Graduation Ceremony of theNational Defense Medical College / National Defense Academy

National Defense Academy of Japan Held the 19th ICC

General Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, Visited Brazil

Ise-Shima

5th Anniversary Event for Operation Tomodachi – Joint Performance at the U.S. Department of Defense –

State Minister of Defense Wakamiya Attended the Munich Security Conference and Held Bilateral Talks

The Icebreaker Shirase Supported Transportationof Australian Expeditioners following Grounding of the Australian Icebreaker

The 20th Tokyo Defense Forum

10th Anniversary of the Joint StaffTOPICS

- Iron Fist -Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps in the United States

SPECIAL FEATURE

www.mod.go.jp/e/jdf/MINISTRY OF DEFENSE

- Iron Fist - Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps in the United States10th Anniversary of the Joint Staff

Cover Photograph :

JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS

The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces

Apr. 2016No.75

This event, which was attended by U.S. Forces officials who took part in the operation, government officials from both the U.S. and Japan, and SDF officials, featured joint perfor-mances by the GSDF Central Band and The President’s Own United States Marine Band and attendees’ speeches.

Songs that were performed during the event included the charity song “Hana wa saku (Flowers will bloom)” and “A Song for Japan” which honors those who lost their lives. In marking the fifth anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami, the event once again expressed Japan’s appreciation for the support of the U.S. Forces and also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the SDF and U.S. Forces through joint musical performances.

This event, which was attended by U.S. Forces officials who took part in the operation, government officials from both the U.S. and Japan, and SDF officials, featured joint perfor-mances by the GSDF Central Band and The President’s Own United States Marine Band and attendees’ speeches.

Songs that were performed during the event included the charity song “Hana wa saku (Flowers will bloom)” and “A Song for Japan” which honors those who lost their lives. In marking the fifth anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami, the event once again expressed Japan’s appreciation for the support of the U.S. Forces and also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the SDF and U.S. Forces through joint musical performances.

On March 2nd, a commemorative event marking the fifth anniversary of Operation Tomodachi was held at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Operation Tomodachi is the name given to the disaster relief activities carried out by the U.S. Forces in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11th, 2011.

On March 2nd, a commemorative event marking the fifth anniversary of Operation Tomodachi was held at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Operation Tomodachi is the name given to the disaster relief activities carried out by the U.S. Forces in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11th, 2011.

5th Anniversary Event for Operation Tomodachi– Joint Performance at the U.S. Department of Defense –

Group photograph surrounding the autographed banner for Operation TomodachiGroup photograph surrounding the autographed banner for Operation Tomodachi

GSDF Central BandLPT Matsunaga (singing)GSDF Central BandLPT Matsunaga (singing)

Chief of Joint Staff Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano said in his remark, “the MOD and the SDF, the final bastion in securing Japan’s territorial land, water, and airspace in any situation, will make ceaseless efforts and steadily improve their response capabilities to make the safety and security of the nation and the people even more certain.” He stated three resolutions: to further strengthen the joint operation functions in light of the MOD reform; to implement steady preparations for enhancing the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. defense cooperation and towards the entry into force of the Legislation for Peace and Security; to proactively promote security cooperation.

The Joint Staff will continue to play a part in Japan’s strategic foreign and security policies going forward.

Chief of Joint Staff Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano said in his remark, “the MOD and the SDF, the final bastion in securing Japan’s territorial land, water, and airspace in any situation, will make ceaseless efforts and steadily improve their response capabilities to make the safety and security of the nation and the people even more certain.” He stated three resolutions: to further strengthen the joint operation functions in light of the MOD reform; to implement steady preparations for enhancing the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. defense cooperation and towards the entry into force of the Legislation for Peace and Security; to proactively promote security cooperation.

The Joint Staff will continue to play a part in Japan’s strategic foreign and security policies going forward.

