Click photographs to enlarge

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the exhibition ceremony of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) held at Camp Asaka of the Ground Self-Defense Force. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the SDF, and roughly 4,200 personnel, 230 vehicles and 70 aircraft participated in the ceremony. In his address, Prime Minister Koizumi noted on the defense posture by saying, "We will steadily promote countermeasures against new threats such as terrorism, while drastically reviewing and streamlining the existing structure and equipment." He also emphasized, "Japan needs to actively contribute for the peace and stability of the international community in order to ensure the safety and prosperity of our own nation." As for the activities of the SDF in Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "We have received high appraisals and words of appreciation for the SDF in Iraq as personnel that put into practice the good intentions of the people of Japan."