KOMODO Multilateral Joint Naval Training Exercise

Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology Approved by the NSC and the Cabinet

Establishment of the Cyber Defense Unit

The Tokyo Workshop of Engineer Unit Manual Working Group for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations

Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

Scenery of Japan - Himeji Castle

Interview with Lt. Gen. Salvatore A. “Sam” Angelella,Commander of the U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force

SPECIAL FEATURE

The SDF Assistance in the Search for Missing Malaysian Airlines MH370

TOPICS

Japan–U.S. Defense Ministerial MeetingJapan–U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting

Cover Photograph :Japan–U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting

Interview with Lt. Gen. Salvatore A. “Sam” AngelellaThe SDF Assistance in the Search for Missing Malaysian Airlines MH370

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces

JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS

MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

May. 2014www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/

No.52

Minister of Defense

Commander in Chiefof the Self Defense Fleet

MSDF InternationalDisaster Relief Squadron

Local SupportCoordination Center

Commander in Chiefof the Air Defense Command

ASDF InternationalDisaster Relief Squadron

Posture of the SDF International Disaster Relief Activity

・ Expanded the area of activities to include Australia and its surrounding waters・ Changed the name of the unit and

increased the number of personnel

P-3C×2

・ Added Australia as the area of activities(moved the unit to Australia)

C-130H×2, etc.

・ Added Australia as the area of activities(returned to Japan after required activities, and are on standby for future orders)

The SDF Assistance in the Search for Missing Malaysian Airlines MH370

At the request of the Government of Malaysia on March 10th, the Minister for Foreign Affairs consulted with the Ministry of Defense on March 11th to request the official cooperation of the SDF for participation in international disaster relief activities. The MOD, having determined that the dispatch of SDF personnel would enable effective disaster relief activities, responded to that request and issued the operation order to dispatch the SDF units. The MOD dispatched the advance unit consisting of four personnel for international disaster relief activity in

Malaysia. On March 12th, the order was partially revised, and the advance unit was incorporated into the local support coordination center in Malaysia so that they were able to engage in information gathering on the rescue of the missing airplane as well as conduct coordination with relevant institutions and countries. The MOD also deployed two MSDF P-3C patrol aircraft and two ASDF C-130H transport aircraft (in addition, another C-130H was on standby in Japan).

While the SDF deployed P-3Cs and C-130Hs and conducted the search activity around the Malay Peninsula based on the request of the Government of Malaysia, on March 21st, the MOD amended the operation order to move the MSDF Patrol Aircraft Unit (two P-3C patrol aircraft) to Australia and implement their activities in the vicinity of Australia. Specifically, the area of activities was extended to Australia and its surrounding waters, and the fixed number of the local support coordination center’s personnel was increased to 10. Meanwhile, the two ASDF C-130Hs returned to Japan after completing their activities in Malaysia, and are currently on standby in Japan for further orders.

Japan

Malaysia

3MayNo.52Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.2 May

No.52 Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.

TopicsTopics

Measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of AdenFollowing data shows the records of the measures against piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden January through March, 2014.

Record of Mission (January through March, 2014)

Aerial activities of P-3C patrol aircraft off the coast of So-malia and in the Gulf of Aden

1. Number of flights: 53 flights (Accumulated Total (AT): 1,085 flights)

2. Flight hours: Approx. 410 hours (AT: Approx. 8,390 hours)3. Number of visually confirmed commercial ships: Approx.

4,700 ships (AT: 87,900 ships)4. Number of times of information sharing to Japanese

destroyers, foreign warships, and/or commercial ships: Approx. 350 times (AT: Approx. 9,210 times)

[Breakdown]Japanese-registered ships: 0 (AT: 15)Foreign ships operated by Japanese shipping companies:14 (AT: 600)Foreign ships other than above: 72 (AT: 2,660)

*The above record does not include the 1st – 41st escort operation performed as Maritime Security Activities.

1. Number of escort operations: 25 times (The 485th – 509th escort operation under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

2. Number of escorted vessels: 86 vessels (AT of 3,275 escorted vessels since the start of operations under Japan’s Anti-Piracy Measures Law)

Record of Mission (January through March, 2014)

Escort operations performed by MSDF units in the same area

1. Number of days: 58 (AT: 75 days)2. Number of commercial vessels confirmed: Approx.

2,130 (AT: 3,010 vessels)

Record of Mission (January through March, 2014)

