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On November 1, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Self-Defense Forces Day Annual Reception held in Tokyo.
 
The Prime Minister said in his address,
 
“Distinguished guests who continuously support the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), representatives from the U.S. Forces in Japan, our ally, ambassadors and defense attachés from all over the world, welcome and thank you very much for attending the Self-Defense Forces Day Annual Reception. As the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, I would like to express my profound gratitude for your ongoing support for and understanding on the SDF.
 
The SDF was established on July 1, 1954. I was born in this same year; it is slightly older than I am but the SDF and I have spent roughly the same amount of time in existence, and thus I am always filled with deep emotion on Self-Defense Forces Day.
 
Despite being established in July, the anniversary is celebrated on November 1. Why is this? This is because there are always many typhoons and other natural disasters from summer to autumn. Furthermore, at the time, Japan lacked resilience and suffered significant damages from these disasters. In order for the SDF to devote all its efforts to safeguarding the people, the anniversary celebrations were delayed. The SDF truly exists for the people. That has always been the unwavering spirit of the SDF, both then and now.
 
In fact, the SDF has been dispatched for disaster relief missions over 40,000 times to date. Several large-scale disasters struck the Japanese archipelago this summer as well. Members of the SDF immediately made their way to the people who were asking for help and saved the lives of over 2,300 people. I have also made five trips to the disaster-affected areas across the country, and wherever I went, I saw the SDF carrying out its missions with high morale and dedication.
 
Of course, the SDF does not only carry out disaster response. For 64 years since its establishment, working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including this very moment, members of the SDF have fulfilled their duties with a strong sense of responsibility, pride and morale, in order to protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the people, as well as Japan’s territorial land, sea and air.
 
Moreover, the SDF contributes greatly to global peace and stability. Under the scorching sun in faraway Africa, off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, or in the vast Indo-Pacific region, SDF personnel are working hard.
 
‘SDF personnel must, at all times, be prepared to identify themselves with the people and take pride in serving the public without regard to themselves.’ Your embodiment of ‘The Ethos of SDF Personnel,’ which has been passed down for over half a century, and your wholehearted efforts to fulfil the mandate given to you by the people, fills me with great reassurance and pride.
 
Today, 90% of the public have a favorable impression of the SDF. Moreover, in the survey of public trust in different public institutions, the SDF ranked as the most trustworthy public institution in Japan. I always mention the results of this survey and, unfortunately, the least trusted are always the members of the Diet. Together with the Diet members in attendance today, I pledge to work harder.
 
The unwavering trust of the public is entirely the result of the devoted efforts of generations of SDF personnel. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all current and former SDF members, as well as the family members who support them.
 
I am certain that the SDF will continue to fulfil the expectations of the Japanese people and the world. I ask for your continued support and cooperation.
 
Last but not the least, I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing for the good health of everyone in attendance and that the SDF will continue to contribute significantly to global peace and prosperity. Thank you.”