Minister of Defense Succession Ceremony

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS
80
No.
Sep. 2016
SPECIAL FEATURE
Minister of Defense
Succession Ceremony
TOPICS
MSDF Tokyo Band Takes Part
in Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
ACTIVITIES
Fuji Firepower Review 2016
Defense of Japan 2016 Issued
SDF Competitors in the Rio Summer Olympic Games
Pacific Partnership 2016 – Activities in Palau
Eiheiji Temple ~Zen~
Cover Photograph :
Minister of Defense Succession Ceremony
MSDF Tokyo Band Takes Part in Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
Fuji Firepower Review 2016
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/
Special Feature
Minister of Defense
Succession Ceremony
Activities
Fuji Firepower Review 2016
On August 3rd, the Second Reshuffled Third Abe Cabinet was assembled and
Tomomi Inada, a member of the House of Representatives, was appointed as the 15th
Minister of Defense.
On August 4th, the new Minister Inada attended the MOD office where she received
an honor guard and gave instructions to the staff during the inauguration ceremony. In
the instructions, Minister Inada expressed her enthusiasm saying, “I am honored to be
charged with the fundamental and noble duty of the defense of our nation together with
the SDF’s 250,000 personnel. I am also keenly aware of the importance of my duties.
Just yesterday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile, which fell into Japan’s
exclusive economic zone for the first time. We must take every measure possible for the
national defense, especially given the growing increasingly severe security environment.
I will succeed to the heritages of our predecessors carried on for more than 60 years
since the SDF’s establishment, and will give my utmost efforts to my duties with all of
you under such severe security environment in order to secure the lives and peaceful
livelihood of Japanese people, to live up to the expectation of the international community, and contribute to world peace under the Constitution.”
After the instruction, the new and former Ministers of Defense met for the succession
of duties.
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MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
On August 28th, the annual Fuji Firepower Review was held in the Hataoka
District of the East Fuji Maneuver Area located in Gotemba City, Shizuoka
Prefecture. The Head of the GSDF Fuji School, LTG Hidehisa Tokuda, served as
the officer in charge of the exercise; and the Head of the Fuji School Brigade,
MG Kazuo Komori, served as the commanding officer of the training corps.
Defense Minister Tomomi Inada; Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
Takayuki Kobayashi; Chief of Joint Staff, ADM Katsutoshi Kawano; GSDF
Chief of Staff, GEN Toshiya Okabe; MSDF Chief of Staff, ADM Tomohisa
Takei; ASDF Chief of Staff, GEN Yoshiyuki Sugiyama; and officials from the
U.S. Forces made an inspection of the exercise. Approximately 27,000 people
visited the maneuver area to observe the exercise.
Approximately 2,400 personnel from various units participated in the
exercise, with 80 armored vehicles and tanks, 60 artilleries, 20 aircraft,
and around 700 other types of vehicles. Some 36 tons of live munitions
(costing around 390 million yen in total) were used for the exercise.
The exercise consisted of two parts. In the first part, live shooting
was demonstrated to introduce the SDF’s main equipment. In the
second part, under the scenario of recapturing remote occupied islands,
the exercise was carried out in three stages: troop deployment, maneuver, and recapture.
Fuji Firepower Review is the only live fire exercise shown by the
GSDF to the public. This year marks the 58th exercise since 1961.
Tomomi Inada
About
Political Career
Date of birth: 20 February 1959
Constituency: Fukui 1st District
Domicile: Fukui Prefecture
Biography
Mar. 1981 Graduated from
Waseda University (School of Law)
Apr. 1983 Legal Apprentice
Apr. 1985 Registered as Attorney
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Aug.
Dec.
Dec.
2005: Elected as a member of the House of Representatives (HR)
2009: Elected as a member of the HR (2nd term)
2012: Elected as a member of the HR (3rd term)
2012: Minister of State for Regulatory Reform
Minister in charge of Administrative Reform
Minister in charge of Civil Service Reform
Minister of State for “Cool Japan” Strategy
Minister in charge of “Challenge Again” Initiative
May 2014: Minister in charge of Civil Service Reform
Sep. 2014: Chairwoman of Policy Research Council (Liberal Democratic Party)
Dec. 2014: Elected as a member of the HR (4th term)
Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.
