Announcements | Nov 01, 2016
JUMP featured at 62nd SDF Day Celebration
On the occasion of the Japan Self Defense Forces 62nd anniversary, the Japan-US Military Program (JUMP) was excited to join with the Embassy of Japan to celebrate the accomplishments both countries have achieved together over the past year. The reception, hosted for members of the U.S. defense community in industry, academia, and government, was held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, October 27.
Distinguished guests to the program included Rear Admiral Yuki Sekiguchi, the Defense and Naval Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C.; The Honorable Ken-Ichiro Sasae, Ambassador of Japan to the U.S; and Dr. Janine Davidson, Under Secretary of the Navy.
While speaking at the program, Ambassador Sasae (pictured above) introduced the JUMP Program as a still new but growing initiative that brings together those who have served in Japan. Members of the JUMP team were present to sign up new members and explain the program to hundreds of defense experts who attended the celebration. Click here to read a rough transcript of Amb. Sasae’s remarks.
Click here to learn more about JUMP and here to become a member.
This year marks the 5th anniversary of Operation Tomodachi, a U.S. Armed Forces assistance program enacted to support disaster relief in Japan following the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster. According to the Embassy, the quick and steadfast support of the U.S. Armed Forces following the disaster is something that Japanese people remain thankful for, even to this day. This gesture of friendship and support was memorialized at a permanent exhibition in the Pentagon in March 2016.
The reception also featured a prerecorded personalized video from The Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Central Band, featuring the national anthems of Japan and the U.S. with photographs and video of the collaborative efforts of the U.S. and Japan forces. Representatives of Japan’s Defense Industries (including Fujitsu, Mitsubishi and Hitachi) also were at the event showcasing models of their latest defense equipment.
