DOJ2021 EN Reference

peace cooperation activities.
In addition, as the only country

Reference 1 National Security Strategy (Outline) to have ever suffered atomic bombings in war, Japan has
(Approved by the National Security Council consistently engaged in disarmament and non-proliferation
and the Cabinet on December 17, 2013) efforts, playing a leading role in international initiatives to
I. Purpose realize “a world free of nuclear weapons.”
❍ Japan will continue to adhere to the course that it has taken
❍ As Japan’s security environment becomes ever more severe,
to date as a peace-loving nation, and as a major player
Japan needs to identify its national interests from a long-
in world politics and economy, contribute even more
term perspective, determine the course it should pursue in
proactively in securing peace, stability, and prosperity of the
the international community, and adopt a whole-government
international community, while achieving its own security
approach for national security policies and measures in order
Reference
as well as peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, as a

to continue developing a prosperous and peaceful society.
“Proactive Contributor to Peace” based on the principle of
❍ In a world where globalization continues, Japan should play
international cooperation. This is the fundamental principle
an even more proactive role as a major global player in the
of national security that Japan should stand to hold.
international community.
2. Japan’s National Interests and National Security Objectives
❍ The Strategy, as fundamental policies pertaining to national
National Interests
security, presents guidelines for policies in areas related to
❍ To maintain its sovereignty and independence; to defend its
national security.
territorial integrity; to ensure the safety of life, person, and
❍ With the National Security Council (NSC) serving as the
properties of its nationals, and to ensure its survival while
control tower, as well as with strong political leadership,
maintaining its own peace and security and preserving its
the Government of Japan will implement national security
rich culture and tradition.
policies in a more strategic and structured manner through a
❍ To achieve the prosperity of Japan and its nationals through
whole-government approach.
economic development, thereby consolidating its peace and
❍ When implementing policies in other areas, the Government
security (to this end, it is essential that Japan strengthens the
of Japan will give due consideration to national security so
free trade regime and realizes an international environment
that Japan can utilize its strengths, such as its diplomatic
that offers stability, transparency andpredictability).
ability and defense capability, in a smooth and fully-
❍ To maintain and protect international order based on rules
functional way as a whole, based on the Strategy.
and universal values, such as freedom, democracy, respect
❍ The Strategy will guide Japan’s national security policy over
for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law.
the next decade. Through the implementation of concrete
National Security Objectives
policies, the NSC will regularly carry out systematic
❍ To strengthen the deterrence necessary for maintaining
evaluation and upgrade the Strategy in a timely and
Japan’s peace and security and for ensuring its survival,
appropriate manner.
thus deterring threats from directly reaching Japan; at the
II. Fundamental Principle of National Security same time, if by any chance a threat should reach Japan, to
1. Principles Japan Upholds defeat such threat and to minimize the damage.
❍ Japan is a country with rich culture and tradition, and upholds ❍ To improve the security environment of the Asia-Pacific
universal values, such as freedom, democracy, respect region, and prevent the emergence of and reduce direct
for fundamental human rights and the rule of law. Japan threats to Japan, through strengthening the Japan-U.S.
has a wealth of highly educated human capital and high Alliance, enhancing the trust and cooperative relationships
cultural standards, and is an economic power with strong between Japan and its partners within and outside the Asia-
economic capacity and high technological capabilities. Pacific region, and promoting practical security cooperation.
Japan has achieved its development benefiting from an ❍ To improve the global security environment and build a
open international economic system. In addition, Japan as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous international community
maritime state has pursued “Open and Stable Seas.” by strengthening the international order based on universal
❍ Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving values and rules, and by playing a leading role in the
nation since the end of World War II, and has adhered to a settlement of disputes, through consistent diplomatic efforts
basic policy of maintaining an exclusively national defense- and further personnel contributions.
oriented policy, not becoming a military power that poses III. Security Environment Surrounding Japan and National Security
a threat to other countries, and observing the Three Non- Challenges
Nuclear Principles.
1. Global Security Environment and Challenges
❍ Japan has maintained its security, and contributed to peace
(1)
Shift in the Balance of Power and Rapid Progress of
and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, by enhancing
Technological Innovation
its alliance with the United States (U.S.), as well as by
❍ The balance of power between nations is changing due
deepening cooperative relationships with other countries.
to the rise of emerging countries (e.g., China and India).