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Joint Staff, the commemorative ceremony was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Joint Staff on February 17th. The Joint Staff invited successive defense ministers, state ministers, parliamentary vice-ministers, and Chiefs of Joint Staff as well as Commander of U.S. Pacific Command and Commander of U.S. Forces Japan.

The Joint Staff was established on March 27th, 2006. Ever since the SDF took the first step towards operating under the new joint operation system both in name and reality, the SDF have executed numerous duties in Japan and overseas under the joint operation system over the past ten years.

As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Joint Staff, the commemorative ceremony was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Joint Staff on February 17th. The Joint Staff invited successive defense ministers, state ministers, parliamentary vice-ministers, and Chiefs of Joint Staff as well as Commander of U.S. Pacific Command and Commander of U.S. Forces Japan.

The Joint Staff was established on March 27th, 2006. Ever since the SDF took the first step towards operating under the new joint operation system both in name and reality, the SDF have executed numerous duties in Japan and overseas under the joint operation system over the past ten years.

10th Anniversary of the Joint Staff

From January 18th to March 7th, the GSDF carried out the field training exercise called Iron Fist with the U.S. Marine Corps at the Camp Pendleton in California, the U.S. Navy San Clemente Island, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, and the like.

In order to improve capability relating to the defense of remote islands, this exercise enabled the GSDF to train necessary tactics and combat skills as well as bilateral coordination basics with the U.S. Forces by dispatching units to the U.S., which has effective training facilities.

Approx. 310 GSDF personnel took part in the exercise from the Western Army Headquarters and the Western Infantry Regiment, as well as approx. 500 personnel participated from the I Marine Expeditionary Force’s 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit of the U.S. Marine Corps. This time marked the 12th participation in total.

From January 18th to March 7th, the GSDF carried out the field training exercise called Iron Fist with the U.S. Marine Corps at the Camp Pendleton in California, the U.S. Navy San Clemente Island, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, and the like.

In order to improve capability relating to the defense of remote islands, this exercise enabled the GSDF to train necessary tactics and combat skills as well as bilateral coordination basics with the U.S. Forces by dispatching units to the U.S., which has effective training facilities.

Approx. 310 GSDF personnel took part in the exercise from the Western Army Headquarters and the Western Infantry Regiment, as well as approx. 500 personnel participated from the I Marine Expeditionary Force’s 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit of the U.S. Marine Corps. This time marked the 12th participation in total.

- Iron Fist -Field Training Exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps

in the United States

AprilNo.75Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles. 32 April

No.75

Topics

Activities

Special Feature

Since the Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis grounded on February 24th off the Antarctica, the Government of Australia requested the Chairman of the Headquarters for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) to assist transportation of Australian expeditioners and others by the Japanese icebreaker Shirase, which were scheduled to navigate in that sea area.

After the review following the request, approx. 70 expeditioners and three helicopters, which were supposed to be trans-ported by the icebreaker Aurora Australis, got aboard the Shirase. The Shirase transported them from Australia’s Mawson Research Station to the Casey Research Station.

Since the Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis grounded on February 24th off the Antarctica, the Government of Australia requested the Chairman of the Headquarters for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) to assist transportation of Australian expeditioners and others by the Japanese icebreaker Shirase, which were scheduled to navigate in that sea area.

After the review following the request, approx. 70 expeditioners and three helicopters, which were supposed to be trans-ported by the icebreaker Aurora Australis, got aboard the Shirase. The Shirase transported them from Australia’s Mawson Research Station to the Casey Research Station.

The Icebreaker Shirase Supported Transportation of Australian Expeditioners following Grounding of the Australian Icebreaker

State Minister of Defense Wakamiya Attended the Munich Security Conference and Held Bilateral Talks

From February 12th to 14th, State Minister of Defense Kenji Wakamiya attended the 52nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, and also held bilateral talks with defense ministers and others from six participating countries.

