- Japan’s defense minister inspected Ground Self-Defense Force units on Ishigaki and Yonaguni amid worsening relations with China.
- Koizumi said the planned deployment of a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit on Yonaguni is intended to protect the island and does not increase regional tensions.
Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Ground Self-Defense Force units on Ishigaki and Yonaguni on November 23, reaffirming his commitment to improving conditions for troops stationed in remote island environments and strengthening communication with local communities.
The visit came as relations between Japan and China continue to worsen, adding weight to the inspection of garrisons located close to Taiwan.
In a message posted earlier in the day, Koizumi wrote: “At the Ishigaki garrison, I spoke with each member of the unit and received explanations of their equipment. Their high morale, firm handshakes, and dependability were clear. There were also graduates of Yokosuka Technical High School and personnel from the Takeyama garrison. I feel proud of everyone who trains with such focus and tension.”
According to Koizumi’s remarks at an unscheduled press briefing held at the Yonaguni garrison, he conducted inspections at both facilities to understand the current situation on the ground.
“Today, I inspected the units of the Ground Self-Defense Force at the Ishigaki garrison and the Yonaguni garrison, and I gained an understanding of their actual conditions,” he stated, adding that: “Even in a difficult working environment of strong sunlight and salt damage, each member works with high morale and focus on a 24-hour posture to protect Japan. Being able to encourage them was very meaningful for me.”
Koizumi said he felt “proud from the heart” of the personnel standing beside him during the visit.
His tour of Ishigaki and Yonaguni — two of Japan’s closest military positions to Taiwan — comes at a time when Tokyo is watching China’s regional activities with growing concern. The location of these remote garrisons gives them a central role in monitoring developments across the Taiwan Strait.
He also met with local support groups that assist service members and their families. During the visit, he received a direct account from family association representatives who said: “There are times when children and families of service members feel uncomfortable due to the thoughtless actions of some people who oppose the Self-Defense Forces.”
Koizumi responded that as Defense Minister he feels strong concern about this and added: “They are the treasure and pride of this country. We must change the situation in which not only the service members but also their children and families feel uncomfortable due to the thoughtless actions of some people, including excessive protest activity.”
The minister also outlined three areas in which he renewed his commitment during the visit.
“First, to protect the lives and peaceful livelihood of the people, and to defend our territory, territorial waters, and airspace under any circumstance. Second, to provide careful explanations and appropriate information to local residents and obtain their understanding and cooperation. Third, to improve the treatment of personnel working in harsh environments such as remote islands.” he stated.
During the briefing, Koizumi was asked about plans to deploy a medium-range surface-to-air missile unit to Yonaguni and whether such a move could raise tensions given the island’s proximity—just over 110 km—to Taiwan.
He responded: “The medium-range surface-to-air missile unit planned for the Yonaguni garrison is a unit to protect the safety of the island, and we believe its deployment can reduce the possibility of armed attack on our country. The view that it would raise regional tension does not apply.”
Preparations for deployment are ongoing. Koizumi said the ministry will inform local residents once the timeline becomes clear.
When asked about the island’s role in a potential Taiwan contingency, Koizumi declined to engage in hypothetical scenarios but stressed the importance of hearing directly from troops serving under demanding conditions across Japan.
Koizumi’s visit highlights Japan’s rapid reinforcement of its southwestern defenses at a time of rising tension with China and growing concern over stability in the Taiwan Strait.