Japan has also contributed to the realization of stability and
In particular, China is increasing its presence in the
prosperity in the international community through initiatives
international community. The United States, which has
for supporting the economic growth of developing countries
the world’s largest power as a whole, has manifested
and for addressing global issues based on the principle of
its policy to shift its emphasis of national security and
human security, as well as through trade and investment
economic policy towards the Asia-Pacific region.
relations with other countries.
❍T he rapid advancement of globalization and technological
❍ Complying with the United Nations (U.N.) Charter, Japan
innovation has increased the relative influence of non-
has been cooperating with the U.N. and other international
state actors, and the threat of terrorism and crimes
organizations, and has actively contributed to their activities.
committed by non-state actors is expanding.
Japan has also continuously participated in international
1 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

(2) Threat of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction At the same time, North Korea has repeatedly taken
and Other Related Materials provocative military actions including the use of
❍ The issue of the transfer, proliferation, and performance provocative rhetoric against Japan and other countries,
improvement of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) thereby increasing the tension in the region. The threat
and their means of delivery, such as ballistic missiles, the to the security of Japan and of other countries is being
issue of nuclear and missile development by North Korea, substantially aggravated.
and the nuclear issue of Iran remain major threats to Japan ❍ As Kim Jong-un proceeds to consolidate his regime, the
and the international community. domestic situation in North Korea needs to be closely
(3) Threat of International Terrorism monitored.
❍ International terrorism has spread and become diverse in ❍ North Korea’s abduction is a grave issue affecting Japan’s
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its forms due to the advancement of globalization. sovereignty as well as the lives and safety of Japanese
❍ Terrorist attacks against Japanese nationals and interests nationals. It is an urgent issue for the Government of
have actually taken place overseas. Japan and its people face Japan to resolve under its responsibility.
the threat of international terrorism both at home and abroad. (3) China’s Rapid Rise and Intensified Activities in Various
(4) Risks to Global Commons Areas
❍ In recent years, risks that can impede the utilization of ❍ There is an expectation for China to share and comply
and free access to global commons, such as the sea, outer with international norms, and play a more active and
space, and cyberspace, have been spreading and become cooperative role for regional and global issues.
more serious. ❍ China has been rapidly advancing its military capabilities
❍ I n the seas, in recent years, there have been an increasing in a wide range of areas without sufficient transparency.
number of cases of unilateral actions in an attempt to ❍ China has taken actions that can be regarded as attempts
change the status quo by coercion with respect to natural to change the status quo by coercion based on their own
resources and the security of respective states. assertions, which are incompatible with the existing order
❍ Due to these cases as well as piracy and other issues, there of international law, in the maritime and aerial domains,
is a growing risk of the stability of sea lanes and freedom including the East China Sea and the South China Sea
of navigation coming under threat. (e.g., intrusion into Japan’s territorial waters and airspace
❍ There exist risks that could impede the continuous and around the Senkaku Islands, establishment of its own
stable use of outer space, including an increasing amount of “Air Defense Identification Zone”).
space debris caused by satellite collisions amongst others. ❍ The cross-strait relationship has deepened economically.
❍ Risks of cyber-attacks with the intent to disrupt critical Meanwhile, the military balance has been changing.
infrastructure and obstruct military systems are becoming Thus, the relationship contains both orientations towards
more serious. stability and potential instability.
(5) Challenges to Human Security IV. Japan’s Strategic Approaches to National Security
❍ Global issues that cannot be dealt with by a single
1. Strengthening and Expanding Japan’s Capabilities and Roles
country—namely, poverty, widening inequality, global
• To ensure national security, Japan needs to first and foremost
health challenges including infectious diseases, climate
strengthen its own capabilities and the foundation for
change and other environmental issues, food security,
exercising those capabilities. Japan must also steadily fulfill
and humanitarian crises caused by civil wars and natural
the role it should play and adapt its capabilities to respond to
disasters—are emerging as critical and urgent issues of
future developments.
human security, threatening the very survival and dignity
• Enhancing Japan’s resilience in national security, through
of individuals.
reinforcing its diplomatic power and defense force, as well
❍ These challenges could have repercussions on peace and
as bolstering its economic strengths and technological
stability of the international community.
capabilities, contributes to peace and stability in the Asia-
(6) The Global Economy and Its Risks
Pacific region and the international community at large.