Zone Defense performed in the same area

The Tokyo Workshop of Engineer Unit Manual Working Group for Peacekeeping Operations of the United NationsOn March 26th, the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Workshop of Engineer Unit Manual for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations took place at the Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo. A total of 14 countries participated in the workshop, including Indonesia as the vice chair country, the United States, and China, while approx. 40 experts from three international institutions such as the U.N. also attended. Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera gave the opening address for the workshop. In his speech, Minister Onodera stated: “From our position of proactive contributor to peace based on the principle of international cooperation, Japan will proactively engage in international peace cooperation activities and also finds it important to play a more active leadership role in these activities.” Minister Onodera also emphasized that sharing knowledge and experiences on peacekeeping operations through this workshop in Japan represented a very meaningful form of cooperation in terms of multilateral collaboration aimed at the realization of international peace. During the three days of the workshop, which lasted until

On March 26th, the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Workshop of Engineer Unit Manual for Peacekeeping Operations of the United Nations took place at the Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo. A total of 14 countries participated in the workshop, including Indonesia as the vice chair country, the United States, and China, while approx. 40 experts from three international institutions such as the U.N. also attended. Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera gave the opening address for the workshop. In his speech, Minister Onodera stated: “From our position of proactive contributor to peace based on the principle of international cooperation, Japan will proactively engage in international peace cooperation activities and also finds it important to play a more active leadership role in these activities.” Minister Onodera also emphasized that sharing knowledge and experiences on peacekeeping operations through this workshop in Japan represented a very meaningful form of cooperation in terms of multilateral collaboration aimed at the realization of international peace. During the three days of the workshop, which lasted until

March 28th, discussions were held on the basic approach for drafting the Engineer Unit Manual and what to include. On March 27th, the experts visiting Japan toured the GSDF International Peace Cooperation Activities Training Unit at Camp Komakado in Shizuoka.

March 28th, discussions were held on the basic approach for drafting the Engineer Unit Manual and what to include. On March 27th, the experts visiting Japan toured the GSDF International Peace Cooperation Activities Training Unit at Camp Komakado in Shizuoka.

[14 Participating countries]Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

[14 Participating countries]Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology Approved by the NSC and the CabinetOn April 1st, 2014, the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology were approved by the National Security Council and the Cabinet. The National Security Strategy and the National Defense Program Guidelines for FY2014 and Beyond both issued in December 2013 state: “While giving due consideration to the roles that the Three Principles on Arms Exports and their related policy guidelines have played so far, the Government of Japan will set out clear principles on the overseas transfer of arms and military technology, which fit the new security environment. In this context, considerations will be made with regard to defining cases where transfers are prohibited; limiting cases where transfers could be allowed with strict

examinations; and ensuring appropriate control over transfers in terms of unauthorized use and third party transfer.” In this manner, the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equip-ment and Technology define new rules governing the future overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology. The MOD has been advancing international cooperation in the area of defense equipment and technology. The MOD is committed to responsible management of defense equipment and technology in cooperation with related agencies. In doing so, it will continue to further ensure transparency based on the new principles as well as enhance foreseeability of partner countries and defense industry while securing defense technology that is important to Japan’s security.

cyber-attacks in close cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies.

On March 26th, the MOD/SDF established the Cyber Defense Unit in order to effectively counter the threats of cyber-attacks, which become more complex and sophisticated. The Cyber Defense Unit will monitor the MOD/SDF’s networks and respond to cyber-attacks on a 24 hour basis. It will also centrally collect, analyze, study, and research on cyber threat information. Since ensuring the stable use of cyberspace is an important task for Japan’s national security, the MOD/SDF, with the Cyber Defense Unit as a central player, will continue to proactively work on enhancing SDF’s capability to deal with

Establishment of the Cyber Defense Unit

The MSDF participated in KOMODO multilateral joint naval training exercise organized by the Indonesian Navy that took place from March 20th to April 9th. This exercise was hosted by the Indonesian Navy as the first installment of multilateral exercises to be held by ASEAN and its neighboring countries, according to the decision made at the ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting. A total of 17 countries took part in this exercise, including Japan, Indonesia, and the United States. Participating countries worked together on humanitarian assistance and

disaster relief exercises held in the surrounding airspace and waters off the island of Batam in Indonesia.

KOMODO MultilateralJoint Naval Training Exercise

5MayNo.52Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.4 May

No.52 Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.