Sep.
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Activities
Activities
Defense of Japan 2016 Issued
Pacific Partnership 2016
– Activities in Palau
The Defense White Paper for FY2016, “Defense of Japan 2016,” was distributed at the
Cabinet Meeting on August 2nd. The MOD publishes white papers every summer to promote
public understanding of Japan’s defense policy. This year marks 42nd issue.
Pacific Partnership 2016’s activity in Palau has
begun from July 29th through August 15th
under the leadership of the JSDF.
“Defense of Japan 2016” comprises three parts the same as “Defense of Japan 2015.” What
is written in each part is below.
Part I covers the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, which has been increasingly severe, focusing on North Korea’s further progress of nuclear weapons and ballistic
missiles development as well as China’s active maritime expansion. Part I also describes
challenges in global security environment with focus on intensification and expansion of
activities of international terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the
Levant (ISIL) and Russia’s and China’s attempt to change the status quo.
Part II describes the FY2016 build-up of defense capabilities and improvement of the
human resources, along with significance and summary of the Legislation for Peace and
Security. It also covers the new Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation and strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance including impact mitigation of Okinawa.
Part III refers to efficient deterrence and response to a variety of situations as well as
proactive promotion of security cooperation such as defense cooperation and exchange with
other countries, along with policies on defense equipment and technology.
In addition to a printed copy, the Defense White Paper is available in digital book as well
as a digest version for smartphones in order to provide greater access.
The Pacific Partnership, which started in 2007, is an activity organized by the U.S. Forces. Naval vessels mainly from the U.S. Navy visit
countries in the Asia-Pacific region to provide medical assistance, to conduct civil engineering business, and to engage in cultural exchanges as well as to strengthen collaboration with the participating countries and facilitate international disaster relief activities through cooperation with the government, military, international organizations, and NGOs in each of those countries.
In 2016, the Japan MOD/SDF participated in Pacific Partnership activities in Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Palau, and Indonesia. After
completing activities in Vietnam, the MSDF Shimokita (LST-4002) called on the Port of Koror on August 4th where it commenced
activities (advanced units began activities on July 29th).
Medical Assistance Activities
SDF Competitors in the Rio Summer Olympic Games
The Shimokita transported from Japan 110 tatami mats for judo and 50 judo uniforms for children in order to conduct judo exhibitions as part of cultural exchange activities. Judo is currently a popular sport in Palau, but the country lacks judo equipment. Therefore, an NPO called SOLIDARITY of International Judo Education (headed by Los Angeles Olympics judo gold medal winner
Yasuhiro Yamashita) donated judo equipment that was transported to Palau aboard
the Shimokita. On August 10th, a ceremony was held to officially donate this
equipment in which Commander Takeshi Okada of Landing Ship Division 1
presented the Palau side with the donation. The transport activities of the SDF
aligned with the goal of the Sports for Tomorrow activities being implemented by
the Japan Sports Agency as part of its international contribution projects through
sports, so these SDF activities received official designation as a Sports for
Tomorrow project. Sports for Tomorrow activities intend to convey the value of
sports to international society and spread the Olympics/Paralympics movement to
all generations ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic games. The
Donation of Judo Equipment
MOD has become a consortium member through its activities in Palau.
On August 12th, a joint Japan-U.S. War Memorial Event was held on Peleliu Island.
Some of the most intense fighting of World War II took place on this island, which was
visited by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan last year. More than 8,500
U.S. troops and more than 12,000 Japanese soldiers lost their lives here. With both the
Japanese and American ambassadors in attendance honored those fallen.
