Interview with Ms. Tara Boyd, Australian Civilian Exchange Officer at the Capacity Building Support Office in the Ministry of Defense of Japan - A Bridge between Japan and Australia - MOD FY2016 Budget Request Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Drills “Disaster Prevention Day” 10th International Peace Cooperation Basic Course The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa Attended the Returning Ceremony of the 21st Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement The MOD Visit by Ms. Marriët Schuurman, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Lake Biwa - The Largest Lake in Japan - Dawn Blitz 2015 Naming and Launching Ceremony of New Destroyer “ ” KAGA ACTIVITIES TOPICS Oct. 2015 No.69 www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/ Naming and Launching Ceremony of New Destroyer “KAGA” Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Drills “Disaster Prevention Day” The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum Cover Photograph : JAPAN DEFENSE F OCUS MINISTRY OF DEFENSE The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
Transcript
Interview with Ms. Tara Boyd, Australian Civilian Exchange Officer at the Capacity Building Support Office in the Ministry of Defense of Japan
The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa Attendedthe Returning Ceremony of the 21st Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement
The MOD Visit by Ms. Marriët Schuurman, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security
Lake Biwa - The Largest Lake in Japan -
Dawn Blitz 2015
Naming and Launching Ceremonyof New Destroyer “ ”KAGA
ACTIVITIES
TOPICS
Oct. 2015No.69
www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/
Naming and Launching Ceremony of New Destroyer “KAGA”Comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Drills “Disaster Prevention Day”The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum
Cover Photograph :
JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE
The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
Naming and Launching Ceremonyof New Destroyer “KAGA”
n August 27th, the naming and launching ceremony of the MSDF’s new destroyer,
“KAGA,” was held at the Japan Marine United Corporation’s Isogo Works in Yokohama Shipyard and
attended by State Minister of Defense Akira Sato. Kaga is an Izumo class destroyer, which has the largest displacement
standard among MSDF vessels, and it is planned to be commissioned in March 2017.
Displacement Standard
Length
Beam
Engines
Speed
Approx. 19,500 tons
248 meters
38 meters
4 gas-turbine engines (2 shafts)
Approx. 30 knots
Specifications of KagaSpecifications of Kaga
OFrom August 31st to September 9th, the Dawn Blitz 2015 field training exercise was held in California, the U.S. This is the second time for the SDF to participate in this exercise following the one held in 2013. This exercise aimed at maintaining and improving SDF’s joint operational capabilities in case of defense of remote islands.
From the GSDF, approx. 320 personnel and two helicopters (AH-64D) of the Western Army and approx. 30 personnel and two helicopters (CH-47JA) of the Central Readiness Force participated in this exercise. Also, the MSDF dispatched destroyers (Hyuga and Ashigara), transport vessel (Kunisaki), and three on-board helicopters (SH-60K), while the U.S. Third Fleet and the U.S. 1st Marine Expeditionary Force took part from the U.S. Forces.
In the Camp Pendleton and San Clemente island in California, the U.S., as well as its surrounding waters and air space, the Japan-U.S. joint training was conducted. The training comprised a series of actions of amphibious mission, which included maritime maneuver, landing, deployment, securing area, and retreat from the area. The supply support for units operating amphibious mission was conducted as well.
Dawn Blitz 2015
3OctoberNo.69Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.October
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The MOD released its overview of FY2016 budget request in the end of August. The budget request for FY2016 states that the MOD will continue to steadily improve defense capabilities in order to develop a Dynamic Joint Defense Force, as the third fiscal year of defense build-up in accordance with the National Defense Program Guidelines and the Medium Term Defense Program approved by the Cabinet in 2013.
The MOD will build defense capabilities with particular emphasis on ISR capabilities, intelligence capabilities, transportation capability, command and control, information and communications capabilities, response to an attack on remote islands, response to ballistic missile attacks, responses in outer space and cyber space, responses to major disasters, and responses focused on international peace cooperation activities and other similar activities. These defense capabilities will allow the MOD and the SDF to seamlessly and swiftly play such roles as practicing effective deterrence and response to various situations, stabilization of the Asia-Pacific region and improvement of global security environ-ments while attempting to further improve the joint functions.
