Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting

General Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, Visited the United States

FY2015 Japan-U.S. Joint Exercise for Rescue

Participation in the 4th ARF Disaster Relief Exercises

Dispatch of a Host Ship for Welcoming a Turkish Naval Vessel to Japan

Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture - The Southernmost Town on the Island of Honshu -

The 14th IISS Asia Security Summit- Shangri-La Dialogue -

TOPICS

Pacific Partnership 2015

SPECIAL FEATURE

Jul. 2015No.66

www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/

Pacific Partnership 2015Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial MeetingGeneral Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, Visited the United States

Cover Photograph :

JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces

Minister of Defense Nakatani explained Japan’s development of legislation for peace and security. Minister of Defence Brownlee stated that Japan and New Zealand share a long historical relation

and that he hopes to further develop this bilateral relationship. Both ministers also exchanged views on the regional situation

and capacity building assistance, among other matters, and indicated their shared awareness of the importance in

responding to international terrorism, in particular, ISIL.

Mee

ting

with

New

Zealand Minister of Defence Gerry Brownlee

Minister of Defense Nakatani praised the Shangri-La Dialogue as an important opportunity to provide a venue for the exchange of

opinions and discussions involving each country, and stated his intention to build a stronger relationship with ASEAN. Minister for Defence Ng stated that he welcomed Japan’s involvement in

ASEAN. Both ministers also shared their views on the regional situation and exchanged opinions on Japan-

Singapore defense exchange.

Mee

ting

with

Si

ngaporean Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen

With regards to cooperation with Australia’s future submarine program requested in the recent telephone conference, Minister of

Defense Nakatani conveyed that a decision was made at the National Security Council’s ministers meeting to begin discus-

sions with the Government of Australia with involvement of private companies in order to examine the potential of specific cooperation in detail. Minister for Defence Andrews expressed

his appreciation. Minister of Defense Nakatani gave a summary of the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense

Cooperation, and both ministers agreed on the necessity of strengthening Japan-Australia defense cooperation through joint training

exercises and other means.

Both ministers affirmed that efforts will be made with regard to cooperation between the two ministries of defense based on the

agreement reached at the previous Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting. They also exchanged views about the early signing of the memoran-

dum of understanding on defense cooperation and exchange and about beginning negotiations on cooperative frameworks for

defense equipment and technology transfers. Minister of Defense Nakatani explained the details of Japan’s legislation for peace and security. Minister of Defence Hishammuddin

spoke about the importance of Japan-ASEAN coopera-tion from a geopolitical perspective.

Both ministers exchanged views on Japan-Germany defense exchanges such as joint exercises between the deployed anti-piracy

units between Japan and EU including Germany. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, including relations with Russia

as well as national defense policies, mentioning Germany’s experience with overseas deployment and Japan’s develop-

ment of the legislation for peace and security.

Mee

ting

with

Ger

man

Federal Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen

Mee

ting

with

Mala

ysian Minister of Defence Hishamm

uddin Hussein

Mee

ting

with

Mon

golian Minister of Defense Tserendash Tsol m

on

Both ministers confirmed progress in defense cooperation in accordance with the memorandum on defense cooperation and

exchange concluded in 2012. They also agreed to further strengthen this cooperation. Defense Minister Nakatani talked

about Japan’s commitment to continuing capacity building assistance in the fields of road construction and sanitation as well as the SDF’s participation in Khaan Quest, a multilat-

eral joint training exercise hosted by Mongolia. Defense Minister Tsolmon thanked Japan for its support and

extended an official invitation for Defense Minister Nakatani to visit Mongolia.

Mee

ting

with

Aust

ralian Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews

The Asia-Pacific region has been weaving out success stories,

not only in the economic field, but also in the security field, despite

number of challenges. It is the responsibility of every one of us here today to let these success stories continue. Japan will, in addition to our own efforts and alliance with the U.S., further deepen our cooperation with countries beginning with the ASEAN member states, Australia, India, Republic of Korea, and Europe.

I used to serve as a GSDF officer. During that period, I spent every day in harsh training, disciplining myself. For the last 60 years, the SDF has

always devoted themselves to undergoing harsh training and developing strength, for the sake of peace. My experience is

only a part of that. Japan will, under this strength, fulfill a much greater responsibility for the future of our

“success story” in this Asia Pacific region.

Minister of Defense Nakatani (excerpt)Minister of Defense Nakatani (excerpt)

Speech bySpeech by

Both ministers agreed that they oppose coercive action that would alter the status quo in the East China and South China Sea.