ActivitiesActivities

Q. Tell us what you value personally and professionally, as a commander here.

A. I think we value our friendships and the closeness of our family and our ties with our Japanese friends, both personally and professionally. So, when I travel to U.S. Air Force Bases in Misawa and Kadena, I have both professional friendships there with the SDF and also personal friendships with some local people. And I know that the other service members here also develop those close, personal relationships with the Japanese people. That’s what we value. My children both graduated from high school in Japan, and I think that when we climbed Mt. Fuji together a few years ago in August, it really left a great impression on our family about Japan. We got to experience that together spiritually, and I really think it symbolizes a spiritual happiness and it also shows that we have the same feeling about Mt. Fuji as the Japanese people. And that makes us close. I climbed Mt. Fuji two times and I said “I don’t want to climb it again. It is too difficult!” But today, when I saw Mt. Fuji, I said “Ah, she (Mt. Fuji) is calling me back!” Maybe one more time… Being responsible for approx. 50,000 service members and approx. another 50,000 family members in Japan, I realize that we would not be able to live and operate here without the good support from the local people around our bases. Plus, I also try to encourage our service mem-bers and families to get out of the base and meet their neighbors and learn about their culture. One of my goals here is to make Japan one of the top assignments for our service members and their families to come over here. My first assignment I was a very young Major. So, I actually didn’t have a lot of interface with the ASDF or the Japanese people. I was the aide (to the USFJ and 5th Air Force Commander) here first and then at the flight squadron in Misawa. But as I became more senior, I had more interac-tion with Japanese people, Japanese government, and the SDF. Then I was pleased to see how dedicated they are to the mission. So, when I was young, I didn’t really have

those close relationships with the Japanese here. That is why I encour-age the young people now to make those relationships that maybe I missed early on (in my career). We want to provide a secure environment for the next generation to grow up in. So, it is important to always do the right thing to provide for the future and for the young people. It is a very secure environ-ment that we enjoy. It is not so safe and secure all around the world; there are some dangerous places here in Asia-Pacific. But as far as Japan, U.S., and our relationship go, it is no problem for young people to travel around and visit each other. And we need to maintain that (secure environment). I think the fact that we are able to learn from each other shows the strength of the Japan–U.S. relation-ship and alliance. We did relief effort together in the island of Rota down during Cope North Guam (international exercise) and then also we worked side by side in the Philippine Relief Effort. In the SDF, it was called “Operation Sangkai,” which means “friend” in the Philip-pine language. I think it is important to maintain a close relationship and coordination with each other. I think we are here at an exciting time for the Japan–U.S. Alliance. Last year, we had a historic Security Consultative Committee meeting where the Secretary of Defense came to visit Japan with our Secretary of State and met with

Minister Kishida and Minister Onodera for the first time in Alliance history. They agreed to rewrite the Japan–U.S. Defense Guidelines by the end of this year. By rewriting those guidelines, we will be able to solidify some of the capabilities that we know we can do together and also recognize the changing security environment. If I had a message for the young SDF personnel or the young U.S. personnel, I would say “Thank you for your volunteer service, and I think it is a very proud tradition and a very noble cause, serving for the security and the future of our young families”.

Lt. Gen. Salvatore A.“Sam” Angelella

Interview with Lt. Gen. Salvatore A. “Sam” Angelella,Commander of the U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force

Interview with Lt. Gen. Salvatore A. “Sam” Angelella,Commander of the U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force

Minister Onodera explained Okinawa Prefecture’s requests with regard to mitigating the impact caused by U.S. bases in Okinawa including the termination of the use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma within five years, as well as Japan’s efforts to address these demands. Secretary Hagel stated that he understood the concerns of the people of Okinawa and that the U.S. would continue to support Japan’s efforts. In light of the agreement on initiatives to mitigate the impact on Okinawa, both ministers confirmed that they would move forward with more concrete cooperation. In addition, the two ministers once again welcomed the recent progress with regards to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.

3. Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan

Both ministers agreed to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan–U.S. Alliance by steadily moving forward with a broad range of Japan–U.S. defense cooperation, including revision of the Guidelines for Japan–U.S. Defense Cooperation that are expected to be completed by the end of 2014 in accordance with the joint statement at the U.S.–Japan Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) held in October 2013, while closely linking their initiatives based on the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) released in March 2014 and the National Defense Program Guidelines. U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel noted that the U.S. policies continue to focus on the Asia-Pacific region as indicated in the QDR, and as part of these policies the U.S. will deploy two additional Aegis destroyers with anti-ballistic missile capabilities to Japan by the year of 2017.

(1) Defense Policies of Japan and the U.S., Revision of the Guidelines for Japan–U.S. Defense Cooperation

Minister Onodera explained about the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and Secretary Hagel noted that he welcomed such initiatives. Both ministers agreed to continue deepening bilateral defense equipment and technology cooperation.

