Embassy of Japan celebrates the 65th Anniversary of the Self-Defense Forces of Japan

2019/6/21

Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) - Press Release No. 49- 2019

Ambassador Koji Haneda and Colonel Kazunobu Akutsu hosted a reception for the 65th Anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) on June 20 at his residence. About 240 distinguished guests, including Under Secretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Representative of Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, government officials of Japan and the Philippines, members of the diplomatic corps, and Japanese residents joined the reception to celebrate the founding of the JSDF and further strengthen relations between the two nations.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Haneda expressed confidence that the golden age of strategic partnership Japan and the Philippines will continue and further deepen in the new Japanese Imperial Era called Reiwa, which means beautiful harmony.

*The Ambassador while delivering speech*	*Scene from the* *toasting*
*USEC Mapagu and GEN Madrigal*	*Scene from the reception*

Noting the dynamic relations between two nations in the area of defense cooperation and exchanges, the Ambassador cited the goodwill visit of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessel “JS KAGA” to Subic Bay last September wherein President Duterte went onboard to observe the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activity. He also mentioned the participation of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in “KAMANDAG 18” last October to strengthen its interoperability with Philippine forces in humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Likewise, he spoke about the first turnover of UH-1H helicopter spare parts to the Philippine Air Force last March and assured that further deliveries will continue. At the policy level, the Ambassador cited the politico-military, military-to-military, and maritime dialogues last week in Tokyo, where senior officials of both countries discussed wide-ranging issues to further our security cooperation. These, he said, clearly indicate that the Japan-Philippines security partnership has now reached a higher level.

During the event, defense-related Japanese companies set up their exhibit of defense equipment models and distributed brochures.

Exhibition of defense company