They also affirmed that legislation for peace and

security will help ensure the effectiveness of the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. They welcomed the fact that the

outcome of the discussions at the Cyber Defense Policy

Working Group had been put together. Both ministers

affirmed that they cooperate in order to mitigate the impact on Okinawa. U.S. Defense Secretary Carter stated that necessary

information on Osprey accident occurred in Hawaii will be provided and reassured that thorough steps will be taken to

ensure the safe operation of Osprey.

Meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense

Ash C

arte

r

Defense Minister Nakatani also met with U.S. Senators including Mr. John McCain who serves as

the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services.

OtherOther

The three ministers discussed the regional situation including North Korea and Japan-U.S.-Australia defense cooperation, and issued a

joint statement based on the outcome of this meeting. The three ministers exchanged their views on defense cooperation through joint training/exercises and capacity building assistance. They

also expressed their strong opposition against coercive action to unilaterally alter the status quo in the East China and South China Seas as well as their serious

concern over Chinese land reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

Japa

n-U.S.-A

ustralia Defense Ministers Meeting

(U.S

. Sec

reta

ry of

Defe

nse Ash Carter and Australian Minister for Defence Kevin Andrew

s)

The three ministers discussed the regional situation including North Korea and Japan-U.S.-ROK defense cooperation and issued a joint

statement based on the outcome of this dialogue. During the meeting, the three ministers reemphasized their immutable opposition to

North Korea’s possession and continued development of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. Additionally, the three

ministers decided to continue holding consultations on trilateral security issues and agreed to promote

trilateral defense cooperation based on democracy and shared security interests.

Japa

n-U.

S.-Republic of Korea Defense Ministers M

eeting(U.S

. Sec

reta

ry of

D

efense A

sh Carter and ROK Minister of National Defense Han Minkoo)

Both ministers welcomed the first bilateral defense ministerial meeting in four

years. Both parties shared their outlook on the security environment, including the situation in North

Korea. They exchanged views on national defense policies of both countries including

Japan’s legislation for peace and security and the Guidelines for Japan-U.S.

Defense Cooperation. Discussions were held on the participation of vessels from the ROK navy in the SDF naval review to be held in

October this year, the proposal for this year’s

search-and-rescue exercise (SAREX), as well as the holding of anti-piracy training in the Gulf of Aden and ongoing

discussions to prevent incidental accidents in the sea and air corridors overlapping areas of ADIZ.

Mee

ting w

ith ROK Minister of National Defense H

an

The 14th IISS Asia Security Summit- Shangri-La Dialogue -

From May 30th to 31st, Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani attended the 14th IISS Asia Security Summit. During the dialogue, he delivered a speech and held meetings with the defense ministers of countries represented at the Summit.

3JulyNo.66Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.2 July

No.66

Special FeatureSpecial Feature

Participation in Pacific Partnership 2015A3. The MOD/SDF has deployed its personnel from the

MSDF annually and participated in medical activities since 2007. In 2010, the MOD deployed SDF troops for the first time to include an MSDF transport vessel KUNISAKI and a medical team from the GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF. The SDF also cooperated with civilian organizations such as NGOs to conduct medical activi-ties and cultural exchanges in Vietnam and Cambodia. In 2011, although the size of the deployment had been planned to be the same, it was reduced due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Several medical officers, dental officers, and others were deployed to Timor-Leste and Micronesia in order to conduct medical activities. In 2012, an SDF transport aircraft was deployed for the first time. In addition, SDF medical team (approx. 40 personnel) and an MSDF transport vessel (OSUMI) were deployed to the Philippines and Vietnam and conducted medical activities and cultural exchanges in cooperation with NGOs (2 organizations and 19 individuals). In 2013, SDF medical personnel were deployed to Tonga. Also in Papua New Guinea, SDF Medical personnel, an MSDF vessel (YAMAGIRI) as well as an ASDF transport aircraft were deployed and conducted

medical activities and cultural exchanges in cooperation with NGOs (2 organizations and 10 individuals). In 2014, SDF medical personnel (approx. 40 personnel) and an MSDF transport vessel (KUNISAKI) were deployed to Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. In addition, SDF engineer personnel (approx. 10 personnel) was sent to Cambodia and an ASDF transport aircraft was deployed to the Philippines for taking part in medical activities, facility repairs, and cultural exchanges in cooperation with NGOs (1 organization and 12 individuals).

Q1. What is Pacific Partnership?A1. Pacific Partnership (PP) is a mission hosted by the U.S.

forces from 2007. During PP, vessels and the like mainly composed of the U.S. Navy visit countries in the region and conduct activities such as medical care, construction work, and cultural exchanges. The aim of this mission is to strengthen mutual collaboration among participating nations and to promote smooth implementation of international peace cooperation operations and interna-tional disaster relief activities, collaborating with other governments, militaries, and NGOs.

