Eighth JAAGA president
General Tadashi Yoshida, JASDF retired
16 January 2012

　　I am Tadashi Yoshida, the newly appointed President of JAAGA, approved by members of JAAGA. I am the successor of General (ret) Tsumagari whose sudden passing was an unexpected event for us.
　　I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for Gen. Tsumagari's contributions and sincerely pray for the repose of his soul. The former president left great marks on promoting mutual understandings and friendship between the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) by his excellent leadership. It is my great regret that we lost him whose rapid advance was highly expected and I am feeling a heavy responsibility as the new President.
　　JAAGA is celebrating our 15th anniversary this year, and with my inheritance of the intension of the former president and my recognition of the annual increase of the meaning and role of JAAGA headed by successive presidents from its founding in 1996, I will make my best efforts to contribute to improve the credibility between Japan and the United States by promoting programs to deepen bonds between the JASDF and the USAF.
　　We expect new advancement in the relationship between Japan and the United States, with the move of the headquarters of Air Defense Command and other units from Fuchu Air Base to Yokota Air Base this spring. I humbly ask for your further encouragement and great cooperation.