(2) The Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology

2. Defense Policies of Japan and the U.S., and Japan–U.S. Defense Cooperation

Both ministers confirmed the continued importance of the Japan–U.S. Alliance in ensuring the safety of Japan as well as peace and stability in the region. The two ministers also exchanged their views on the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region. The ministers reaffirmed the U.S. stance toward the Senkaku Islands and agreed to oppose any attempt to alter the status quo by force in the East China Sea or other locations. Given that the security environment in East Asia is growing more severe due to North Korea’s continuing pursuit of nuclear weapons and multiple launches of ballistic missiles, the two ministers agreed to continue close bilateral collabora-tion between Japan and the U.S. as well as to promote trilateral cooperation including South Korea and Australia. Both ministers also concurred on the importance of further strengthening of relationships with countries in Southeast Asia from the standpoint of contributing to peace and stability in the broader Asia-Pacific region.

1. Overview and Regional Environment

On April 6th, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel held a meeting at the Ministry of Defense.

Japan–U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting

7MayNo.52Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.6 May

No.52 Visit the Japan Defense Focus website for photo and movie galleries that cannot be found in this pamphlet.

Special FeatureMeeting with Foreign Leaders

Troop Inspection by Defense Minister Onodera: Sanin district (12~13 Apr.)

Students of Takata Higashi Junior High School (Rikuzentakata-city, Iwate prefecture) visit the MOD (15 Apr.)

Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Onodera by General Amos (Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps) (15 Apr.)

Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Onodera by Admiral (Ret.) Dennis Blair, former Director of National Intelli-gence (15 Apr.)

Japan–Mongol Defense Ministerial Meeting (17 Apr.)

Troop Inspection and Participation in Ceremony by Defense Minister Onodera: Okinawa prefecture (19~20 Apr.)

Check out our website to see the web-only article about their visit!

H imeji Castle, the finest surviving example of Japan’s early 17th century architecture, is an old existing castle located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture. It is also called

Shirasagi-jo (white heron castle) because of its beautiful white plaster earthen walls. The history of the castle dates back to 1346, when Sadanori Akamatsu built a fort. Later in the Edo period or Shogun era, larger castle architecture including the donjon and towers were constructed. Most of the construction survived to the present day with great aesthetic appeal. In 1951, the castle towers were listed as a National Treasure of Japan, and in 1993, it was registered as one of

imeji Castle, the finest surviving example of Japan’s early 17th century architecture, is an old existing castle located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture. It is also called

Shirasagi-jo (white heron castle) because of its beautiful white plaster earthen walls. The history of the castle dates back to 1346, when Sadanori Akamatsu built a fort. Later in the Edo period or Shogun era, larger castle architecture including the donjon and towers were constructed. Most of the construction survived to the present day with great aesthetic appeal. In 1951, the castle towers were listed as a National Treasure of Japan, and in 1993, it was registered as one of

imeji Castle, the finest surviving example of Japan’s early 17th century architecture, is an old existing castle located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture. It is also called

Shirasagi-jo (white heron castle) because of its beautiful white plaster earthen walls. The history of the castle dates back to 1346, when Sadanori Akamatsu built a fort. Later in the Edo period or Shogun era, larger castle architecture including the donjon and towers were constructed. Most of the construction survived to the present day with great aesthetic appeal. In 1951, the castle towers were listed as a National Treasure of Japan, and in 1993, it was registered as one of

the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan as a masterpiece of construction. Along with Matsumoto Castle (Nagano prefecture) and Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto prefecture), Himeji Castle is regarded as one of Japan’s premier castles. The castle is currently undergoing restoration work that is expected to be completed by 2015. Only about 2km away from the castle is GSDF Camp Himeji. Personnel of the camp conduct the cleaning activity of the Himeji Castle in December of every year. By using ropes and vehicles, they clean up all over the castle, from unreachable high places, vast stone fences, to the extensive moat in a professional manner.

the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan as a masterpiece of construction. Along with Matsumoto Castle (Nagano prefecture) and Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto prefecture), Himeji Castle is regarded as one of Japan’s premier castles. The castle is currently undergoing restoration work that is expected to be completed by 2015. Only about 2km away from the castle is GSDF Camp Himeji. Personnel of the camp conduct the cleaning activity of the Himeji Castle in December of every year. By using ropes and vehicles, they clean up all over the castle, from unreachable high places, vast stone fences, to the extensive moat in a professional manner.

the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan as a masterpiece of construction. Along with Matsumoto Castle (Nagano prefecture) and Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto prefecture), Himeji Castle is regarded as one of Japan’s premier castles. The castle is currently undergoing restoration work that is expected to be completed by 2015. Only about 2km away from the castle is GSDF Camp Himeji. Personnel of the camp conduct the cleaning activity of the Himeji Castle in December of every year. By using ropes and vehicles, they clean up all over the castle, from unreachable high places, vast stone fences, to the extensive moat in a professional manner.

Himeji Castle

8 MayNo.52

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