Press Releases
Visit by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Fujii to Yokosuka for the Japan-U.S. Annual Joint Response Drill
December 17, 2024


On December 17, the Japan-U.S. Annual Joint Response Drill was held in the City of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Yokosuka to observe the drill. The overview of the visit is as follows:
- The Japan-U.S. Annual Joint Response Drill has been held annually since 2007 (*it was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). State Minister Fujii observed the drill, along with officials from the Japan Coast Guard, the U.S. Naval Base Yokosuka, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and other relevant ministries and agencies. In his speech aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington which was forward-deployed to Yokosuka on November 22 this year, State Minister Fujii expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Navy personnel and emphasized that a strong U.S. naval presence plays an important role as the security environment surrounding Japan has become increasingly severe.
- Seizing the opportunity, State Minister Fujii exchanged views with Rear Admiral Ian L. Johnson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Navy Region Japan. In the meeting, both sides shared the view that Yokosuka plays a central role under the Japan-U.S. Alliance, which is critical for the peace and security in the region. State Minister Fujii requested to maintain high level safety for nuclear-powered vessels, and reaffirmed to maintain close coordination between Japan and the U.S., including cooperation with the City of Yokosuka and other related municipalities.
- In addition, State Minister Fujii paid a courtesy call on Mayor Katsuaki KAMIJI of the City of Yokosuka after observing the Japan-U.S. Annual Joint Response Drill. He expressed appreciation for Mayor Kamiji's understanding and cooperation for the Japan-U.S. alliance and the activities of the U.S. Forces Japan, and exchanged views with the mayor.