Defense Minister Nakatani Visits Yonaguni, Pledges Protection for Outlying Islands

Defense Minister Nakatani Visits Yonaguni, Pledges Protection for Outlying Islands

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visited Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, on January 22nd, 2023, and met with Mayor Kenichi Itokazu. During his visit, Nakatani assured residents of Yonaguni and other outlying islands that they would be protected in the event of a military emergency, such as a missile attack.

Nakatani pledged maximum cooperation with local authorities to ensure the safety of residents. This includes building evacuation shelters and conducting joint exercises with local municipalities. He also visited the outlying islands of Taketomijima and Haterumajima, becoming the first sitting defense minister to do so.

Yonaguni, Taketomi, Ishigaki, Miyakojima, and Tarama.

"The Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces have a significant role in protecting the public," Nakatani told reporters. "We will further strengthen collaboration with local governments."

In the event of a contingency, residents of Taketomijima and Haterumajima islands are expected to evacuate by boat or aircraft to Ishigakijima island and then head to Kyushu. "Islanders will need to evacuate. But as transportation options are limited, the government must take an active role in providing support," Nakatani said.

The government is focusing on strengthening defense capabilities in the southwestern region, including the Sakishima islands. The Ground Self-Defense Force established bases on Yonagunijima island in 2016, as well as on Amami-Oshima and Miyakojima islands in 2019, and Ishigakijima island in 2023. The government plans to bolster the GSDF 15th Brigade, based in Naha, and upgrade it to a division. It also plans to deploy GSDF surface-to-air missile units to Yanaguni island.