Munich Security Conference Over a thousand participants including observers took part in this year’s conference. Those who attended included heads of state and ministers from Germany (Federal Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen), the United Kingdom (Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon), and France (Minister of Defence Jean-Yves Le Drian). They broadly discussed global security challenges, such as counter-terrorism measures, refugee crisis, and situation of the Middle East and Africa.

French Defence Minister’s Special Advisor Mr. Jean-Claude Mallet Mr. Mallet and Mr.Wakamiya welcomed the progress on Japan-France defense cooperation and exchanges, such as Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting. They then confirmed to further promote future cooperation, including defense equipment cooperation. They shared recognition of recent terror threats and concurred on necessity for cooperation between the two countries.

Canadian Minister of National Defence Mr. Harjit Singh Sajjan Minister Sajjan and State Minister Wakamiya reaffirmed tradition of bilateral defense exchanges such as PKO field. They agreed to address regional issues between the two countries, which are Pacific Ocean states. In addition, they agreed to share experiences on counter-terrorism measures.

Italian Minister of Defence Ms. Roberta Pinotti Based on the fact that only Japan and Italy have F-35’s Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility other than the U.S., Minister Pinotti and State Minister Wakamiya agreed to further enhancing defense equipment cooperation and bilateral defense exchanges, including invitation of the Italian Minister of Defence to visit Japan in the near future.

Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence of Germany Dr. Ralf Brauksiepe They exchanged views on regional situations of East Asia and Europe and agreed that the two countries that share common values would respond hand in hand to security challenges. They also exchanged views on the concrete direction of bilateral defense cooperation and the way forward for international cooperation.

Swedish Minister for Defence Mr. Peter Hultqvist Minister Hultqvist and State Minster Wakamiya confirmed the steady progress of bilateral defense exchanges, including the working-level consultations based on the Memorandum on Defense Exchanges. They also agreed to continue discussions at the working level in order to further promote defense equipment cooperation between the two countries who have sophisticated technology.

Singaporean Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen Minister Ng and State Minister Wakamiya had a candid exchange of opinion on regional situation such as North Korea’s situation. At the same time, they agreed to strengthen cooperation between Japan and Singapore as well as Japan and ASEAN countries for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

5AprilNo.75Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.4 April

No.75

ActivitiesMeeting with Foreign Leaders

General Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, visited Brazil from Febru-ary 20th to 28th upon receiving an official invitation from the Commander of the Brazilian Army. He was the first Chief of Staff from all three services to visit Brazil. During the visit, he had discussions with General Villas Bôas, Commander of the Brazilian Army, and Admiral Sobrinho, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces in the capital city of Brasilia. They shared the view to begin defense cooperation and exchanges in earnest between the two countries. In addition, General Iwata visited the Amazon Military Command in Manaus and the 4th Mechanized Cavalry Brigade in Dourados, and observed frontline units of the Brazilian Army.

General Kiyofumi Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, visited Brazil from Febru-ary 20th to 28th upon receiving an official invitation from the Commander of the Brazilian Army. He was the first Chief of Staff from all three services to visit Brazil. During the visit, he had discussions with General Villas Bôas, Commander of the Brazilian Army, and Admiral Sobrinho, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Brazilian Armed Forces in the capital city of Brasilia. They shared the view to begin defense cooperation and exchanges in earnest between the two countries. In addition, General Iwata visited the Amazon Military Command in Manaus and the 4th Mechanized Cavalry Brigade in Dourados, and observed frontline units of the Brazilian Army.

General Iwata, Chief of Staff, GSDF, Visited Brazil

National Defense Academy of Japan Held the 19th ICC

Jaguar: Brazilian Army’s symbol of jungle warfareJaguar: Brazilian Army’s symbol of jungle warfare

Meeting with General Villas BôasMeeting with General Villas Bôas Courtesy Call on Admiral SobrinhoCourtesy Call on Admiral Sobrinho

