U.S. Forces Japan welcomed New Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo visit, Oct 8

United States Forces Japan Office of Public Affairs provides the following readout from today’s meeting at Headquarters U.S Forces Japan, Oct 8, between Defense Minister KISHI Nobuo and Commander of U.S. Forces Japan, Lieutenant General Kevin Schneider.

Defense Minister Kishi today met with Lt. Gen. Schneider in advance of his visit to the Japan Air Self Defense Force’s Air Defense Command, also at Yokota Air Base. 

The commander welcomed the Defense Minister on his first official visit in this role to the Headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan, and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics important to the Alliance. During the discussion, the two reiterated the critical importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.  The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together bilaterally to address common security threats.

Gen. Schneider expressed his gratitude for the Government of Japan’s commitment to bilateral exercises and training, highlighting the importance of interoperability between USFJ and JSDF.  They discussed the importance of realistic training and readiness in maintaining credible deterrence in the region, and highlighted opportunities for further cooperation, such as information sharing.

Gen. Schneider thanked the Government of Japan for its coordination and close cooperation in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining operational readiness across the region. He highlighted the successful coordination mechanisms that enabled close bilateral cooperation and emphasized the continued need to remain vigilant in order to maintain health and readiness across the force.   

Gen. Schneider concluded by thanking the Defense Minister for his visit and the opportunity to highlight the continued strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.