My name is Shoji Takegouchi, and it is an honor for me to follow in the footsteps of former president Muraki, and to serve as the next president of the Japan-America Air Force Goodwill Association (JAAGA).　I am looking forward to the challenges that await me in this post, and I intend to make the best of my own limited abilities in carrying out my responsibilities.
　　From its very inception, JAAGA has endeavored to contribute to the advancement of mutual friendship and understanding between members of the United States Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Force, and all JAAGA members have shown unselfish devotion to that goal. Moreover, there is no question in my mind that JAAGA activities have been successful in furthering the aims of our organization.　Focusing on face-to-face interaction, JAAGA activities clearly have enhanced the sense of mutual trust and appreciation among those of us directly involved in the operation of the Japan-US alliance.
　　 Looking at the world around us, we are faced with a number of issues that threaten our security, including increasing incidence of terrorism and proliferation of nuclear devices. Here in the Far East, as well, nuclear proliferation, the deployment of ballistic missiles, and territorial disputes exacerbate regional uncertainty and instability.　Faced with this situation, our own national security and regional stability can be guarded only with unflagging determination and vigilance.　Japan expresses its resolution through maintenance of a credible defense capability, participation in the Japan-US alliance, and constant enhancement of the trustworthiness of its commitments.
　　 JAAGA will continue its efforts to promote mutual friendship and understanding between members of the United States Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Forces as well as to focus on face-to-face interaction in enhancing mutual trust and appreciation.　We also plan to expand our activities to include get-togethers with members of the US armed forces for all those with an interest in Japan’s security, especially students and the general public, and deepen understanding of security issues and the Japan–US alliance by levering the unique qualifications of JAAGA members, who have extensive knowledge of the actual workings of both the JASDF and USAF.
　　　This year marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of JAAGA, and we hope to take this opportunity to further public awareness of our goals and programs as well as to increase the motivation of our own members in furthering the aims of our organization, and to recruit the additional help needed to undertake these plans by filling out our own ranks through new membership drives.
　　JAAGA is a volunteer organization, dependent upon the cooperation and motivation of our members. I am proud to serve as president of such a fine organization, and I look forward to the continued cooperation of all our members.
　(Shoji Takegouchi, retired General, former Chairman of the Joint Staff Council)