In light of the increasingly severe fiscal situations, the MOD will strive to achieve greater efficiency and streamlining compatible with other national policies through initiatives such as long-term contracts.
MOD FY2016 Budget Request
Interview with Ms. Tara Boyd, Australian Civilian Exchange Officer at the Capacity Building Support Office in the Ministry of Defense of Japan - A Bridge between Japan and Australia -
A1. Having a keen interest in international and strategic affairs, I wanted to work for a government department that gave me the opportunity to contribute to supporting Australia’s national security interests. I also wanted to work in a large department that had a diverse range of career paths and opportunities, including the possibility to travel and work overseas. Defence fits all of these criteria, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to live and work in Tokyo.
A2. I have travelled to Japan many times for holidays and I am always impressed by the friendliness and politeness of Japanese people, and the safety, cleanliness and orderliness of the cities. I love the diversity of style and atmosphere in Tokyo, particularly the quiet, traditional streets and parks hidden amongst the skyscrapers in the sprawling city. I really enjoy Japan’s unique cultural traditions and activities, including eating delicious Japanese cuisine, staying at traditional ryokans and bathing in the natural outdoor onsens.
A3. I entered the Department of Defence in 2010 as part of the Graduate Development Program. I joined International Policy Division in 2011 as a policy officer for India and South Asian Defence Cooperation Program countries. In 2012 I transferred to the North Asia section, and provided policy support and advice on Australia’s defence relationships with Japan, Korea and China. During this time I supported then-Minister Onodera’s visit to Australia for Ministerial Dialogue, the Australia-Republic of Korea 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, and managed Australia’s hosting of the inaugural North East Asia 1.5 Track Strategic Dialogue, which brought together academics and government officials from Australia, China, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, South Korea and the United States. During my time in International Policy Division I have had the opportunity to undertake short term postings at the Australian Embassies in New Delhi and Seoul, providing policy support to the Defence Attaché.
A4. The exchange personnel positions are a visible demonstration of the strength of the Australia-Japan bilateral defence relationship. They assist in building enduring working level links between our two departments, which will enable a better understanding of each other’s policy processes and priorities. I have already learnt so much about the Japanese Ministry of Defense, and have been afforded the opportunity to meet a number of seniors throughout the Ministry, including Defense Minister Nakatani, and visit a number of JGSDF and JASDF bases and facilities.
A5. In my current role I assist to coordinate Australia and Japan’s capacity building efforts in the South East Asia and Pacific regions and where appropriate, look for opportunities where our countries can cooperate. I also work to improve exchanges of information between our departments, and progress mutually agreed defence cooperation. A key example of this is Japan’s participation in the Australian led Exercise Harii Hamutuk, an engineering exercise in Timor Leste which will take place in October 2015 and comprises participants from the JGSDF, Australian Army, US Marine Corps and Navy, and the Timorese F-FDTL.
A6. I would like to have a career that builds on the good work and strong networks created by my current role and maintain a strong link with Japan – whether that be through continued work on the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship in Canberra, or a posted diplomatic role at the Australian Embassy Tokyo.
Q1. Why did you decide to work at the Australian Department of Defence?
Q2. Tell us your impression on Japanese culture.
Q3. Tell us your work at the Australian Department of Defence.
Q4. How does Australia assume the significance and importance of exchanging personnel with the MOD?
Q5. Tell us details of your current work.
Q6. What areas and fields do you want to get involved in the future?
Ms. Tara Boyd is an Australian Civilian Exchange Officer at the Capacity Building Support Office in
the MOD. She has been dispatched from the Australian Department of Defence since February 3rd, 2015, as a part of Japan-Australia cooperation in the field of capacity building support, which was agreed at the Japan-Australia defense ministerial meeting in September 2012.