The 19th International Cadets’ Conference (ICC) was held from March 2nd to March 8th at the National Defense Academy of Japan. The ICC has been held every year since 1998 and cadets from around the world are invited to attend in order to deepen mutual understanding and establish relationships of trust with National Defense Academy students through presentations and discussions on main themes. This year a total of 25 cadets from 15 countries were invited. These countries included Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, the U.K. and the U.S. This year’s main theme was “The Time We Become Leaders: Our Future for the Coming Decades,” which was same as last year. Based on this main theme, the cadets gave presentations and discussed about “The Borderless Battle-field: Together We Lead.” After an overall discussion in the plenary session, breakout sessions were held for discussions on the themes of “The Soldier and the State in the 21st Century,” “Preparing for Multilateral Operations,” “Cyber-space: The New Battlefield,” and “International Cooperation Against Terrorism.” Cadets participating from each country took part in discussions in breakout sessions and conducted active debate

The 19th International Cadets’ Conference (ICC) was held from March 2nd to March 8th at the National Defense Academy of Japan. The ICC has been held every year since 1998 and cadets from around the world are invited to attend in order to deepen mutual understanding and establish relationships of trust with National Defense Academy students through presentations and discussions on main themes. This year a total of 25 cadets from 15 countries were invited. These countries included Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, Tunisia, the U.K. and the U.S. This year’s main theme was “The Time We Become Leaders: Our Future for the Coming Decades,” which was same as last year. Based on this main theme, the cadets gave presentations and discussed about “The Borderless Battle-field: Together We Lead.” After an overall discussion in the plenary session, breakout sessions were held for discussions on the themes of “The Soldier and the State in the 21st Century,” “Preparing for Multilateral Operations,” “Cyber-space: The New Battlefield,” and “International Cooperation Against Terrorism.” Cadets participating from each country took part in discussions in breakout sessions and conducted active debate

in English with National Defense Academy students while understanding the differences and unique traits of each country’s school and military. Prior to these discussions, on March 3rd, Keynote Speaker GSDF Lieutenant Colonel Chizu Kurita, who also serves as Advisor to NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, delivered an address titled “From the Frontline of International Institution–Leadership and Gender in Multilat-eral Cooperation.” In this speech, she spoke about the qualities and preparedness required for officers in promoting multilateral cooperation based on her experience in peace-keeping operations and working in NATO. On the evening of March 3rd, the cadets were invited to a traditional kyogen theatrical performance and on March 5th, a sporting event was held (tug of war*) between National Defense Academy students and the other cadets to foster their friendship. On March 6th, a cultural tour was held and the cadets visited Kamakura, Yokohama and Tokyo, promot-ing interaction between them.

* Tug of war: Four ropes are used simultaneously in an event, and a team pulling three ropes into their area first wins.

in English with National Defense Academy students while understanding the differences and unique traits of each country’s school and military. Prior to these discussions, on March 3rd, Keynote Speaker GSDF Lieutenant Colonel Chizu Kurita, who also serves as Advisor to NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, delivered an address titled “From the Frontline of International Institution–Leadership and Gender in Multilat-eral Cooperation.” In this speech, she spoke about the qualities and preparedness required for officers in promoting multilateral cooperation based on her experience in peace-keeping operations and working in NATO. On the evening of March 3rd, the cadets were invited to a traditional kyogen theatrical performance and on March 5th, a sporting event was held (tug of war*) between National Defense Academy students and the other cadets to foster their friendship. On March 6th, a cultural tour was held and the cadets visited Kamakura, Yokohama and Tokyo, promot-ing interaction between them.

* Tug of war: Four ropes are used simultaneously in an event, and a team pulling three ropes into their area first wins.

Graduation Ceremony of theNational Defense Medical College / National Defense Academy

On March 21st, a graduation ceremony of the National Defense Academy (NDA) was held for students in both undergraduate and graduate course. The NDA is the

only academic institution for higher education to educate ground, maritime, and air SDF cadets in

Japan. 439 undergraduate students and 79 graduate students received degree certificates and diplo-mas. Following the address by the President of NDA, instructions by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as well as Defense Minister Nakatani, and

congratulatory speech by an honored guest, graduates marked an end to the ceremony with the

traditional hat toss.

