
Recipients pose for a commemorative photo at the awards ceremony. October 14, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei by Hayato Narita)
On October 14 at the Hotel Grand Hill Ichigaya in Tokyo, the 23rd National Self-Defense Officer commendation ceremony recognized outstanding members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Honorees were celebrated for exceptional achievements in international missions, disaster relief, and the strengthening of unit excellence.
Among the attendees was Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko of Mikasa, who delivered congratulatory remarks.
She was joined by Parliamentary Vice Minister Yozo Kaneko and senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, as well as executives from The Sankei Shimbun, the award's founding sponsor. Nine individual SDF members and two organizations were recognized this year for their distinguished service.

A Tradition of Service and Sacrifice
First presented in 1998, the National Self-Defense Officer awards remain Japan's only civilian-organized commendation for SDF personnel.
Co-hosted by The Sankei Shimbun in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense and other supporting organizations, the award highlights the partnership between civil society and the SDF.
Its purpose is to draw public attention to those who embody self-sacrifice, discipline, and quiet dedication, values often hidden from view in peacetime Japan.
In his opening address, Tetsuji Kondo, President of The Sankei Shimbun, emphasized the vital yet often unseen role of the SDF in safeguarding Japan's security:
"Some missions rarely appear before the public eye, yet each one is indispensable and provides a deep sense of assurance to the nation," he said.
Kondo praised the recipients for their "remarkable achievements in building strong, resilient units." He also reaffirmed that Japan's SDF "stand as a pillar of national stability, with deterrence and readiness that rival the most capable militaries in the world."
Princess Akiko: Bonds of Gratitude and Peace
Princess Akiko of Mikasa, who attended the ceremony as a guest of honor, reflected on her recent visit to Turkey.
Her trip marked the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Ertugrul frigate disaster, a tragic event that became the foundation of enduring Japanese–Turkish friendship.

She noted that the bonds of compassion forged during that tragedy continue today, strengthened by the SDF's role in disaster relief abroad:
"The chain of gratitude between Japan and Turkey lives on," she said. "It is deeply moving that the Self-Defense Forces have continued this spirit through their humanitarian missions and disaster response efforts."
The Princess added that Japan's SDF personnel embody the nation's finest values:
"May you never forget the pride of Japan's world-class Self-Defense Forces, and may your noble service for peace continue to shine brightly."
Recognizing Excellence Across All Branches
This year's recipients came from a diverse range of fields and specializations.
Their work spanned international peacekeeping, aeronautics, rehabilitation medicine, and advanced research in space defense.
Among the honorees were the Japan Peacekeeping Training & Research Center (Tokyo), honored for its development of Japan's UN-certified peacekeeping officer training curriculum. Another recipient was the Rehabilitation Division of the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, recognized for its medical and psychological care for wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
Other recipients included:
Captain Nobuyasu Hamahata, a veteran helicopter pilot with over 3,500 accident-free flight hours and leadership in training future aviators.
Chief Petty Officer Hideaki Sato and Chief Petty Officer Yoshikazu Maeno of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, for their decades-long dedication to training and maintaining unit cohesion.
Major Jun Noda and Major Hidenori Yamada of the Air Self-Defense Force, recognized for their contributions to air transport and space surveillance capability.
Each award was presented by Kondo, who also handed commemorative gifts to the family members attending the ceremony.
A Spirit of Service for Peace
Accepting the award on behalf of all recipients, Colonel Kuniyoshi Watanabe of the Peacekeeping Training & Research Center delivered a speech that drew applause from across the hall.
"At the heart of our service lies respect for discipline, professionalism, and harmony," Watanabe said. "We pledge to uphold the noble ideals that bring peace and hope, serving as a driving force in creating peace both at home and abroad."
His words captured the theme of the day, "advancing our mission with a spirit of service."

The Ministry of Defense: 'Trust Is the Foundation'
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, Parliamentary Vice Minister Yozo Kaneko expressed deep gratitude to the honorees and their families:
"The SDF cannot fulfill its duties without the strong trust and support of the Japanese people," he said. "That trust is the foundation of everything we do."
Kaneko also highlighted the broad scope of this year's awardees, from peacekeeping and humanitarian aid to cutting-edge aerospace and cyber defense, as evidence of Japan's evolving security role.
"Behind every mission are countless members working quietly, with a sense of duty and humility," he added. "This award shines a light on their devotion and inspires every SDF member to greater purpose."
A Ceremony of Pride and Reflection
As the ceremony concluded, the Air Self-Defense Force Central Band performed the "Celebration March," originally composed in 1959 for the wedding of the then Crown Prince (later Emperor Emeritus Akihito). The music filled the hall, symbolizing both pride and continuity in Japan's postwar path of peace.
Since its inception, the award has recognized more than 230 individuals and units.
Each recipient represents a chapter in the ongoing story of Japan's Self-Defense Forces, from disaster relief in Tohoku to peacekeeping in South Sudan and humanitarian missions in Turkey and beyond.
Amid growing geopolitical tensions, the ceremony carried a clear message about Japan's Self-Defense Forces.
Amid the applause and formal speeches, organizers presented the honorees as stewards of peace rather than soldiers, bound by discipline, service, and shared purpose.
One recipient spoke quietly after the event, saying, "Our mission isn’t one of conflict. It's one of peace — achieved through readiness, unity, and devotion to those we serve."
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Author: Daniel Manning