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Prime Minister Attends the Exhibition Ceremony of the Self-Defense Forces


Sunday, October 28, 2007
Photograph of the Prime Minister reviewing the Self-Defense Force units Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering address at the ceremony Photograph of the Prime Minister reviewing the tank unit

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Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda attended the exhibition ceremony of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) held at Camp Asaka of the Ground Self-Defense Force.

In his address delivered as Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, Prime Minister Fukuda referred to Japan's international peacekeeping activities, saying, "We must continue to take an active part in the international community's activities for maintaining peace and stability, and exert our initiative in such activities. It is a responsibility that Japan must fulfill as a nation relied upon internationally. I would like to express my heartfelt respect for the SDF members, who, far away from Japan, diligently pursue their duties with high morale, notwithstanding the severe environment."

On crisis management, the Prime Minister said, "This year, natural disasters including large-scale earthquakes - one off the coast of the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, and another off the coast of the Chuetsu region, Niigata Prefecture - caused concern among the people. The people of Japan have great expectations of the SDF activities at times of disaster. I ask every one of you to fulfill your duties with awareness that the people's safety and security rest on your shoulders."

Furthermore, on keeping trust, the Prime Minister asked the SDF members to thoroughly maintain discipline, saying, "A nation's defense cannot be secured without the public trust. Senior defense officials, in particular, must be keenly aware of this fact and maintain strict discipline. On that basis, I earnestly hope that each and every member of the Self-Defense Forces, including senior officials, will improve their abilities, persevere at their tasks with pride, and thereby truly respond to the people's expectations."

Afterwards, the Prime Minister reviewed about 4,300 SDF members, 200 vehicles and 70 airplanes from the Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), the Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).