Defense Minister’s September 15 Press Conference

The press conference covered the response to the Kumamoto earthquake, public access to the SDF Fallen Members Memorial area, Futenma Air Station and defense policy in the southwestern region in connection with the Okinawa gubernatorial election, and the Ground Information Unit of the Ground Self-Defense Force.

The minister described the response to the Kumamoto earthquake, including information gathering immediately after it struck, search and rescue, water delivery, patient transport, relief-supply transport, and bathing and lodging support. He said the experience would not be treated as a thing of the past and that the government would continue preparing for every contingency to protect the lives of the public and their peaceful way of life.

The SDF Fallen Members Memorial honors service members who died in the line of duty for the nation and its people. It will be opened to the public to provide opportunities to pay tribute to people beyond bereaved families and other concerned parties.

As the disaster relief mission following the Kumamoto earthquake ended, the Defense Minister said that future disaster responses would also value a flexible approach to the voices of people on the ground.

Opening the memorial area to the public will provide an opportunity to pay tribute not only to bereaved families and other concerned parties, but also to people who wish to express their gratitude and condolences.

The government says it will advance coordination with the United States, the Henoko relocation, and stronger defense in the southwestern region toward the early full return of Futenma Air Station.

The Kumamoto Governor requested withdrawal on the 13th, the day before yesterday, and the SDF ended all activities, including livelihood support. Within 24 hours of the earthquake, a posture of approximately 4,600 personnel began gathering damage information by aircraft, conducting ground search and rescue, and delivering water. Within 48 hours, the SDF transported patients and air conditioners. Within 72 hours, it increased its posture to approximately 5,100 personnel and conducted searches with disaster rescue dogs and transported relief supplies using four Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels.

The bathing and lodging support provided by the Hakuo II involved coordination among relevant ministries and agencies, Kumamoto Prefecture, and private-sector operators. The minister also said that Japan-U.S. assistance was delivered swiftly, demonstrating the role of the Japan-U.S. alliance in supporting disaster victims.

The SDF Fallen Members Memorial area at the Ministry of Defense’s Ichigaya site will be opened to the public. This will be the second opening, following one in July this year, and is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, with advance registration required. Registration will be accepted on the Ministry of Defense website starting on the day of the press conference. The memorial honors 2,142 individuals.

The minister said the specific timing for the return of Futenma Air Station would be decided after considering matters such as the relocation of units following completion of the replacement facility. After procedures to provide the replacement facility are completed, the government will coordinate with the United States toward an early full return. The government’s position that the Henoko relocation is the only solution remains unchanged. He said it would provide careful explanations to local residents and appropriate information while strengthening defense in the southwestern region.

Regarding the Ground Information Unit, the minister replied that no inappropriate activity had been confirmed at that time and that this differed from an understanding that presupposed illegality. He said documents created or obtained in the course of duties and held for organizational use are properly managed as administrative records.