❍ The risk of the expansion of an economic crisis from one
• In order to overcome national security challenges and
country to the entire global economy is growing.
achieve national security objectives, as well as to proactively
❍ Signs of protectionism and reluctance towards the creation
contribute to peace in cooperation with the international
of new trade rules are becoming apparent.
community, Japan needs to expand and deepen cooperative
❍ The rise of resource nationalism in resource rich countries
relationships with other countries, with the Japan-U.S.
as well as an intensified competition for the acquisition of
Alliance as the cornerstone. At the same time, Japan needs
energy and mineral resources by emerging countries are
to make effective use of its diverse resources and promote
observed.
comprehensive policies.
2. Security Environment and Challenges in the Asia-Pacific
(1) Strengthening Diplomacy for Creating a Stable International
Region
Environment
(1) Characteristics of the Strategic Environment of the Asia-
❍ The key of national security is to create a stable and
Pacific Region
predictable international environment, and prevent the
❍ The region has various political regimes and a host of
emergence of threats.
countries with large-scale military forces including
❍ It is necessary for Japan to realize an international order
nuclear-weapon states. Yet a regional cooperation
and security environment that are desirable for Japan, by
framework in the security realm has not been sufficiently
playing an even more proactive role in achieving peace and
institutionalized.
stability of the international community as a “Proactive
(2) North Korea’s Military Buildup and Provocative Actions
Contributor to Peace” based on the principle of international
❍ North Korea has enhanced the capability of WMDs
cooperation.
including nuclear weapons and that of ballistic missiles.
DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 2

❍ It is necessary to enhance diplomatic creativity and ❍ Japan will provide assistance to those coastal states
negotiating power to deepen the understanding of and alongside the sea lanes of communication and other states
garner support for Japan’s position in the international in enhancing their maritime law enforcement capabilities,
community. and strengthen cooperation with partners on the sea lanes
❍ By highlighting Japan’s attractiveness, Japan needs to who share strategic interests with Japan.
strengthen its soft power that would benefit the international (5) Strengthening Cyber Security
community. Japan also needs to strengthen its capacity to ❍ Japan as a whole will make concerted efforts to defend
promptly and accurately identify the needs of Japanese cyberspace and strengthen the response capability against
nationals and firms to support their overseas activities. cyber-attacks, so as to protect cyberspace from malicious
❍ Japan will make even more proactive contributions to activities; to ensure the free and safe use of cyberspace; and
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international organizations such as the U.N., including to guard Japan’s critical infrastructure against cyber-attacks,
through increasing the number of Japanese staff in such including those in which state involvement is suspected.
institutions. ❍ Japan will constantly strengthen public-private partnership,
(2) Building a Comprehensive Defense Architecture to Firmly and will comprehensively consider and take necessary
Defend Japan measures with regard to expanding the pool of human
❍ Amid the severe security environment, Japan will efficiently resources in the security field, etc.
develop a highly effective joint defense force, adapting to ❍ Japan will take measures at technical and operational levels
the change in strategic environment with consideration to enhance international cooperation, and will promote
of its national power, and strive to ensure operations with cyber defense cooperation.
flexibility and readiness based on joint operations. (6) Strengthening Measures against International Terrorism
❍ Japan will advance coordination within the government ❍ Japan will first and foremost strengthen its domestic
and with local governments and the private sector. In doing measures against international terrorism such as ensuring
so, even in peacetime, Japan will maintain and improve a the security of nuclear facilities in Japan. In order to ensure
comprehensive architecture for responding seamlessly to the safety of Japanese nationals living abroad, Japan will
an array of situations, ranging from armed attacks to large- strengthen such measures as collecting and analyzing
scale natural disasters. intelligence on the situation of international terrorism.
❍ In developing the structure of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (7) Enhancing Intelligence Capabilities
(SDF), which plays a central role in these efforts, Japan will ❍ Japan will fundamentally strengthen its information-
enhance its defense structure for deterrence and response to collecting capabilities from a diverse range of sources,
various situations, prioritizing important functions from a including human intelligence and open source intelligence.
joint and comprehensive perspective. ❍ Japan will enhance its intelligence analysis, consolidation,
❍ With regard to the threat of nuclear weapons, the extended and sharing capabilities including by developing experts,
deterrence of the U.S. with nuclear deterrence at its core and will promote allsource analysis that makes use of the
is indispensable. In order to maintain and enhance the array of information-collecting means at the Government’s
credibility of the extended deterrence, Japan will work disposal. Materials and intelligence will be provided to the
closely with the U.S., and take appropriate measures NSC in a timely manner, and they will be appropriately
through its own efforts, including ballistic missile defense utilized in policy formulation.
