with defense ministers from 10 ASEAN countries and 8 other Plus countries in attendance. (2) During the meeting, reports were presented on development in the ASEAN region and advancements in the ADMM-Plus framework. Views were also shared among the defense ministers of participating countries about security issues in the region. Minister Nakatani welcomed development in ASEAN, which plays an important role in regional peace and stability, and as a representative of Japan he stated his belief in the importance of the international community working together to protect open freedoms and peace on the high seas. He also emphasized the need for the international community to work as one to ensure the freedom of navigation and flights over the high seas and in international airspace. He also appealed to his counterparts with regard to promotion of common rules and laws at sea and in the air in the region, maritime and aerospace security and improvement of our disaster response capability. (3) Other countries in attendance also pointed out the importance of ADMM-Plus activities to date and future direction, avoiding collisions and preventing conflict at sea including the South China Sea, and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 2 2 Bilateral Talks Individual bilateral defense ministerial talks were held with New Zealand, the United States, the Philippines, Laos, India, Australia, Malaysia, and China. (1) Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting (Minister of Defence Brownlee) This marked the second Japan-New Zealand defense ministerial meeting to be held this year. Both ministers talked about their views of the regional situation including maritime security. They also agreed to further deepen defense cooperation between Japan and New Zealand as well as develop their bilateral relationship as strategic cooperative partners of the Asia-Pacific region. (2) Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Secretary of Defense Carter) Minister Nakatani expressed his support for U.S. Forces activities in the South China Sea. The Ministers welcomed the establishment of the new Alliance Coordination Mechanism (ACM) and Bilateral Planning Mechanism (BPM). They also affirmed that they will increase outer space and cyberspace cooperation in an effort to ensure the effectiveness of the new Guidelines. They also confirmed the commitment of both governments concerning relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Camp Schwab and cooperation to mitigate the impact on Okinawa. As for Host Nation Support (HNS), they agreed to make efforts to reach an early agreement. In light of the establishment of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, they agreed to further deepen cooperation for defense equipment and technology, and affirmed that the recent decision of the U.S. Government concerning maintenance of U.S. Marine Osprey will lead to strengthen the basis to repair and maintain of common equipment, which is mentioned in the new Guidelines. (3) Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting (Secretary of National Defense Gazmin) This marked the third Japan-Philippines defense ministerial meeting this year. Both ministers discussed the regional situation, including the maritime situation in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and expressed that they welcomed advancements in Japan-Philippines defense cooperation and exchange, including in the fields of capacity building assistance (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, etc.) as well as equipment and technology cooperation. They also agreed to actively push forward the cooperation in the future. (4) Japan-Laos Defense Ministerial Meeting (Minister of National Defence Sengnuan) At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Nakatani expressed his expectation that Minister Sengnuan will play an important role as the chairman of next year s ADMM and that Japan would provide as much cooperation as possible. Based on the fact that Japan and Laos co-chair the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Experts Working Group (EWG), both ministers agreed to continue cooperating by sharing their experience and knowledge for a success of the EWG. (5) Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Minister of Defence Parrikar) At the outset of the meeting, Minister Nakatani expressed his appreciation for the MSDF being invited to take part in Malabar 2015 held in October this year. He also requested cooperation aimed at the further progress of cooperation in US-2. Both ministers confirmed the importance of further Japan-India defense cooperation and exchange because of the two countries shared values and strategic interests. They also agreed to build a cooperative relationship that is strong and stable by engaging in continual exchange in a broad range of fields. (6) Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Minister for Defence Payne) Both shared their views as this marked the first occasion that they met after Minister Payne was appointed. They confirmed the importance of further deepening the special strategic partnership between the two countries and encouraging Japan-Australia defense cooperation, including joint training exercises and equipment and technology cooperation. Both ministers also agreed that bilateral and trilateral cooperation between Japan, the United States, and Australia is critical for peace and stability