Japan’s Rear Adm. Takuo Kobayashi on RIMPAC, multinational disaster response

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – During World War II, Japan was a fierce enemy to the United States. More than 80 years later, the adversary is now one of America’s strongest allies.

As RIMPAC wraps up next week, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Takuo Kobayashi joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about his country’s role in the 30th iteration of the Rim of the Pacific exercise.

As commander of Surface Warfare Group ONE and commanding officer of the Kongo battleship, Kobayashi led the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response mission in the exercise, working with nine nations on a hurricane scenario that requires coordination and communication.

The Japanese delegation also visited sacred WWII sites like the USS Arizona Memorial and National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.