(BMD) and protection of the people. (8) Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation
(3) Strengthening Efforts for the Protection of Japan’s ❍ From the perspective of “Proactive Contribution to Peace”
Territorial Integrity based on the principle of international cooperation, Japan
❍ Japan will enhance the capabilities of the law enforcement is required to contribute more proactively to peace and
agencies responsible for territorial patrol activities and international cooperation including through utilizing defense
reinforce its maritime surveillance capabilities. equipment, and to participate in joint development and
❍ Japan will strengthen coordination among relevant production of defense equipment and other related items.
ministries and agencies to be able to respond seamlessly to ❍ While giving due consideration to the roles that the Three
a variety of unexpected situations. Principles on Arms Exports and their related policy
❍ Japan will proactively engage in the protection, guidelines have played so far, the Government of Japan will
management, and development of remote islands near set out clear principles on the overseas transfer of arms and
national borders, and from a national security viewpoint, military technology, which fit the new security environment.
review issues related to the use of land in areas such as In this context, considerations will be made with regard to
remote islands near national borders and areas surrounding defining cases where transfers are prohibited; limiting cases
defense facilities. where transfers could be allowed with strict examination;
(4) Ensuring Maritime Security and ensuring appropriate control over transfers in terms of
❍ As a maritime state, Japan will play a leading role, in unauthorized use and third party transfer.
maintaining and developing “Open and Stable Seas,” which (9) Ensuring the Stable Use of Outer Space and Promoting Its
are upheld by maritime order based upon such fundamental Use for Security Purposes
principles as the rule of law, ensuring the freedom and ❍ Japan will engage itself in enhancing the functions of
safety of navigation and overflight, and peaceful settlement informationgathering satellites and in making effective use
of disputes in accordance with relevant international law, of satellites. Japan will also enhance a system for space
rather than by force. situational awareness.
❍ Japan will strengthen its maritime domain awareness ❍ Japan will promote the development and utilization of outer
capabilities in a comprehensive manner that involves the use space in a manner that contributes to national security in
of outer space, while paying attention to the establishment the medium- to longterm, including the development of
of international networks. technologies.

(10) Strengthening Technological Capabilities — ASEAN countries: Japan will further deepen and develop
❍ Japan should encourage the further promotion of cooperative relations with the ASEAN countries in all
technologies, including dual use technologies, thereby sectors based on the traditional partnership lasting more
strengthening Japan’s technological capabilities. than 40 years. Japan will also provide further assistance
❍ Japan will constantly grasp science and technology trends, to ASEAN efforts towards maintaining and strengthening
and make effective use of technology in the area of security its unity.
by combining the efforts of industries, academia, and the — India: Japan will strengthen bilateral relations in a broad
Government. range of areas, including maritime security, based on the
❍ Japan will proactively utilize its internationally outstanding bilateral Strategic and Global Partnership.
technologies in diplomacy. ❍ Japan will strive to construct a Mutually Beneficial
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2. Strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests
• Japan and the U.S. have persistently strengthened and with China from a broad, as well as a medium- to long-
expanded their cooperation on a wide range of areas for term perspective. Japan will encourage China to play a
peace, stability, and prosperity of not only the two countries responsible and constructive role for the sake of regional
themselves, but also the Asia-Pacific region and the broader peace, stability and prosperity, and Japan will respond
international community. firmly but in a calm manner to China’s recent attempts to
•The U.S., based on its Defense Strategic Guidance change the status quo by coercion.
emphasizing a rebalancing towards the Asia-Pacific region, ❍ Japan will endeavor to achieve a comprehensive resolution
aspires to enhance its presence in the region and strengthen of outstanding issues of concern, such as the abduction,
cooperation with its allies, including Japan and its partners. nuclear and missile issues, in accordance with the Japan-
• In order to ensure the security of Japan and to maintain North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, Joint Statement of the
and enhance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia- Six-Party Talks, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Pacific region and the international community, Japan must ❍ Japan will advance cooperation with Russia in all areas,
further elevate the effectiveness of the Japan-U.S. security including security and energy, thereby enhancing bilateral
arrangements and realize a stronger Japan-U.S. Alliance. relations as a whole.