Nine SDF personnel from the SDF Physical Training School took part in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games which was held from August
5th to 21st; MAJ Toshikazu Yamashita, shooting (rifle); 2LT Eita Mori, shooting (rapid fire pistol); 1LT Daisuke Narimatsu, boxing
(light weight); 2LT Hiroaki Takao, weightlifting (56kg); SFC Naito Ehara, swimming; SGT Tomoya Miguchi and SGT Shohei
Iwamoto, modern pentathlon; 2LT Hirooki Arai and 2LT Takayuki Tanii, athletics (50km Race Walk).
In the Swimming, SFC Ehara won the bronze medal in Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay. The Japanese team had a time of 7:03.50.
Also, 2LT Arai won the bronze medal in Men’s 50km Race Walk. His record was 3:41:24.
You can see the results of the other competitions on the MOD website. Thank you very much for supporting our Olympic athletes!
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In Palau, personnel visited Koror Island and Peleliu Island to carry out medical
assistance activities involving teams from the U.S., U.K. and Australian armed forces
under the leadership of the JSDF. Personnel also took part in facility renovations and
cultural exchange activities. Medical assistance activities involved four NGOs from
Japan (Noguchi Medical Research Institute, IEMS-Japan, South Pacific Ophthalmological Cooperation Association, Health and Global Policy Institute), which provided
medical services to local patients at Belau National Hospital and Palau Community
College. Also, cataract surgeries were conducted on board the Shimokita. There are no
ophthalmologists in Palau, so local people were very pleased and grateful to be able to
receive treatment for cataracts. An NGO provided a Vision Van, a fully equipped
vehicle for ophthalmological exams, and this van was transported aboard the Shimokita to Palau where it was used to conduct eye exams. Patients who complied with
conditions received cataract surgery. The local people who had their vision restored
were extremely grateful and respectful for Japan’s advanced medical technologies.
Memorial Service on Peleliu Island
The people of Palau, which was once ruled by Japan, were very cooperative and
expressed warm welcome toward the SDF’s Pacific Partnership activities on this occasion,
which marked the first time the SDF visited Palau for these activities. It is the hope of the
MOD/SDF that these grassroots level activities will help to foster trust and contribute to
an ongoing friendly relationship between Japan and Palau.
Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.
Sep.
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Topics
Topics
MSDF Tokyo Band
Takes Part in
Basel Tattoo in Switzerland
do
udan Ko
With Sh
Yagibushi with Japanese Drum
Band Master Cdr Hiroyuki Tezuka
Solo Performance
Interview with Mr. Erik Julliard,
the Producer of Basel Tattoo
Mr. Julliard
The MSDF Tokyo Band appeared in Basel Tattoo, which was held in Basel, Switzerland from
July 21st to July 30th. Basel Tattoo is the world’s second largest military band festival. It is held
every year in Basel, Switzerland from the middle to end of July and is held under the patronage of
the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport of Switzerland. Top-tier military
bands from around the world and civilian music groups perform for audiences.
Performances at this year’s Tattoo began on July 21st and
continued until July 30th. The MSDF Tokyo Band performed at a
total of 13 shows during this time. The MSDF Tokyo Band’s solo
performance rang out loudly, starting with the Tokyo Olympic
March 1964, followed by Furusato, a song about the heart of the
Japanese people, sung by PO3 Yukari Miyake who wore a traditional Japanese garment kimono. This was followed by a reverberating performance of taiko, traditional Japanese drum. Next, the
Japanese folk song Yagibushi was performed passionately with the
powerful rhythm of the Japanese musical instruments. Finally, the
MSDF Tokyo Band capped off its performance with a march song
called Gunkan, which is an official march song used by the MSDF.
imono
ke in K
iya
ukari M
PO3 Y
In addition, the MSDF Tokyo Band took part in a joint performance of Shudan Kodo from the Nippon Sport Science University.
A highlight of the show was the joint performance featuring PO3
Yukari Miyake singing Amazing Grace with the Kaserne (a historical barracks) in the background with music by the MSDF Tokyo
Band and the UK’s Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.
The MSDF Tokyo Band appeared in Basel Tattoo in Concert held on July 17th prior to Basel Tattoo, where it
performed together with the Royal Marines Band. In addition, the Band participated in the Basel Tattoo Parade through
the city center of Basel on July 23rd, where they were warmly welcomed by local residents. On the final day, the Band
took part in Children’s Day festivities held with local children and their families, allowing children to try their hand at
playing instruments, and then the Band performed a bright and cheery piece in a mini band format for all to enjoy.
