In response to the accident involving a Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter off the coast of Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April, Defense Minister Kihara inspected the detachment in Kumamoto Prefecture where the aircraft belonged and expressed his intention to make every effort to investigate the cause of the accident and prevent its recurrence.
On May 23, Minister of Defense Kihara visited the Ground Self-Defense Force's Takayubaru Detachment in Kumamoto Prefecture for the first time since taking office.
This detachment belonged to the aircraft that killed 4 people in a helicopter accident off the coast of Miyako Island in Okinawa Prefecture in April.
After the visit, Minister Kihara told reporters, "I was able to check the wreckage of the helicopter, and once again I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the spirits of the 10 members of the SDF and express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."
"Currently, we are making every effort to analyze the flight recorders recovered by the Accident Investigation Committee and investigate the cause of the accident. He expressed his intention to do his utmost to investigate the cause and prevent recurrence.