Press Releases
Courtesy Call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII by Admiral Houston, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, United States Navy
April 1, 2026
On April 1, Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from Admiral William J. Houston, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, United States Navy, during his visit to Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:
- At the outset, State Minister HORII stated that, as concurred at the recent Japan-US summit meeting, it is crucial to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US Alliance as the security environment surrounding Japan becomes increasingly severe and that Japan highly values Admiral Houston’s leadership.
- Both sides shared the view on the importance of the robust presence of the US Navy, including the forward-deployment of USS George Washington. State Minister HORII called for maintaining high-level safety of nuclear-powered vessels of the US Navy and expressed his hope that cordial relations between local communities, such as Yokosuka City, and the US Navy will be continued and strengthened.
- In response, Admiral Houston assured that high-level safety of nuclear-powered vessels will be maintained. He also expressed his determination that the US Navy is ready to further promote cooperative ties with local communities, including collaboration for the Japan-US Annual Joint Response Drill, which was successfully held in Yokosuka City in December 2025.
- In addition, both sides exchanged views on the regional affairs and future Japan-US cooperation.