Date : October 15 - 25, 2024
EU Fellowship Program: Le Figaro Journalist Nicolas Barotte (France)
post date : 2024.11.29
As part of the 2024-2025 EU Fellowship Program, Mr. Nicolas Barotte, a journalist with French newspaper Le Figaro, visited Japan from October 15 to 25.
Le Figaro was founded in 1826, and is the oldest newspaper in France.
While in Japan, Mr. Barotte covered topics including defense, security, and the modernization of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). In Tokyo, he interviewed government officials and experts.
Mr. Barotte covered the destroyer Izumo and interviewed its captain at the Japan Marine Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Yokosuka District Headquarters, and visited the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Naha Air Base in Okinawa, where he interviewed the base commander and saw F-15s. He also went to Hiroshima, where he saw the destroyer escort Abukuma at JMSDF Kure Regional District Headquarters and covered the JMSDF Officer Candidate School and First Service School in Etajima.
When asked for his opinion after the program finished, Mr. Barotte commented that his interview with the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and his coverage of the Izumo made the largest impression on him, and that being able to speak directly with senior JSDF officers and visit various locations in person helped him deepen his understanding of the JSDF’s role in Japan’s security strategy.
Mr. Barotte and the Izumo’s Captain Takahiko Ishidera
Mr. Barotte and an F-15 at the JMSDF Naha Air Base
[Reporting based on this fellowship]
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