Protecting the Honor of the Self-Defense Forces and Their Personnel NO.2

Now, here’s why I support the Self-Defense Forces.

Since my entire extended family worked in public service, I naturally developed a sense of support for all those serving in public roles, regardless of their specific profession, from a very young age.

Additionally, my father belonged to the volunteer fire department, so I grew up respecting and supporting those who protect people’s lives.

In point #1, I touched on family concerns. Just seeing my firefighter father respond to a midnight fire call made me anxious, so I imagine the families of Self-Defense Forces members, firefighters, and police officers must endure even greater, constant worry.

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Well, six years ago, I was truly delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a campaign announcer for Senator Masahisa Sato. We departed from the Ministry of Defense, traveled north, spent several days crisscrossing Hokkaido, then returned to Tokyo to visit the polling station.

After that, I also joined the Self-Defense Forces Family Association and currently belong to groups like the Suikokai and Tsubasakai.

My deepest connection to the Suikokai stems from when my husband worked on sonar while Mr. Tokushige Ikeda, a Yokosuka City Council member, was serving as a ship captain. Regardless of branch—Army, Navy, or Air—I am deeply grateful to all members of the Self-Defense Forces who stand at the forefront, protecting our national sovereignty and the lives of our citizens.

Now, the first time the topic of the Self-Defense Forces came up in the assembly since I became a council member was during the 3rd Regular Session of Reiwa 4 (2022).

The origin of this was an event organized by the community center to visit both the Tokyo Fire Department and a Self-Defense Forces base (both located in Tachikawa). When recruitment began, it seems the city received phone calls from citizens raising questions. However, the event proceeded as planned without changes.

This led to two members raising critical points during the September 2022 session in their general questions.

At the time, it was only my third session in my first term. I finished the regular session feeling frustrated, lacking the courage to call for order.

Over the following year, I participated in events hosted by various organizations, regardless of whether they supported or opposed the Self-Defense Forces, listening to their perspectives. I also attended workshops for the city’s peace memorial projects, directly hearing citizens’ voices.

Furthermore, I took time to engage in frank discussions about the Self-Defense Forces with a council member from a certain party who holds views differing from our party’s stance on Article 9 of the Constitution.

After a year of continuous learning, I prepared myself with a firm conviction to convey my stance. Regarding the debated point of “Self-Defense Forces education for elementary school students,” I clarified its legitimacy based on the Curriculum Guidelines. At the Second Regular Session of 2023, I conducted a general question under the title “Self-Defense Forces Disaster Dispatch ~ Hino City’s Preparedness.”

As a result, I received a positive response from then-Mayor Otsubo.

I would like to share the details with you all, but as it would be quite lengthy, I encourage you to view the council broadcast or the meeting minutes.

Finally, while I certainly support the Self-Defense Forces, I believe one should refrain from actions that involve making proposals to school education, which must maintain a neutral stance separate from politics.

Since it was raised as a point of discussion, I brought it up to convey the truth, but I will proceed only to the necessary minimum extent.

Minutes of the Second Regular Session of the 5th Year of Reiwa

Regular Session No. 2 of 2023 Live Broadcast of the Council Meeting