Reception Marking Operation Tomodachi's 15th Anniversary and the Japan Self-Defense Forces Held
2026/1/16
On Jan. 13, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles MUROTA Kosei hosted a reception marking the 15th anniversary of Operation Tomodachi and also recognizing the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The close to 160 attendees included representatives of the U.S. military, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and the defense industry.
Remarks were delivered by Minister of Defense KOIZUMI Shinjiro and Admiral Patrick Walsh, U.S. Navy (retired), who led Operation Tomodachi, and Consul General MUROTA Kosei. U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General Henry Dolberry Jr., and Captain Shinya Tanaka, Commanding Officer of JS Chokai, currently docked in San Diego, joined the speakers and others in the kagami biraki (traditional Japanese sake barrel opening toast).
With the maintenance and strengthening of future defense production and technology in mind, Defense Minister Koizumi also networked with defense industry representatives during the reception.
Participants savored Japanese cuisine and sake from regions where U.S. military bases are located in Japan and celebrated the Japan-U.S. friendship through sharing memories and deepening their connections.
Remarks were delivered by Minister of Defense KOIZUMI Shinjiro and Admiral Patrick Walsh, U.S. Navy (retired), who led Operation Tomodachi, and Consul General MUROTA Kosei. U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General Henry Dolberry Jr., and Captain Shinya Tanaka, Commanding Officer of JS Chokai, currently docked in San Diego, joined the speakers and others in the kagami biraki (traditional Japanese sake barrel opening toast).
With the maintenance and strengthening of future defense production and technology in mind, Defense Minister Koizumi also networked with defense industry representatives during the reception.
Participants savored Japanese cuisine and sake from regions where U.S. military bases are located in Japan and celebrated the Japan-U.S. friendship through sharing memories and deepening their connections.
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