Prime Minister Takaichi attends memorial for fallen Self-Defense Force members

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended a memorial service at the Ministry of Defense to honor members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who died in the line of duty. During the ceremony, she described those who fulfilled their missions with resolve as ‘the pride of our country.’

A new list of names has been added to the memorial monument within the Ministry of Defense, recording 16 personnel who died over the past year. Notable incidents included a tank shell explosion at the Higashisue training area in Oita Prefecture in April, which resulted in the deaths of three members.

Addressing approximately 270 bereaved family members, the Prime Minister expressed her condolences and pledged to honor the fallen by protecting the lives of citizens and maintaining peaceful living.