From Australia
Main Gate of the Ministry of Defense
Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting
In front of Kinkaku-ji Temple- during her spare time -
5OctoberNo.69Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.October
No.694
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Special Feature Special Feature
On September 7th, “The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum,” chaired by Mr. Hideshi Tokuchi, Japan’s Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs was held in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Participants included Senior Defense Officials and representatives from Brunei Darus-salam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the ASEAN Secretariat. Before the Meeting, on 6th September, Mr. Rahim, Secretary General of Ministry of Defence of Malaysia gave a keynote address on behalf of Defence Minister Hishammuddin. In his address, Mr. Rahim stated the current status and future course of ASEAN’s efforts in the area of security and expressed his expectation for further joint contribution by Japan and ASEAN to peace and stability of the region.
On September 7th, “The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum,” chaired by Mr. Hideshi Tokuchi, Japan’s Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs was held in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Participants included Senior Defense Officials and representatives from Brunei Darus-salam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the ASEAN Secretariat. Before the Meeting, on 6th September, Mr. Rahim, Secretary General of Ministry of Defence of Malaysia gave a keynote address on behalf of Defence Minister Hishammuddin. In his address, Mr. Rahim stated the current status and future course of ASEAN’s efforts in the area of security and expressed his expectation for further joint contribution by Japan and ASEAN to peace and stability of the region.
On the topics of “To Promote Common Rules and Laws at Sea and in the Air,” “To Enhance Maritime and Aerospace Security” and “To Improve Disaster Response Capability,” the partici-pants had candid and constructive discussions about the “Shangri-La Dialogue Initiative,” which Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani proposed during the Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) held in Singapore in this May. Through the three sessions, the participants shared the view that the “Shangri-La Dialogue Initiative” proposed by Minister Nakatani is a useful guideline to promote regional cooperation. The participants also confirmed that they will continue their efforts related to the initiative in bilateral and multilateral fora. In his closing remarks, the Chair of the Forum expressed his appreciation for the participants offering a number of concrete ideas and proposals about future cooperation among the defense authorities of Japan and ASEAN countries. The Participants voiced their expectations for the Japan-ASEAN Vice-Ministerial Forum to continue on in the years to come and to exchange views on concrete items of cooperation.
On the topics of “To Promote Common Rules and Laws at Sea and in the Air,” “To Enhance Maritime and Aerospace Security” and “To Improve Disaster Response Capability,” the partici-pants had candid and constructive discussions about the “Shangri-La Dialogue Initiative,” which Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani proposed during the Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) held in Singapore in this May. Through the three sessions, the participants shared the view that the “Shangri-La Dialogue Initiative” proposed by Minister Nakatani is a useful guideline to promote regional cooperation. The participants also confirmed that they will continue their efforts related to the initiative in bilateral and multilateral fora. In his closing remarks, the Chair of the Forum expressed his appreciation for the participants offering a number of concrete ideas and proposals about future cooperation among the defense authorities of Japan and ASEAN countries. The Participants voiced their expectations for the Japan-ASEAN Vice-Ministerial Forum to continue on in the years to come and to exchange views on concrete items of cooperation.
The 7th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum
On August 30th, the returning ceremony of the 21st Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement was held at the MSDF Yokosuka District. Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa attended this ceremony.
On August 30th, the returning ceremony of the 21st Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement was held at the MSDF Yokosuka District. Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa attended this ceremony.
The MOD Visit by Ms. Marriët Schuurman, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and SecurityMs. Marriët Schuurman, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, paid a visit to the MOD on August 27th, as she was visiting Japan for the World Assembly for Women: WAW! 2015. During her MOD visit, Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense Masanori Nishi hosted a luncheon, and Chief of Joint Staff and GSDF Chief of Staff had meetings with her. In addition, exchange of views on the Women, Peace and Security agenda with other MOD officials was taken place. It was a great opportunity for both the MOD and NATO to deepen mutual understanding on this agenda. Ms. Schuurman commented “I appreciate the warm welcome from the MOD and enjoyed meeting with leadership, Adminis-trative Vice-Minister of Defense, Chief of Joint Staff and GSDF Chief of Staff respectively. NATO welcomes Japan’s more active commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.” The MOD/SDF has sent GSDF Lieutenant Colonel Chizu Kurita to NATO Headquarters as the adviser to Ms. Schuurman since last year.
