Player Embed Code: Download Embed Share Mattis Welcomes Japanese Defense Minister to the Pentagon Defense.gov April 20, 2018 | 0:56 Defense Secretary James N. Mattis hosted an honor cordon to welcome Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera to the Pentagon, April 20, 2018. During their meeting, the two leaders highlighted the strengthening and depth of the friendship and military relationship between their countries.