(1) Further Strengthening of Japan-U.S. Security and Defense ❍ In promoting these efforts, Japan will actively utilize and
Cooperation in a Wide Range of Areas engage in multilateral and trilateral cooperation frameworks.
❍ Japan will work with the U.S. to revise the Guidelines for ❍ Japan will cooperate with other partners of the Asia-Pacific
Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, through discussions on a region towards ensuring the stability of the region.
variety of issues such as the concrete manner of defense ❍ European countries are partners for Japan which together
cooperation and basic concepts of bilateral roles, missions, take a leading role in ensuring the peace, stability and
and capabilities, while ensuring consistency with various prosperity of the international community. Japan will
policies in line with the Strategy. further strengthen its relations with Europe, including
❍ Japan will strive to enhance the deterrence and response cooperation with the EU, NATO, and OSCE.
capability of the Japan-U.S. Alliance through working ❍ Japan will endeavor to further develop relations with
closely with the U.S. on operational cooperation and policy emerging countries, not merely on a bilateral basis, but in
coordination on issues such as response to contingencies cooperative efforts in tackling global challenges.
and the medium- to long-term strategy, and strengthening ❍ Japan will engage in constructing multilayered cooperative
its security cooperation with the U.S. in such broad areas relations with the Gulf States, encompassing political and
as BMD, maritime affairs, outer space, cyberspace and security cooperation beyond natural resources and energy.
largescale disaster response operations. In addition, Japan will play a proactive role in the resolution
(2) Ensuring a Stable Presence of the U.S. Forces of major issues affecting the stability of the Middle East.
❍ While taking measures such as Host Nation Support and ❍ Japan will continue to contribute to the development and the
increasing deterrence, Japan will steadily implement the consolidation of peace in Africa through various avenues,
realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan in accordance with especially the Tokyo International Conference on African
the existing bilateral agreements, in order to reduce the Development (TICAD) process.
impact on people in host communities including Okinawa. 4. Proactive Contribution to International Efforts for Peace and
3.
Strengthening Diplomacy and Security Cooperation with Stability of the International Community
Japan’s Partners for Peace and Stability in the International As a “Proactive Contributor to Peace” based on the principle of
Community international cooperation, Japan will play an active role for the
To improve the security environment surrounding Japan, Japan peace and stability of the international community.
will engage itself in building trust and cooperative relations (1) Strengthening Diplomacy at the United Nations
with partners both within and outside the region through the ❍ Japan will further engage in active efforts by the U.N. for
following approaches. the maintenance and restoration of international peace and
❍ Japan will strengthen cooperative relations with countries security.
in the Asia- Pacific region with which it shares universal ❍ Japan will continue to strive to achieve the U.N. Security
values and strategic interests. Council reform, including through an expansion of both
— ROK: Japan will strengthen the foundation for security permanent and nonpermanent categories, with Japan
cooperation. Japan, the U.S., and the ROK will work becoming a permanent member of the Council.
together closely in addressing North Korean nuclear and (2) Strengthening the Rule of Law
missile issues. ❍ In order to establish the rule of law in the international
— Australia: Japan will further strengthen the strategic community, Japan will participate proactively in
partnership by steadily sharing strategic recognition and international rule-making from the planning stage, so that
advancing security cooperation. Japan’s principles and positions are duly reflected.

❍ Japan will actively engage in realizing the rule of law promote human resource development in order to ensure
relating to the sea, outer space and cyberspace, as well as in that these personnel can contribute to development in their
assistance for the development of legal systems. home countries.
(3) Leading International Efforts on Disarmament and Non- (4) Maintaining and Strengthening the Free Trade System
Proliferation ❍ Japan will promote economic partnership efforts, including
❍ Japan will carry out vigorous efforts in pursuit of “a world through the TPP, the Japan-EU EPA, a Japan-China-ROK
free of nuclear weapons.” FTA, and the RCEP. Through these efforts, Japan will
❍ Japan will lead international efforts on disarmament and strengthen the vigor and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
nonproliferation, including those towards the resolution (5) Responding to Energy and Environmental Issues
of North Korea’s nuclear and missile development issues ❍ Japan will actively utilize diplomatic tools for efforts to achieve
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and Iran’s nuclear issues, in a manner consistent with the the stable supply of energy and other natural resources.
maintenance of the credibility of extended deterrence under ❍ In the area of climate change, Japan will implement a
the Japan-U.S. alliance. proactive strategy for countering global warming.
