Almost two years have past since I was assigned to the president of JAAGA. I have been participating in the activities of JAAGA for about four years as both the head of secretariat and the president. At first, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to those who established and have brought up JAAGA. I also thanks to those who have supported JAAGA.
　　It’s almost 14 years from the establishment of JAAGA. We can see a great development which have been gained by JAAGA seniors and are very proud of the results of JAAGA programs. Japan and the United States have been working for increasing mutual trust to allied nation. I strongly believe that the bond between forces of two nations, i.e., JSDF and the United States Forces, is not being changed in any times. In these four years we have seen big changes in international societies and there was a change of the government in Japan. But this relationship will not be changed under any circumstances. I rather say that the relationship will be strengthened if we see the environment surrounding Japan. Having those, I think JAAGA have contributed a little bit to increase this credibility.
　　The activities of JAAGA are aimed to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF). JAAGA needs good understandings and supports of JAAGA activities from JASDF and the USAF when it comes to have fruitful results. The people of JASDF, headed by Gen Hokazono, Chief of Staff, have had great understandings of the JAAGA activities until today while they have had many issues to be solved. I appreciate it very much. And the people of 5AF have had greatly participated in the activities. I rather feel that we have been pushed forward by them. Gen Rice, Commander of 5AF, who had not assigned in the country outside the United States, arrived in February 2008 and have been trying to understand Japanese heart and I think his consideration to us is very close to Japanese.
　　I have participated in the general assembly of AFA in Washington and visited headquarters of PACOM and headquarters of PACAF as a head of Tsubasa-kai/JAAGA for three years. I had chances to meet honorary members of JAAGA, ex-commanders of 5AF. As an indirect but important matter to JAAGA, there is a movement in Washington led by Gen Myers and Eberhart, honorary members of JAAGA. It is a movement to organize the people who have had the assignment in Japan, I mean, the construction of friendship network between Japan and the United States. I heard that they will make it public to start “Alumni association of the USFJ” (tentative name) in the near future. This reorganization is considered to reflect the idea of Mr. Fujisaki, Minister in the United States. He had participated in the reception of JAAGA annual general assembly when he was a director of Northern America and he has a great understanding of the mutual exchange between uniforms. This reorganization was a topic in Washington when I visited and I am very looking forward to seeing it.
　　When I see these movements, I again become aware of the importance of JAAGA and cannot bear thanking for the establishment 14years ago. I actually feel that the importance of the organization based on the trust will work in any circumstances.
　We will have 15 years anniversary of JAAGA next year. A lot of discussion will be further made by the lead by directors for examining events and programs which are just right for 15 years anniversary and which direction JAAGA will take. I pray the future development of JAAGA.
　　Lastly, I want to say a word to directors of JAAGA. You all, not so young, are a driving force to realize the aim and the program of JAAGA. I appreciate your energetic work with good footwork very much.
　　Again I thank you very much for your devoted supports and great cooperation given to me for these four years. I will continue to have much interest in JAAGA.