June 23, 2022
Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi has urged the Myanmar military to immediately cease its violent actions against civilians. This statement was made during a meeting of ASEAN defense ministers held in Cambodia on June 22, where Kishi addressed Myanmar’s Defense Minister, Mya Tun Oo, with this warning. Kishi emphasized the need for an immediate stop to the violence, pointing out that Japanese-trained military personnel returning to Myanmar have been involved in oppressing and executing civilians, making it increasingly difficult for Japan to continue accepting Myanmar military trainees. Teppei Kasai, a representative from Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, commented, “While the Japanese government claims to be listening to the voices of the people of Japan and Myanmar, if they do not suspend training programs for the Myanmar military, the defense minister’s statement is meaningless.” Kasai further explained, “Unless those trained by Japan are directly involved in acts of extreme violence, the training provided to the Myanmar military enhances their overall military capabilities. The only option is to suspend such training programs.” In a joint statement released in May by Human Rights Watch and Justice For Myanmar, it was highlighted that Myanmar military personnel trained in Japan have been linked to serious crimes, including airstrikes against civilians. Over 47,000 people have sent letters to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, calling for an end to training for the Myanmar military.