Ms. Marriët Schuurman, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, paid a visit to the MOD on August 27th, as she was visiting Japan for the World Assembly for Women: WAW! 2015. During her MOD visit, Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense Masanori Nishi hosted a luncheon, and Chief of Joint Staff and GSDF Chief of Staff had meetings with her. In addition, exchange of views on the Women, Peace and Security agenda with other MOD officials was taken place. It was a great opportunity for both the MOD and NATO to deepen mutual understanding on this agenda. Ms. Schuurman commented “I appreciate the warm welcome from the MOD and enjoyed meeting with leadership, Adminis-trative Vice-Minister of Defense, Chief of Joint Staff and GSDF Chief of Staff respectively. NATO welcomes Japan’s more active commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.” The MOD/SDF has sent GSDF Lieutenant Colonel Chizu Kurita to NATO Headquarters as the adviser to Ms. Schuurman since last year.
Ms. Marriët Schuurman, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, paid a visit to the MOD on August 27th, as she was visiting Japan for the World Assembly for Women: WAW! 2015. During her MOD visit, Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense Masanori Nishi hosted a luncheon, and Chief of Joint Staff and GSDF Chief of Staff had meetings with her. In addition, exchange of views on the Women, Peace and Security agenda with other MOD officials was taken place. It was a great opportunity for both the MOD and NATO to deepen mutual understanding on this agenda. Ms. Schuurman commented “I appreciate the warm welcome from the MOD and enjoyed meeting with leadership, Adminis-trative Vice-Minister of Defense, Chief of Joint Staff and GSDF Chief of Staff respectively. NATO welcomes Japan’s more active commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.” The MOD/SDF has sent GSDF Lieutenant Colonel Chizu Kurita to NATO Headquarters as the adviser to Ms. Schuurman since last year.
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa Attended the Returning Ceremony of the 21st Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Enforcement
On the Disaster Prevention Day, September 1st, the MOD and the SDF participated in comprehensive disaster preparedness drills hosted by the Cabinet Office in order to ensure the prompt and effective disaster relief activities in case of an earthquake occurring directly beneath the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Kenji Harada, and Parlia-mentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa observed the joint disaster preparedness drill involving nine local governments held in Tachikawa City, Tokyo.
On the Disaster Prevention Day, September 1st, the MOD and the SDF participated in comprehensive disaster preparedness drills hosted by the Cabinet Office in order to ensure the prompt and effective disaster relief activities in case of an earthquake occurring directly beneath the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Kenji Harada, and Parlia-mentary Vice-Minister of Defense Hirotaka Ishikawa observed the joint disaster preparedness drill involving nine local governments held in Tachikawa City, Tokyo.
10th International Peace Cooperation Basic CourseThe 10th International Peace Cooperation Basic Course was held at the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) of the Joint Staff College from September 28th to October 2nd. This course was attended by 47 MOD personnel including GSDF, MSDF and ASDF personnel as well as one person from the Cabinet Office and five persons from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a total of 53 participants. The curriculum covers basic knowledge of international peace cooperation activities centered on the UN as well as the knowledge needed to carry out Japan’s activities within the latest environment. Participants for this course included three personnel who will be dispatched to Juba as members of the International Peace Cooperation Corps in South Sudan. Makoto Kubo, an engineer-ing official who will soon be dispatched to UNMISS, said, “It
The 10th International Peace Cooperation Basic Course was held at the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) of the Joint Staff College from September 28th to October 2nd. This course was attended by 47 MOD personnel including GSDF, MSDF and ASDF personnel as well as one person from the Cabinet Office and five persons from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a total of 53 participants. The curriculum covers basic knowledge of international peace cooperation activities centered on the UN as well as the knowledge needed to carry out Japan’s activities within the latest environment. Participants for this course included three personnel who will be dispatched to Juba as members of the International Peace Cooperation Corps in South Sudan. Makoto Kubo, an engineer-ing official who will soon be dispatched to UNMISS, said, “It
was very meaningful education for me since I could learn advanced information about broad international peace coopera-tion activities not only a specific mission. I will be in charge of technical coordination between international organizations and local government in South Sudan, I would like to make full use of this knowledge I learnt here.” Going forward, JPC will continue to actively provide these human resource development opportunities as part of its ongoing commitment to international peace cooperation.
