In a recent trip to Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani met with Mayor Kenichi Itokazu and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding residents during military emergencies, such as missile attacks. He emphasized that the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces are working closely with local authorities to construct evacuation shelters and carry out joint exercises aimed at enhancing community safety.
On that same day, Minister Nakatani broadened his outreach by visiting the outlying islands of Taketomijima and Haterumajima, making history as the first sitting defense minister to do so. During his visits, he inspected key infrastructure, such as ports and designated evacuation facilities, to ensure that these sites are ready to serve residents in an emergency.
The minister also outlined broader plans embedded in three key security policy documents from 2022, which include strengthening airports, ports, and evacuation sites in the southwestern region amid rising concerns over potential regional contingencies, such as a crisis involving Taiwan. These initiatives are complemented by planned construction of shelters in several municipalities including Yonaguni, Taketomi, Ishigaki, Miyakojima, and Tarama.
Additionally, the government’s commitment to regional defense has been reinforced by expanding the capabilities of the Ground Self-Defense Force. New bases have been established on several islands and a notable upgrade is in progress for the GSDF 15th Brigade, with intentions to deploy surface-to-air missile units to further fortify the area against evolving threats.