The annual Mt Fuji firepower demonstration.

THE Australian Army and Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) conducted their fourth annual Army-to-Army Staff Talks recently in Tokyo and Mt Fuji.

The Australian delegation consisted of Brig Paul Retter, Col Chris Burns, Capt Kheng Yuen and Chris Angus.

The Australian delegation met with Maj-Gen Eto, Chief of Plans and Operations, and his staff to conduct the talks.

The themes for this year’s meeting included future roles and capabilities of respective armies, Japanese emergency legislation, joint operations and contribution to building a more stable security environment.

During the talks, the Australian delegation also visited the famous Fuji Yama (Mt Fuji) and observed the annual Mt Fuji firepower demonstration.

This display allowed the JGSDF to demonstrate its military capabilities.

Part of the visit included seeing various cultural sites located in Tokyo and Mt Fuji, such as Ichigaya Memorial Hall, where the WWII War Criminal Tribunal was conducted.

The delegation also visited Edo/Tokyo museum where the delegation was given an informative insight of Japanese history and the Meiji Shrine where the delegation was treated to some traditional Japanese martial arts and participated in the traditional tea ceremony.

Both militaries have similar strategic approaches and philosophies and the talks allowed for better understanding and co-operation between the two militaries.

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