Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore, Reaffirms Singapore-Japan Bilateral Defence Relations

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).

GEN Arai reviewing the Guard of Honour at MINDEF this morning.

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

The Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) General (GEN) Arai Masayoshi called on Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During the meeting, Mr Zaqy and GEN Arai reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Japan, and discussed ways to expand interactions in areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional security developments.

GEN Arai, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 25 to 27 September 2025, also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Army Major-General Cai Dexian, and inspected a Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his visit, GEN Arai received a brief on the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance (CESP), and viewed a CESP static display and demonstration of the equipment and systems in place to optimise soldiers’ performance, including the heat strain monitoring system, pre-habilitation exercises, training curriculum design and integrated soldier system.

GEN Arai’s visit underscores the warm and friendly bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Japan. Both militaries interact regularly through the conduct of mutual visits, staff talks, port calls, and the cross-attendance of professional courses and multilateral events.