(4) Promoting International Peace Cooperation (6) Enhancing People-to-people Exchanges
❍ Japan will further step up its cooperation with U.N. PKO ❍ Japan will expand two-way youth exchanges.
and other international peace cooperation activities. ❍ Japan will promote people-to-people exchanges through
❍ Japan will promote coordination between PKO and ODA sport and culture.
projects, and make further strategic use of ODA and 6. Strengthening the Domestic Foundation that Supports National
capacity building assistance. Security and Promoting Domestic and Global Understanding
❍ Japan will proactively train peacebuilding experts and PKO • In order to fully ensure national security, it is vital to reinforce
personnel in various countries in close consultation with the domestic foundation for diplomatic power, defense force,
countries or organizations concerned. and other capabilities to be effectively demonstrated.
(5) Promoting International Cooperation against International • It is important to seek a deeper understanding of Japan’s
Terrorism security policies both at home and abroad to ensure national
❍ Japan will promote consultations and exchanges of views security.
with other countries on the situation on international (1) Maintaining and Enhancing Defense Production and
terrorism and international counter-terrorism cooperation, Technological Bases
as well as reinforcement of the international legal ❍ Japan will endeavor to engage in effective and efficient
framework. acquisition of defense equipment, and will maintain
❍ Japan will actively extend assistance to developing and enhance its defense production and technological
countries, etc. bases, including through strengthening international
5. Strengthening Cooperation Based on Universal Values to competitiveness.
Resolve Global Issues (2) Boosting Communication Capabilities
Japan will endeavor to share universal values and reinforce an ❍ It is imperative that Japan proactively and effectively
open international economic system, which form the basis of communicate its national security policy to the world and
peace, stability and prosperity of the international community. its people, deepen the understanding among the people of
At the same time, Japan will advance the following measures Japan, and build cooperative relations with other countries.
towards the resolution of development issues and global ❍ With the Prime Minister’s Office serving as the control
issues that could hinder peace and stability of the international tower, Japan will enhance its public relations in an integrated
community. and strategic manner through a government-wide approach.
(1) Sharing Universal Values Fully utilizing various information technologies and
❍ Through a partnership with countries with which Japan diverse media, Japan will also strengthen its information
shares universal values, such as freedom, democracy, dissemination in foreign languages.
human rights, and the rule of law, Japan will conduct ❍ Japan will cooperate with educational institutions, key
diplomacy that contributes to addressing global issues. figures, and think tanks, and in doing so, promote Japanese
❍ Japan will actively utilize its ODA and other schemes in language education overseas and train personnel who are
supporting democratization, the development of legal capable of contributing to strategic public relations efforts
systems, and human rights. and other areas.
❍ Japan will engage proactively in diplomatic issues on women. ❍ By precisely and effectively communicating information on
(2) Responding to Global Development and Global Issues and Japan’s position based on objective facts, Japan will be able
Realizing Human Security to gain accurate understanding in the form of international
❍ It is necessary for Japan to strengthen its efforts to address opinion.
development issues as part of “Proactive Contribution to (3) Reinforcing the Social Base
Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. ❍ It is essential that each and every Japanese national hopes
❍ Japan will strengthen efforts towards the achievement of to contribute to peace and stability in the region and the
the MDGs, and play a leading role in the formulation of the world, and to the improvement of the welfare of humanity,
next international development goals. as well as that they perceive national security as a familiar
❍ Japan will engage in further efforts in mainstreaming the and immediate issue for them, and have deep understanding
concept of human security in the international community. of its importance and complexity.
(3) Cooperating with Human Resource Development Efforts in ❍ Japan will foster respect for other countries and their people
Developing Countries as well as love for the country and region.