On March 21st, a graduation ceremony of the National Defense Academy (NDA) was held for students in both undergraduate and graduate course. The NDA is the

only academic institution for higher education to educate ground, maritime, and air SDF cadets in

Japan. 439 undergraduate students and 79 graduate students received degree certificates and diplo-mas. Following the address by the President of NDA, instructions by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as well as Defense Minister Nakatani, and

congratulatory speech by an honored guest, graduates marked an end to the ceremony with the

traditional hat toss.

On March 5th, a graduation ceremony of the National Defense Medical College (NDMC) was held for graduates of the Division of Medicine, NDMC. Completing their six years of student life, a total of 74 students including 20 female students were awarded degree certificates and diplomas. They recited doctor’s oath to show their resolve and determination as medical practitioner.

On March 5th, a graduation ceremony of the National Defense Medical College (NDMC) was held for graduates of the Division of Medicine, NDMC. Completing their six years of student life, a total of 74 students including 20 female students were awarded degree certificates and diplomas. They recited doctor’s oath to show their resolve and determination as medical practitioner.

Doctor’s OathDoctor’s OathDegree CertificateDegree Certificate

Defense Minister Nakatani’s InstructionDefense Minister Nakatani’s Instruction

Traditional Hat TossTraditional Hat Toss

updated defense policies of participating countries in light of changes in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and improved mutual understanding.

– Participating countries and organizations23 countries in the Asia-Pacific Region (*), European Union (EU), the ASEAN Secretariat, the UN Office for the Coordina-tion of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

* Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the U.S., and Vietnam

updated defense policies of participating countries in light of changes in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and improved mutual understanding.

– Participating countries and organizations23 countries in the Asia-Pacific Region (*), European Union (EU), the ASEAN Secretariat, the UN Office for the Coordina-tion of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

* Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, the U.S., and Vietnam

The MOD hosted the 20th Tokyo Defense Forum (TDF) from March 16th to 18th. The TDF is an international conference organized annually by the MOD since 1996 for defense authorities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Director General for International Affairs, MOD, chaired the forum where senior officers of defense ministries and international organizations (director-general level or general-class) took part. Participants discuss various topics including national defense policies in order to enhance mutual understan-ding and transparency The subjects of two sessions in the TDF this year were “Enhance Capabilities in Non-traditional Security Areas in the Region -Efforts and Challenges-” and “Defense Policies of Participating Countries and Regional Architecture.” In the first session, participants discussed the way of building more effective capability in order to improve capabilities in the non-traditional security field, such as responses to natural disasters and participation in the U.N. peacekeeping operations, in the region as a whole. In the latter component, they shared

The MOD hosted the 20th Tokyo Defense Forum (TDF) from March 16th to 18th. The TDF is an international conference organized annually by the MOD since 1996 for defense authorities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Director General for International Affairs, MOD, chaired the forum where senior officers of defense ministries and international organizations (director-general level or general-class) took part. Participants discuss various topics including national defense policies in order to enhance mutual understan-ding and transparency The subjects of two sessions in the TDF this year were “Enhance Capabilities in Non-traditional Security Areas in the Region -Efforts and Challenges-” and “Defense Policies of Participating Countries and Regional Architecture.” In the first session, participants discussed the way of building more effective capability in order to improve capabilities in the non-traditional security field, such as responses to natural disasters and participation in the U.N. peacekeeping operations, in the region as a whole. In the latter component, they shared

The 20th Tokyo Defense Forum

7AprilNo.75Visit JDF website to see more photos and web-only articles.6 April

No.75AprilNo.75

Activities

Meeting with Foreign Leaders

Activities

JDF NEWSLETTER Be the first to receive updates!Send us a blank message at jdfmod@mod.go.jp to sign up for our newsletter.