The Basel Tattoo in Concert
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With othe
Mr. Julliard is also a founding member of the Top Secret Drum Corps, which
is a world-renowned drum group from Basel, Switzerland. The Top Secret
Jubilee Corps was created to mark the group’s 25th anniversary and it
performed at this year’s Basel Tattoo. The spectators were mesmerized by
their fantastic performance.
Q1. Why did the Basel Tattoo invite the MSDF Tokyo Band to the
Basel Tattoo?
A1. I saw the Japanese Self-Defense Force Tokyo Band in Norway when they performed at the fantastic Military
Tattoo, and their performance was very impressive. Their discipline, their striking uniforms, their fantastic drill,
but also the beautiful mix of Japanese culture with Japanese military music was very special and so I decided to
invite them to Basel, Switzerland.
Q2. How did the MSDF Tokyo Band contribute to success of the Basel Tattoo?
A2. The Tokyo Band did a lot for this year’s Tattoo, not only showing their beautiful
own music and their excellent drill, but also bringing some Japanese culture into
this show. But more than that, not only did they perform so well on their own, they
also performed together with the Royal Marines from Great Britain, a unit from the
Ministry of Defence from Great Britain, and then they also appeared together with
all the other participating bands in the grand finale.
Q3. Would you please share your impression on the performance of the
MSDF Tokyo Band in Basel?
A3. My personal opinion is that it is absolutely wonderful how the Tokyo Band mixes
everything which we asked for: they brought in a beautiful band with fantastic
uniforms, but they also presented the Japanese culture. The moment when the singer
came onto the field in the beautiful Japanese kimono and started to sing was an
absolutely stunning moment in the arena for all the audience and the people loved it.
The Children’s
r Participat
ing Band
Members
The
e
Basel Tattoo Parad
The Top Secret Jubilee Corps
The Color Guard
Day
Rehearsal
Mini Band on the
Children’s Day
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Sep.
No.80
7
Column
永
平
寺
Eiheiji Temple
~Zen~
∼
禅
∼
E
iheiji Temple is located in Fukui Prefecture, which
faces the Sea of Japan and is nearly in the middle
of Japan. It is known as one of most strict Zen
temples in all of Japan. Eiheiji Temple was
founded approx. 760 years ago in 1244 by Dogen
as a place for monks to practice Zen Buddhism,
which was brought to Japan by Dogen, who
learned it in China’s Song dynasty, in the form of
zazen, or seated meditation. The temple itself is
surrounded by old cedar trees believed to be 700
years old and consists of around 70 halls and structures dotting the site.
Among these, the temple’s shichido garan, a Japanese Buddhist term
describing ideal Buddhist temple complex consisting of seven halls,
feature important buildings that are essential to the daily practice of
Zen Buddhism. Before dawn approx. 200 trainee monks begin their
strict daily regimen of religious service, zazen, meal preparation and
“zazen in motion.”
Visitors to the temple have the opportunity to view the monk’s
devotion to their training.
Visitors to Eiheiji Temple also have the opportunity to learn about
the mindset of Zen monks through not only zazen, sutra copying, and
vegetarian dish (shojin cuisine), but also actually staying overnight at
the temple to experience the exact same daily regimen a trainee
monk undergoes.
Sabae City is located approx. 20 km from Eiheiji Temple and is
where GSDF Camp Sabae, the only such camp in all of Fukui Prefecture, is located. The Camp mainly houses engineering units, but also a
number of others as well, including an accounting unit, base communications unit, direct support unit, and security teams. As a subordinate
unit to the GSDF 6th Engineer Group (stationed in Toyokawa City,
Aichi Prefecture), the main units here conduct engineering work that
includes transportation, road construction, maintenance, paving, and
river crossing in rear areas using construction equipment. These efforts
support divisions and the GSDF’s regional armies.
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