Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the Miyakojima Sub Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and offered words of encouragement to Self-Defense Force personnel as follows.

"My name is Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan.
Today, I have come here to the JASDF Miyakojima Sub Base at the front line of air defense of the southwestern area of Japan in order to directly offer my words of encouragement to you, who are carrying out your missions diligently.
It is a great pleasure for me to have this opportunity.
Provocations against Japan's territorial land, sea, and air as well as sovereignty are continuing. The security environment facing Japan is becoming ever more severe.
The number of airspace incursion measures being taken in the southwest area has increased sharply. The surveillance and patrolling of Japan's territorial airspace in this area is a critically important issue for Japan.
Against this backdrop, the role of the Miyakojima base is further increasing in importance. This base is indeed the cornerstone of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) of the southwest area.
On the other hand, Miyakojima has such a harsh natural environment that it is called 'Typhoon Alley,' and also I believe there are many personnel who work for long periods of time away from their families.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, I wish to express my profound respect to you, who protect the airspace of Japan 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with a strong determination and perseverance to firmly protect Japan's territorial airspace under a challenging work environment and ceaseless tension.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to your families that support you.
I, too, am determined 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.
I, as well as the people of Japan, consistently stand with you.
I ask that you exert every effort in your respective posts in order to firmly maintain Japan's sovereignty with both confidence and pride.
I would like to conclude my words of encouragement by sincerely hoping that you will continue to carry forward your missions to meet the high expectations of the people.
Good luck."