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ANNOUNCEMENT

Message from Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs,

 on the port visit of JMSDF Training Squadron to the United States

Upon the port visit of The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Training Squadron to Hawaii, I wish to convey my congratulatory message as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the conclusion of the current U.S.-Japan treaty of mutual cooperation and security. In this commemorative year, Japan and the United States will further intensify cooperation on issues of the Asia-Pacific region as well as global issues and deepen the U.S.-Japan Alliance, with the U.S.-Japan security arrangements at its core, in order to adapt to the evolving environment of the twenty-first century.

Over many years, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy has enjoyed close cooperation at various levels as bearers of the Alliance. The two are tied by a bond of trust. The series of port visits to the U.S. during this long-distance training voyage would provide a chance to further strengthen the relationship and an opportunity to deepen the exchange between the people of the two countries, which would then, contribute to the deepening of the Alliance. I believe that these are very meaningful. Such ceaseless efforts to develop the relationship between the U.S. and Japan at an operational level would demonstrate the strength of the Alliance to both inside and outside of the two countries. This is also important to maintain the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

For example, Hawaii has strong ties with Japan both historically and also in terms of personal exchange. Honolulu is a city that the Japanese delegation, dispatched by the Tokugawa Shogunate to the United States in 1860, visited on their way home. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the visit. This year is also a 125th anniversary of the arrival of the first group of immigrant from Japan to Hawaii. The group was called “Kan-yaku-Imin,” and was organized upon the request of the King Kalakaua of Hawaii. In fact, the King was the first head of state that visited Japan. Because of such history a large number of Japanese-Americans live in Hawaii compared to other states, and events like “Matsuri” seen in Japan and others that introduce Japanese tradition are held frequently in Hawaii.

I believe that in carrying out a foreign policy that is based on the support and understanding of the people, local governments, private organizations and the people engaged in cultural exchange play a significant role. I hope that through the exchange events at each port of visit during this voyage, the people of both countries will recognize the friendly relations that has been fostered between the two nations, and that the relation be further deepened forwards the future.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Katsuya Okada