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On February 2, 2020, the Prime Minister attended a departure ceremony for the Deployment Surface Force for Information Gathering at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Yokosuka District.
 
The Prime Minister first attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, after which he inspected JS Takanami, and then gave instructions at the departure ceremony.
 
The Prime Minister said in his address,
 
“On the occasion of the departure overseas of JS Takanami, I would like to say a few words as Prime Minister of Japan, who serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Self Defense Force.
 
I am very encouraged by seeing today the high morale of the 208 members, including Commander Inaba and Captain Niihara. I am also very pleased to offer my own words of encouragement.
 
It was on the evening of January 11. Japanese Air Force One, which I was onboard, was flying exactly over the seas of the Gulf of Oman, northern Arabian Sea, colored with sunset hues, on the way to Saudi Arabia. Those are the waters where you are being dispatched. Thousands of Japanese vessels navigate those waters each year and approximately 90 percent of the crude oil that Japan consumes passes through there. We can call this water the aorta or lifeline that sustains the daily lives of the people. It is an important responsibility of the Government to ensure the safe navigation of ships related to Japan, and to that end, your mission to gather the necessary information, is of extreme significance that directly affects people’s lives.
 
It goes without saying that the understanding of relevant countries and efforts to reduce tensions and stabilize the region are necessary in the fulfillment of your mission. Japan is an ally of the United States, and at the same time has built good relations with the countries of the Middle East, including Iran, over the course of many years. On my recent visit to the Middle East, I received strong support from the countries I visited, all of which indicated their full endorsement of the dispatch of the SDF and expressed their intention to cooperate with and support its mission. I also directly explained to President Rouhani, who expressed understanding for the intention of Japan’s mission. Going forward, I intend to continue to ensure Japan’s full engagement in such diplomatic efforts that Japan only can do.
 
To the personnel of JS Takanami, I would like to express my respect and appreciation to each and every one of you for completing thorough preparations for this important mission in such a short period of time with such high morale. Ship operators, Japanese companies, and the people of Japan are greatly heartened by your activities and the presence of JS Takanami.
 
In addition, I also thank the families and those who are part of this effort for supporting the personnel of JS Takanami on a daily basis. I express my sincere appreciation to you all for coming here to send off your loved ones, whether it is your partner, your child, or your father, while also a little worried and concerned about the mission they are embarking on. As Prime Minister, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, I promise you that the Government will take every precaution to ensure that the personnel of JS Takanami can focus on their mission with peace of mind and complete it safely, and also that the families of personnel members can wait for them and spend their days with peace of mind.
 
To the personnel of JS Takanami, the people of Japan and I will always be with you while you are serving on the seas of the Middle East, far away from home. I instruct you to devote yourself to your duties with pride and confidence in your heart.”