Press Releases
FY2024 MOFA’s USFJ Orientation Program
From March 10 to 14, Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the FY2024 United States Forces Japan (USFJ) Orientation Program. This program has been held every year since 1995 for USFJ military personnel/civilians to deepen understanding of Japanese politics/culture, the security environment surrounding Japan, and the relationship with local communities, etc. The program aims to ensure that actions and policies of USFJ Command and local installations throughout Japan are based on a deep understanding of Japan (Note: The program was cancelled in 2021/2022 due to COVID-19 pandemic.) This year, 20 US military personnel/civilians, from lieutenant to colonel level, attended lectures by government officials and experts, had a breakfast meeting with Diet members (hosted by Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs), experienced cultural activities and visited Iwakuni City and Hiroshima City.
1. Tokyo: March 10 to March 12
(1) Lecture Series
Lecture by MOFA officials
From March 10 to 12, the participants attended lectures on issues including Japan-US alliance and the security environment surrounding Japan. During the Q&A sessions, the participants asked many questions and actively engaged in discussion.
(2) Cultural Activities (Japanese traditional tea ceremony and Judo)
Japanese traditional tea ceremony
Judo
On March 11 and 12, the participants experienced Japanese traditional tea ceremony and judo. The participants could deepen their understanding of Japanese culture through explanations and demonstrations by instructors.
(3) Breakfast meeting with Diet members (hosted by Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs)
Breakfast meeting with Diet members
Group photo
On March 12, the participants attended a breakfast meeting with Diet members hosted by Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. From the House of Representatives, Mr. KOKUBA Konosuke, Mr. KOMURA Masahiro, Mr. HOSAKA Yasushi, and Mr. KISHI Nobuchiyo attended the breakfast. In his opening remarks, State Minister Fujii expressed his appreciation for USFJ’s unwavering commitment to the Japan-US alliance and expressed his determination to elevate the alliance to new heights.
2. Iwakuni and Hiroshima: March 13 and March 14
(1) Tour of Iwakuni City
PLAT ABC
Kintaikyo Bridge
On March 13, the participants visited Iwakuni City English Exchange Center “PLAT ABC”, which serves as a venue for international exchange for local residents and people from overseas living in the city. Following the briefing about the center and a short lesson of Japanese language, the participants toured the facility. The participants also visited Kintaikyo Bridge, which is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The participants walked on the bridge while listening to the explanation of its history and structure from Iwakuni City officials.
(2) Briefing by Mayor Fukuda of Iwakuni City
Briefing by Mayor Fukuda
Group photo
On March 13, Mr. FUKUDA Yoshihiko, Mayor of Iwakuni City, gave a briefing to the participants. Mayor Fukuda expressed his respect for USFJ’s great contribution while acknowledging the value of explaining Iwakuni City’ efforts directly to USFJ colleagues.
(3) Visit to Iwakuni Base, Maritime Self-Defense Force
Aircraft tour
Briefing by Chief Staff Officer Iwamasa
On March 14, the participants visited Maritime Self-Defense Force Iwakuni Base and observed aircraft. They received a briefing by Chief Staff Officer IWAMASA Hidetsugu.
(4) Visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Peace Memorial Park
On March 14, the participants visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park. They learned about the reality of devastation of atomic bombing, observing the exhibitions at the museum and received briefing from Director ISHIDA Yoshifumi. At the Peace Memorial Park, the participants offered flowers to the Hiroshima Peace City Memorial (Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims).