Nakatani Gen, Minister of Defense: We have confirmed our determination to move forward with a sense of urgency with regard to strengthening defense capabilities, deterrence, and coping capabilities efforts of the Japan-US alliance.

Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on March 30 to discuss the defense partnership between Japan and the United States.

During the meeting, Hegseth also asked how Japan would strengthen its deterrence and invest in defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Nakatani explained that Japan's approach and its policy of strengthening defense capabilities are based on its own judgment and responsibility, which was understood.

While the two sides confirmed their commitment to strengthening the deterrence power of the US-Japan alliance, increased defense spending was not discussed.

Additionally, Hegseth paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and both reaffirmed the importance of the alliance between the two nations.