Mini Symposium Osaka
An event titled "How can we rescue the abduction victims?" was held in Osaka. The question of whether the Self-Defense Forces can rescue the abduction victims was examined from the perspectives of former SDF personnel, bureaucrats, legal experts, women, and politicians. Furthermore, questions and opinions were solicited from participants who are not usually familiar with the SDF, deepening the discussion.
Date: May 17, 2016 Location: Osaka
Digest Report: "Once the order to rescue is given, Self-Defense Force personnel are prepared to carry out the rescue even if it means sacrificing more soldiers than the number of victims."
However, there are insufficient laws and political decisions to help the victims. Furthermore, the Self-Defense Forces themselves are not permitted to consider rescuing the abduction victims without permission. As members of the Self-Defense Forces are civil servants, even if they want to rescue the abduction victims, they cannot act on their own unless they receive orders from the political side.
However, politics can be influenced by the people. The Reserve Blue Ribbon Association aims to inform the public about the reality of abductions by North Korea and the current situation of Self-Defense Forces personnel, and to become a bridge between the Self-Defense Forces and the general public.
Report by Secretary Ikeda
Opening remarks: Prefectural Assembly member Yoshida (left), who cooperated in holding the symposium, gave a speech.
In the center is Masahiro Yoshimoto, and on the right is Nami Katsuragi.
Talk by Organizer Masahiro Yoshimoto: "A Perspective from a Former Member of the Self-Defense Forces"
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as a Private Second Class and was transferred to Hokkaido (Nayoro, Rumoi), Osaka (Shinodayama), and Chiba (Narashino). He served as a Ranger instructor for the Rwandan Refugee Relief Team, among other positions. He retired on April 1, 2010, as a Lieutenant Colonel. He is a board member of this association.
Public Relations Department Head Katsuragi's remarks: "A woman's perspective"
After graduating from the University of Tokyo, he worked as an actor. Currently, he is the representative of "Yaoyorozu no Mori." He is a presenter for "Sakimori no Michi NEXT" and "Umisachi Yamasachi no Uta" on Japan Culture Channel Sakura. He is also an announcer for the shortwave radio broadcast "Shiokaze" to North Korea. He writes the column "Chokkyu & Kyokukyu" for the Sankei Shimbun. He is a Reserve Self-Defense Force member (Reserve Sergeant Third Class, open recruitment) and a member of the association's executive committee and head of the public relations department.
That's all.