in the region. (7) Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Minister of Defence Hishammuddin) Minister Nakatani expressed his appreciation for the great efforts exerted by Malaysia as the Chair of ADDM-Plus. Both ministers shared their views on various regional issues, including the situation in the South China Sea, and they agreed to further develop Japan-Malaysia defense cooperation and exchange. (8) Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Minister of Defense Chang Wanquan) This marked the first time in four years and five months that a Japan-China defense ministerial meeting was held. Minister Nakatani stated that he would like to foster a positive environment to build bilateral relations through promoting defense exchanges between the two countries defense authorities. He also shared his view on the issues facing Japan-China relations as part of a frank and open discussion. Both ministers confirmed the importance of developing Japan-China defense exchanges to enhance a stronger relationship, including implementation of the Maritime and Air Communication Mechanism at an early stage. 3

3 Meeting with Foreign Leaders Activities Japan-Republic of Korea Defense Ministerial Meeting Rising Thunder - FY2015 Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Army The GSDF carried out a field training exercise with the U.S. Army in Yakima Training Center located in WA, the U.S. from September 8th to 25th. Approx. 300 GSDF personnel as well as approx. 350 personnel from the U.S. Army took part in the exercise. The field training exercise enabled them to improve capability for comprehensive combat skills associating movements and firepower as well as interoperability by training bilateral coordination basics between the units of the two countries in the U.S., which has effective training facilities. From October 20th to 22nd, Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani visited the Republic of Korea (ROK) where he held a Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting with his counterpart Minister of National Defense Han Minkoo. He also visited Panmunjom, the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2015 (ADEX 2015), and other locations. During the ministerial meeting, discussion took place on the regional situation, defense policies of both countries, and Japan-ROK cooperation and exchange. Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting From November 4th to 7th, Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani visited Vietnam where he held a Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting with his counterpart Minister of National Defence Phung Quang Thanh. They exchanged their views on defense policies and the further development of defense cooperation and exchanges during the meeting. During the visit, Minister of Defense Nakatani also made courtesy calls on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. He also visited the Cam Ranh Naval Base, the Naval Academy, and the Institute for Military Science and Technology. UN PKO Training of Trainers The Japan Peacekeeping Training & Research Center (JPC) have co-hosted the UN PKO Training of Trainers (ToT) with the United Nations for the first time in Tokyo from October 12th to 23rd. The U.N. places importance on capacity improvement for the peacekeeping units dispatched from various countries. As part of this, the U. N. seeks to enhance the quality of personnel participating in peacekeeping operations by developing capabilities of trainers. In this session, the training focused on United Nations Civil-Military Coordination (UN-CIMIC). 27 personnel participated in the training from 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region including Japan: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Major Tanaka, who is a trainer of JPC, participated in 4 the training and commented his impression as follows; I could learn UN-CIMIC conducted by military related organizations of the U.N. specifically, and thus the training was very instructive for me. Additionally, I could have a valuable chance to know each other with instructors working at PKO Training Center in each country. We believe holding this training in Japan has great meaning. While Japan directly contributes to the international community through the dispatch of units and personnel, this session is another type of contribution which provides an opportunity to improve the standards of peacekeepers including those of other countries. This type of contribution progress and proactive cooperation between the U.N., international community and Japan, additionally, fosters peacekeepers of Japan by improving the capacity of trainers. Going forward, the MOD/SDF will continue to implement more proactive international peace cooperation in the field of human resources development. 5

