Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Ishigaki Coast Guard Office and offered words of encouragement to the personnel as follows.

"Today, I have come here, the front line of the patrol of territorial waters, in order to directly offer my words of encouragement to you, who are working hard day and night at the Ishigaki Coast Guard Office and the Ishigaki Air Station.
Needless to say, safeguarding maritime safety and interests is of critical importance in Japan, which is surrounded by four oceans.
Provocations against Japan's territorial land, sea, and air as well as sovereignty are continuing. In particular, ever since Japan acquired ownership of the Senkaku Islands on September 11 of last year, Chinese Government vessels and other vessels have frequently approached or navigated around the sea area near the Senkaku Islands. The environment surrounding the patrol of Japan's territorial waters is further increasing in severity.
Against this backdrop, I highly commend you for your diligent efforts to patrol the territorial waters in the sea area surrounding Japan.
I understand that the patrol vessel Ishigaki, which I have just observed, will be deployed shortly to patrol the territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands.
As the Prime Minister of Japan, I wish to express my profound respect to you, who, together with Japan Coast Guard personnel throughout the country, are engaged in operations to protect the seas of Japan 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, under a challenging work environment and ceaseless tension.
I, too, am determined to continue to stand at the fore of your efforts in ensuring that the lives and property of the people as well as Japan's territorial land, sea, and air are firmly protected.
Although the tough situation is expected to continue going forward, I ask that you continue to carry out your duties diligently in order to firmly maintain the sovereignty of Japan.
In addition to these patrol activities, operations such as rescue at sea, emergency patient transport, and crackdown of crimes at sea are also crucial. I expect that you will continue to actively engage in these operations.
The cooperation and support of your families are essential for your active engagement. I would like to conclude my words of encouragement by also expressing my appreciation to your families for their daily efforts.
I look forward to your continued service."