Video Message by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru for the Graduation Ceremony of the JGSDF High Technical School

On the occasion of the graduation ceremony of the JGSDF High Technical School, as the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Self-Defense Forces, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates.

Congratulations to the 68th Class on your graduation.

In the spring three years ago, you stepped through the gate of Takeyama with various aspirations in mind, including becoming SDF members, protecting loved ones, protecting the community and defending Japan’s independence and peace. Since then, you have diligently devoted yourselves to studies, club activities and training, learning from your classmates to improve your skills. I believe these past three years have been a period of intense devotion with shared memories.

Looking back on your days at the JGSDF High Technical School, you probably have had an unprecedentedly rigorous experience away from your parents, undergoing training programs to join the SDF personnel, while adhering to strict discipline. Seeing your friends from high school enjoying their less disciplined lives, you may have asked yourself many times why this school is so demanding. Nevertheless, you persevered with sweat and tears alongside your fellow classmates and have reached this significant day. This truly deserves high esteem, and I extend my heartfelt respect to you.

As is often said, Japan is currently facing the most severe security environment since World War II. We are surrounded by countries with completely different political systems, such as North Korea, China and Russia, all of which are nuclear powers, although North Korea’s status as a nuclear power is not officially recognized. The war between Russia and Ukraine has continued for more than three years, and the relations between the United States and Ukraine, as well as those between the U.S. and Europe, have entered a very difficult phase. The conflict in Gaza shows no signs of ending as well. Many citizens in Japan are concerned that what is happening in Ukraine could eventually happen in Asia. In these difficult times, you have chosen to become SDF members and will soon be assigned to units across the country, undertaking the noble mission of protecting Japan’s independence and peace.

I would like to ensure that each of you finds self-fulfillment and comfortable workplace. The SDF needs to be an organization that enhances job satisfaction, making you feel that becoming an SDF member was the right choice, although you will face various challenges in the SDF. As government-commissioned SDF members are required to be physically and mentally active, the SDF is an organization where you often reach retirement while still young and capable of working vigorously. I therefore want to create a country where the skills and knowledge you acquire in the SDF can be utilized even after retirement. Protecting Japan is a truly difficult task. You face danger. You must abide by orders. You must meet the great expectations of the people. The SDF is an organization that requires the strictest discipline. That is why we must provide the best possible treatment and the highest honor to SDF members, which I believe is what a nation should guarantee. The Government as a whole will work to improve your treatment, as it is only natural for us to do so. I will do everything in my power to work on this, together with Defense Minister Nakatani.

Generative AI (artificial intelligence) and drones play important roles not only for aircraft and ships, but also for submarines. We must further sophisticate the integrated operations of the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. Advanced technologies such as those related to cyber, which are becoming more familiar to you, are dramatically transforming the nature of warfare and combat. Your knowledge and skills will contribute to defending our nation’s independence and peace, protecting the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the people, and creating a world without war. You will be protecting peace. We strongly hope that each of you will continue to grow as individuals, building on the character you have developed and the knowledge and skills you have acquired at this school, and make great strides in the next stage of your life.

To the families of the graduates, congratulations on this significant day. I imagine there were times when you felt anxious as your beloved sons began their daily lives at the JGSDF High Technical School. But as you can see, they have remarkably grown and have successfully reached their graduation today. We hope that you will continue to watch over your sons, who will thrive in various areas, with warm support in the future.”

I would like to express my respect to Principal Shinomura and all the faculty members who have guided the students with strictness and deep affection, and I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to all those involved who have provided significant understanding and support to the school.

I sincerely wish the continued success of the graduates and the further development of the JGSDF High Technical School, and with these words, I conclude my congratulatory address. Congratulations. I hope to see you continue to thrive. That is all from me.