The Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force General (GEN) Arai Masayoshi (left) calling on Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad (right) earlier today at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)

General Arai Masayoshi’s introductory visit reaffirms the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Japan.

Singapore, 26 September 2025 – The Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), General (GEN) Arai Masayoshi, is in Singapore from 25 to 27 September 2025 for his introductory visit. As part of his programme, GEN Arai called on Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

GEN Arai reviewing the Guard of Honour at MINDEF

During the meeting, Mr Zaqy and GEN Arai reaffirmed the strong bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Japan and discussed opportunities to broaden cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged perspectives on regional security developments.

GEN Arai also met with Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, and the Chief of Army, Major-General Cai Dexian. At MINDEF, he inspected a Guard of Honour before receiving a briefing on the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance (CESP). He later viewed a static display and demonstration showcasing CESP’s initiatives to optimise soldier performance, including the heat strain monitoring system, pre-habilitation exercises, training curriculum design, and the integrated soldier system.

GEN Arai viewing a static display of equipment and systems at MINDEF, hosted by the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance (CESP)

The visit underscores the close and friendly defence ties between Singapore and Japan. Both armed forces maintain regular interactions through professional exchanges, staff talks, mutual visits, port calls, course participation, and engagement in multilateral events.

Source: MINDEF