4 Special Feature SDF Marching With energetic music and mellow songs echoing throughout autumn-colored Tokyo, the SDF Marching Festival 2015 took place at the Nippon Budokan hall for three days from November 13th to 15th. The festival is the SDF s largest music event held annually around November as part of the SDF Day commemoration. This year, it was the first time that bands from all four services of the U.S. Forces Japan participated in the Festival. In addition, the Republic of Korea Navy Band took part as an overseas guest band. Hence, the largest-ever five guest bands performed at the Festival. The festival this year has been memorable with the theme ROAD. The year of 2015 is a transit point marking the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. We confirm our path, which has been taken up until now, as a peace-loving nation. The theme was selected in the hope that Japan, the U.S. and the ROK, will go forward hand in hand with our path more and more in the future. The Festival consisted of three chapters: Road of Sky, Earth, and Hope, Road of Earth, Ocean, and Infinity, and Road of Ocean, Future, and Bonds. Splendid harmony was delivered by the GSDF Central Band, the MSDF Tokyo Band, the ASDF Central Band, and the GSDF North Eastern and Middle Army Bands as well as special guest bands such as the U.S. Army Japan Band, the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force Band, the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific-Asia. The ROK Navy Band also took part, and it was their 2nd time to participate in the SDF Marching Festival. Along with the band performances, silent drill by the GSDF 302nd Military Police Company, fancy drill by the National Defense Academy, and taiko drum performance by the SDF Japanese Drum Teams fascinated audiences with its unity and powerfulness. The event culminated when a song ROAD, this year s theme, was sung by all the bands and audiences at hall as one. Audiences left the venue, and they were totally fascinated and utterly impatient for the next year s marching festival. F estival 2015 Special Feature Interviews with Band Members The United States Army Japan Band (SGT Joel Heredia) Q: What is your impression on the SDF bands? A: My impressions of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are that they are so impressive. When I see the discipline and as I get to know them I saw them in the hallway passing today and I have known them for a little while now. We always smile and we always bow and we shake hands and we hug each other. I think they are wonderful people. Their music is very, very good. I really appreciate what they display at Budokan and when we play together. The Republic of Korea Navy Band (PO3 Young-Jun Hwang) Q: What is music for you? A: Music is a language that I can speak. It is a way to communicate with other people. I think this is an amazing experience in my life because I can see many cultures of other countries here. I can also learn a lot of things from them. We talk to each other and share stories, becoming friends with each other. Besides, there are a lot of things that I can tell. Anyway, I feel really lucky and happy. This will be an unforgettable experience in my life. ASDF Central Band (TSgt Yasushi Tsukamoto) Q: What is your impression on other bands? A: Both of bands from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea orchestrate their cultures and music in their each performance. I felt again that music is global common language regardless of countries and languages. Q: What is music for you? A: Music is source of energy and vitality. I think that music has wonderful power to encourage and relieve people. 6 7

5 Column Omisoka - New Year s Eve - I n Japan the final day of the year is called Omisoka. This day marks the time when Oharai, or rituals of purification, are carried out at shrines and palace in order to exorcise the sins or impurities of the previous year so that the New Year can be welcomed in a purified condition. The New Year is a time to welcome the deities of the year into the home and in the past it was also a time when one s ancestors would come home, so the family would clean the Shinto shrine and Buddhist altar in preparation, which became customary for every household. On Omisoka the entire family sits down to eat an auspicious meal of fish with the head and tail attached as well as a soup containing rice cake and vegetables. Another tradition is eating Toshikoshi Soba, or year-crossing soba, on Omisoka. The night of Omisoka is also referred to as joya in Japanese. The term joya-no-kane refers to the Buddhist tradition where temples throughout Japan ring the temple bell 108 times right before New Year s Day. People who visit temples are also given the chance to ring the temple s bell. The 108 rings symbolizes the 108 earthly desires that plague humankind according to Buddhist beliefs. These earthly desires encompass the belief that the deceived mind is plagued by the body and by ringing the bell 108 times each of these earthly desires can be eliminated one by one in preparation to welcome the New Year with a pure mind. Around New Year s Eve people also make mochi, or sticky rice cake, one of Japan s traditional preserved foods, which is eaten during the New Year s festivities. Many SDF units across Japan invite family members of personnel to attend mochi-making festivities as part of their Omisoka events. SDF bands also hold concerts, while major cleaning also takes place in preparation for seeing off the past year and welcoming in the New Year. LATEST NEWS Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Nakatani by General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army (Nov. 16) Site Visit by Defense Minister Nakatani: ASDF Ohtakineyama Sub Base (Fukushima Prefecture) and ASDF Matsushima Air Base (Miyagi Prefecture) (Nov ) 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, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL: (switch board) Web: November 2015: " We Are Tomodachi Autumn/Winter 2015" 8 Released