Press Releases

Dear Secretary James N. Mattis,

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your inauguration as the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Given your extensive experience and greatest caliber which you have gained through military service for more than forty years, I strongly expect that you powerfully lead the security and defense policy of your country and make great contributions to the further enhancement of the Japan-U.S. relations as well as peace and prosperity of the international community.

The Japan-U.S. Alliance, a linchpin of Japan’s diplomacy and security, has served as a cornerstone of peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. While the security environment of the region is becoming increasingly severe, the Japan-U.S. Alliance with the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements at its core is becoming increasingly important. In order to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S.

Alliance, Japan intends to proactively play its role and to further advance security and defense cooperation with your country in broader area, based on the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation and the Legislation for Peace and Security. To this end, the close coordination between Japan and the U.S. is crucial and I look forward to working with you.

Once again, I wish you even more success in your new endeavor.