Public Affairs Division, Ministry of Defense, Japan TEL:+81-3-3268-3111 (switch board) Web: http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.htmlFor inquiry, contact following office:

February 2016: " We Are Tomodachi Spring 2016" Released

Defense Minister Nakatani paid a courtesy call on Mr. Sauli Niinistӧ, President of the Republic of Finland (Mar. 10)

Courtesy call on Defense Minister Nakatani by Ambassador David Shear, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs (Mar. 7)

Delivery and Commission Ceremony of Submarine Jinryu (Mar. 7)

LATESTNEWS

Ambassador David ShearAmbassador David Shear

Submarine JinryuSubmarine Jinryu

May 26th and 27th, 2016 represents the sixth G7 summit to be hosted by Japan since 1979, and currently preparations are in full swing. The host site of Kashiko Island is an island in Ago Bay that is approx. 7.3km around. This island was uninhabited until modern times when it was developed into a tourism hub after its port was built following the opening of the nearby railway in 1929. The island’s pearl aquaculture industry is also quite prominent. The pearl merchant stores and other famous sites can be visited on foot today. GSDF Camp Akeno is located approx. 10km to the northwest of Ise Jingu. The camp, which has a warm climate and is situated in a place of scenic beauty, has an aeronautics school and various flight units. The camp also has Mie Prefecture’s only airfield, making it an important camp that can serve as a hub of operations in case of a major disaster or other emergency.

May 26th and 27th, 2016 represents the sixth G7 summit to be hosted by Japan since 1979, and currently preparations are in full swing. The host site of Kashiko Island is an island in Ago Bay that is approx. 7.3km around. This island was uninhabited until modern times when it was developed into a tourism hub after its port was built following the opening of the nearby railway in 1929. The island’s pearl aquaculture industry is also quite prominent. The pearl merchant stores and other famous sites can be visited on foot today. GSDF Camp Akeno is located approx. 10km to the northwest of Ise Jingu. The camp, which has a warm climate and is situated in a place of scenic beauty, has an aeronautics school and various flight units. The camp also has Mie Prefecture’s only airfield, making it an important camp that can serve as a hub of operations in case of a major disaster or other emergency.

se-Shima is the name of the area in southeast Mie Prefecture situated in the middle of Japan. This area is known for its beautiful green mountains and ria coast dividing the Pacific Ocean and Ise Bay. The area has a number of timeless locations that continue to draw visitors, such as Ise Jingu

(Ise Jingu Shirine), which offers verdant natural scenery and a long history. Ise Jingu was built approx. 2,000 years ago and worships the deity Amaterasu Omikami (Sun Goddess), believed to be the divine ancestor of Japanese Imperial Family. It has served as an important piece of cultural heritage for the Japanese people since ancient times. Many people in Japan have made visits. The road surrounding Ise Jingu is transited by countless tourists every year and is always bustling because of its rest houses and souvenir shops. The G7 Ise-Shima Summit scheduled to take place here on

se-Shima is the name of the area in southeast Mie Prefecture situated in the middle of Japan. This area is known for its beautiful green mountains and ria coast dividing the Pacific Ocean and Ise Bay. The area has a number of timeless locations that continue to draw visitors, such as Ise Jingu

(Ise Jingu Shirine), which offers verdant natural scenery and a long history. Ise Jingu was built approx. 2,000 years ago and worships the deity Amaterasu Omikami (Sun Goddess), believed to be the divine ancestor of Japanese Imperial Family. It has served as an important piece of cultural heritage for the Japanese people since ancient times. Many people in Japan have made visits. The road surrounding Ise Jingu is transited by countless tourists every year and is always bustling because of its rest houses and souvenir shops. The G7 Ise-Shima Summit scheduled to take place here on

I

伊勢志摩

伊勢志摩

Ise-Shima

ⒸISESHIMA TOURISM&CONVENTION ORGANIZATONⒸISESHIMA TOURISM&CONVENTION ORGANIZATON

8 AprilNo.75

Column