Q3. How has the MOD been involved in PP?

Q2. What is the significance of participating in PP?A2. Through exchanges among military and civilian person-

nel of partner and host nations by conducting medical care, maintenance of facilities, and cultural exchange, PP aims at promoting mutual understanding and coop-eration among related nations, enhancing cooperation among participating countries, and facilitating interna-tional peace cooperation operations and other activi-ties. PP is also expected to improve the international

security environment. By providing medical services, repairing facilities, and transporting supplies/other goods, participation in PP will serve the purpose of improving our skills in the fields of medical care, facility maintenance, and transport in interna-tional peace cooperation operations. Partner nations can also acquire expertise to coordinate and collaborate with civilian organizations.

Q4. What are the specific activities of PP 2015?A4. PP 2015 takes place in the Pacific Islands and South-

east Asian countries. The MOD/SDF conducts activi-ties in Fiji from May 31st to June 19th, in Papua New Guinea from June 26th to July 10th, and in the Philip-pines from July 18th to August 14th. We dispatch: (1) SDF medical personnel: 30 (2) GSDF engineer personnel: 30 (3) MSDF vessel (the Philippines): 1Also in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, the SDF will conduct activities in cooperation with NGOs. The activities include:

(1) Comprehensive medical care mainly composed of internal medicine and dental service

(2) Public health education to local residents and medical staff

(3) Repairing facilities such as local medical clinics and schools

(4) Transport of SDF personnel and necessary supplies by a MSDF replenishment vessel

(5) Cultural exchanges with local residents (introduction of Japanese culture such as origami paper folding art and kendo fencing)

5JulyNo.66Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.4 July

No.66

TopicsTopics

From May to June, the MSDF dispatched the Escort Division 6, JS Takanami as the host ship in accordance with the visit of a Turkish naval vessel to Japan. The vessel supported the visiting ship and also took part in exchange events. On this occasion, the TCG Gediz G- class frigate of the Turkish Navy visited Japan to participate in the 125th anniversary ceremony of Japan-Turkey relations and it called on the Ports of Shimonoseki, Kushimoto, and Harumi (Tokyo).

The SDF took part in the 4th ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise (ARF-DiREx) held in Malaysia between May 25th and 28th. This represented the fourth exercise held under the ARF framework, with the goal to improve capabilities to respond to disasters that may strike the region. By dispatching personnel, the MOD and SDF believe that the exercise is very meaningful for maintaining and improving various operational capabilities for international disaster relief activities and for promoting mutual understanding and cooperative relationships between participating countries.

The FY2015 Japan-U.S. Joint Exercise for Rescue was held on June 7th in Kochi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Aichi prefectures, and other locations. Using the scenario of a Nankai Trough earthquake, the purpose of this exercise is to improve the SDF’s earthquake response capabilities and train under coordinated procedures with USFJ and disaster preparedness organizations through field training exercise, based on the SDF Plan for Nankai Trough Earthquake. Approx. 1,150 personnel, 18 aircraft, and 1 vessel from the SDF participated in the exercise, while USFJ sent approx. 15 personnel and 2 aircraft for this exercise.

Participation in the 4th ARF Disaster Relief Exercises

FY2015 Japan-U.S. Joint Exercise for Rescue

Dispatch of a Host Ship for Welcoming a Turkish Naval Vessel to JapanGeneral Iwata, Chief of Staff,

GSDF, Visited the United States

On June 3rd, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani held the Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting with his counterpart Australian Defence Minister Kevin Andrews lasting approx. 60 minutes in Tokyo. Both parties confirmed their defense policy and the progress of defense cooperation, while also exchanging views with regards to future bilateral defense cooperation.

On June 3rd, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani held the Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting with his counterpart Australian Defence Minister Kevin Andrews lasting approx. 60 minutes in Tokyo. Both parties confirmed their defense policy and the progress of defense cooperation, while also exchanging views with regards to future bilateral defense cooperation.

Defense Minister Nakatani welcomed Defence Minister Andrews’ visit to Japan and stated his intention to exchange views toward the strengthening of Japan-Australia defense cooperation. Defence Minister Andrews expressed his appreciation for Defense Minister Nakatani’s warm welcome and also stated his intention to further develop Japan-Australia defense cooperation.

Defense Minister Nakatani welcomed Defence Minister Andrews’ visit to Japan and stated his intention to exchange views toward the strengthening of Japan-Australia defense cooperation. Defence Minister Andrews expressed his appreciation for Defense Minister Nakatani’s warm welcome and also stated his intention to further develop Japan-Australia defense cooperation.

Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting

Opening

Defense Minister Nakatani explained the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation and Japan’s legislation for peace and security, and Defence Minister Andrews stated his support for these matters. Defence Minister Andrews explained the Australian Department of Defence’s reorganization and its preparations underway for the compilation of defense white paper.

Defense Minister Nakatani explained the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation and Japan’s legislation for peace and security, and Defence Minister Andrews stated his support for these matters. Defence Minister Andrews explained the Australian Department of Defence’s reorganization and its preparations underway for the compilation of defense white paper.

Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, received an official invitation from General Odierno, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and visited the U.S. from May 17th to 24th. During the visit, he had discussions with

Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, received an official invitation from General Odierno, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, and visited the U.S. from May 17th to 24th. During the visit, he had discussions with

Japan-Australia Defense Policy

Both ministers agreed to further move forward with the proposals for strengthening bilateral defense cooperation approved in the joint statement from the Japan-Australia Summit Meeting held last July. They also agreed to work together closely in the future regarding submarine cooperation.

Both ministers agreed to further move forward with the proposals for strengthening bilateral defense cooperation approved in the joint statement from the Japan-Australia Summit Meeting held last July. They also agreed to work together closely in the future regarding submarine cooperation.

Japan-Australia Defense Cooperation and Exchange

Both ministers strongly opposed coercive action that would alter the status quo in the South China Sea and shared serious concern over China’s attempts of land reclamation. They also agreed to seek solutions in accordance with international laws.

Both ministers strongly opposed coercive action that would alter the status quo in the South China Sea and shared serious concern over China’s attempts of land reclamation. They also agreed to seek solutions in accordance with international laws.

Regional Situation

Meeting with Gen. Odierno, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

Giving a Speech at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Talk with Gen. Odierno, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

This marks the fifth times since 1973 that a vessel from the Turkish Navy has visited Japan. This was also the first time that such a vessel called on the Port of Shimonoseki and the fourth times for the Ports of Kushimoto and Harumi, with the previous being the frigate TCG Gemlik. The TCG Gediz was open to the public at the Ports of Shimonoseki and Harumi. The host ship and TCG Gediz also took part in the goodwill exercise between the departure from the Port of Kushimoto and the arrival at the Port of Harumi.

General Odierno and his staff and visited some units of the U.S. Army, which further strengthened the relationship between the GSDF and the U.S. Army. General Iwata also traveled to the U.S. Army Forces Command and General Staff College (Fort Leavenworth) where he delivered a speech to CGSC students including international students from various countries about expectations for their future service careers.

General Odierno and his staff and visited some units of the U.S. Army, which further strengthened the relationship between the GSDF and the U.S. Army. General Iwata also traveled to the U.S. Army Forces Command and General Staff College (Fort Leavenworth) where he delivered a speech to CGSC students including international students from various countries about expectations for their future service careers.

7JulyNo.66Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.6 July

No.66

ActivitiesActivitiesMeeting with Foreign Leaders

ActivitiesActivities

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June 2015: " We Are Tomodachi Summer 2015" Released

Returning Ceremony of the UNMISS 7th Engineer Unit (21 Jun.)

Defense Minister Nakatani attended the Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Fallen on the 70th Anniversary of the End of the Battle of Okinawa (23 Jun.)

Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Nakatani by Admiral Harry B. Harris, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (11 Jun.)

General Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, met with Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Commanding General of the Philippine Army (8 Jun.)

LATEST NEWS

Japanese Navy vessel picked up the survivors and brought them to home country after an approx. two-month journey. Kushimoto Town honored those who had lost their lives in this tragedy with the monument. For the 125th anniversary of that harrowing night, this year MSDF vessel was dispatched as a host ship to serve as a goodwill ambassador and to honor the victims of the Ertuğrul, which marked the starting point of Japan-Turkey friendship. Other events also included a joint concert between the MSDF Kure Band and Turkey’s Ottoman Military Band, the Mehter.

ushimoto Town is the southernmost point on the Island of Honshu located at the tip of the Kii Peninsula. It is approx. one hour and 15 minutes by air from Tokyo. Kushimoto Town is also where Japan’s long standing friendship with Turkey began

back in 1890. In September 1890, the Ottoman frigate Ertuğrul was caught in a typhoon and drifted onto a reef off the coast of Kushimoto where it sank. The more than 600 personnel on board were thrown into turbulent seas and only several dozen were washed ashore at the Kushimoto Town Lighthouse where they were saved by locals. The 69 Ottoman Imperial Navy personnel survived and received treatment for their injuries, and were provided with food among other items. An Imperial

K

Kushimoto Town

TOKYO

Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture - The Southernmost Town on the Island of Honshu -

8 JulyNo.66

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