was very meaningful education for me since I could learn advanced information about broad international peace coopera-tion activities not only a specific mission. I will be in charge of technical coordination between international organizations and local government in South Sudan, I would like to make full use of this knowledge I learnt here.” Going forward, JPC will continue to actively provide these human resource development opportunities as part of its ongoing commitment to international peace cooperation.
Mr. Kubo (Right)
Visit our website to read the full text of the Basic Course.
http://www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/index.html
For the full text of Chairman's Summary on the Forum, go to
7OctoberNo.69Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.6 October
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August 2015: " We Are Tomodachi Autumn 2015" Released
ake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan in terms of surface area and water volume. The lake has been around for some 4 million years and it covers an area of 669 km2, which is roughly one-sixth that of Shiga Prefecture. At its
deepest point the lake is 103 meters deep. Lake Biwa is very important to the region as it supplies neighboring Kyoto and Osaka with water. Since the Jomon period (16,500 years ago), Lake Biwa has been used as a water thoroughfare to ferry countless goods and culture. Around the start of the 1600s, the towns along the lake began to develop economically because of the rising importance for its use as a transportation corridor. Additionally, Lake Biwa has
ake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan in terms of surface area and water volume. The lake has been around for some 4 million years and it covers an area of 669 km2, which is roughly one-sixth that of Shiga Prefecture. At its
deepest point the lake is 103 meters deep. Lake Biwa is very important to the region as it supplies neighboring Kyoto and Osaka with water. Since the Jomon period (16,500 years ago), Lake Biwa has been used as a water thoroughfare to ferry countless goods and culture. Around the start of the 1600s, the towns along the lake began to develop economically because of the rising importance for its use as a transportation corridor. Additionally, Lake Biwa has
L
SHIGA
TOKYO
Lake Biwa - The Largest Lake in Japan -
Disaster Relief Activity by the SDF in the Wake of a Heavy Rain Occurred in Kanto and Tohoku Regions in September 2015 (Sep. 10 - 19)
Courtesy Call on Defense Minister Nakatani by Sr. LTG Nguyen Chi Vinh, Vice Minister of National Defense, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (Sep. 16)
Courtesy call on State Minister of Defense Sato by Lt. Gen. John E. Wissler, Commanding General, U.S. III Marine Expeditionary Force (Sep. 2)
Courtesy call on State Minister of Defense Sato by VADM Robert Lee
Thomas, Jr., Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet (Sep. 2)
LATEST NEWS
continually dazzled people with its beautiful natural scenery that changes with each of the four seasons. The lake is also one of the most famous spots in Japan for leisure activities such as water sports and fishing, among others. GSDF Camp Otsu, which is located to the southwest of Lake Biwa, has a unit that is in charge of training new GSDF personnel. To the northwest of the lake is GSDF Camp Imazu, which is home to mainly tank units, including the 3rd Tank Battalion, the 10th Tank Battalion, and the Middle Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit. The GSDF units conduct various forms of training throughout the year at an expansive exercise area situated in a nearby hilly zone.
continually dazzled people with its beautiful natural scenery that changes with each of the four seasons. The lake is also one of the most famous spots in Japan for leisure activities such as water sports and fishing, among others. GSDF Camp Otsu, which is located to the southwest of Lake Biwa, has a unit that is in charge of training new GSDF personnel. To the northwest of the lake is GSDF Camp Imazu, which is home to mainly tank units, including the 3rd Tank Battalion, the 10th Tank Battalion, and the Middle Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit. The GSDF units conduct various forms of training throughout the year at an expansive exercise area situated in a nearby hilly zone.
(C) Biwako Visitors Bureau(C) Biwako Visitors Bureau
