At a press conference held on March 4, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu announced Japan’s provision of Self-Defense Forces’ supplies to Ukraine. The items include bulletproof vests, cold-weather gear and hygiene products. It is rare for Japan to supply SDF equipment to a country under armed attack. The government describes the provision as a humanitarian step.  

In a statement issued the same day, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel expressed his appreciation. He applauded [Japan’s announcement to provide SDF supplies to Ukraine] by saying that [this] “demonstrates Japan’s strong commitment to liberty, democracy, human dignity, and international law. Japan has played that historic role.” (Abridged)