By MIZUKI SATO/ Staff Writer
January 23, 2025 at 15:31 JST
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, right, meets with Yonaguni Mayor Kenichi Itokazu in Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, on Jan. 22. (Mizuki Sato)
YONAGUNI, Okinawa Prefecture--Defense Minister Gen Nakatani gave assurances that residents here and on outlying islands would be protected in the event of a military emergency such as a missile attack.
He pledged maximum cooperation with local authorities to keep residents safe by building evacuation shelters and holding joint exercises with local municipalities.
Nakatani met with Yonaguni Mayor Kenichi Itokazu here on Jan. 22.
The same day, Nakatani visited the outlying Okinawan islands of Taketomijima and Haterumajima, becoming the first sitting defense minister to do so.
He also inspected ports and other facilities that are earmarked as evacuation points if an emergency arises.
With a possible Taiwan contingency in mind, the government outlined plans in its 2022 three key security policy documents to strengthen airports and ports in the southwestern region, as well as secure evacuation sites.
Shelters are planned for construction in five municipalities: 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 on Jan. 22. “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.
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