❍ Japan will invite a broad range of personnel from developing ❍ Japan will advance measures that raise awareness with
countries, including students and administrative officials, regard to security on such issues as territory and sovereignty,
and provide them education and training. Japan will further and that increase understanding of the activities of the SDF

and the U.S. Forces in Japan. a transformation at a pace that is fundamentally different from the
(4) Enhancing the Intellectual Base past, completely shedding the thinking that relies on traditional
❍ Japan will seek to enhance education on security-related division among land, sea, and air. On the other hand, given the
subjects at institutions of higher education. rapidly aging population with declining birthrates and severe
❍ Exchanges will be deepened between the Government and fiscal situation, Japan cannot strengthen its defense capability
institutions of higher education, think tanks, etc. without thorough rationalization that does not dwell on the past.
❍ Japan will promote the fostering of private-sector experts The Japan-U.S. Alliance, together with Japan's own defense
and government officials. architecture, continues to be the cornerstone of Japan’s national
security. As stated above, Japan's fulfillment of its foremost
responsibility as a sovereign nation is the very way to fulfill
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its roles under the Japan-U.S. Alliance and further enhance the
Reference 2 NATIONAL DEFENSE PROGRAM GUIDELINES for FY Alliance’s ability to deter and counter threats, and is a foundation
2019 and beyond upon which to strategically promote security cooperation in line
with the vision of free and open Indo-Pacific.
(December 18, 2018) Based on the foregoing thoughts, the Government, in line
I. NDPG’s Objective with “On National Security Strategy” (approved by the National
Security Council and the Cabinet on December 17, 2013, and
Japan since the end of World War II has consistently treaded the hereinafter referred to as “National Security Strategy”), hereby
path of a peace- loving nation. This has been accomplished by sets forth the “National Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2019
the persistent efforts of our forerunners under the principle of and beyond” as the new guidelines regarding how Japan’s national
maintaining peace. defense ought to be to form the foundation of Japan’s future.
The most consequential responsibility of the Government
of Japan is to maintain Japan’s peace and security, to ensure II. Security Environment Surrounding Japan
its survival and to defend to the end Japanese nationals’ life, 1. Characteristics of current security environment
person and property of its nationals and territorial land, waters In the international community, interdependency among countries
and airspace. This is the foremost responsibility that Japan must further expands and deepens. On the other hand, thanks to further
fulfill as a sovereign nation. Carrying out this responsibility by growth of national power of such countries as China, changes
exerting efforts on its own accord and initiative is at the very in the balance of power are accelerating and becoming more
heart of Japan’s national security. Japan’s defense capability is complex, thereby increasing uncertainty over the existing order.
the ultimate guarantor of its security and the clear representation Against such a backdrop, prominently emerging are inter-state
of the unwavering will and ability of Japan as a peace-loving competitions across the political, economic and military realms,
nation. And maintaining Japan’s peace and security is an essential in which states seek to shape global and regional order to their
premise for its prosperity. advantage as well as to increase their influence.
At present, security environment surrounding Japan is changing These inter-state competitions occur on a continuous basis:
at extremely high speeds. Changes in the balance of power in In conducting inter-state competitions, states leverage various
the international arena are accelerating and becoming more means such as undermining other country’s sovereignty using
complex, and uncertainty over the existing order is increasing. military and law-enforcement entities, and manipulating foreign
In addition, rapid expansion in the use of new domains, which country’s public opinion by exploiting social media. Also, the so-
are space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum is poised to called gray-zone situations are becoming persistent over a long
fundamentally change the existing paradigm of national security, period of time, playing out as part of inter-state competitions.
which has prioritized responses in traditional, physical domains, They may possibly further increase and expand.
which are land, sea and air. Such gray-zone situations harbor the risk of rapidly developing
Even under these circumstances, Japan will vigorously into graver situations without showing clear indications. In
march forward as a peace-loving nation. To do so, Japan, amid addition, methods employed to alter the status quo, such as
the dramatically changing security environment, needs to “hybrid warfare,” that intentionally blur the boundaries between
fundamentally strengthen its national defense architecture with the military and non-military realms are forcing affected actors to
which to protect, by exerting efforts on its own accord and take complex measures not limited to military ones.
initiative, life, person and property of its nationals, territorial Driven by rapid technological innovation in information
land, waters and airspace, and its sovereignty and independence, & communications and other fields, military technologies are
thereby expanding roles Japan can fulfill. Today, no country can showing remarkable advances. Against the backdrop of such
preserve its security by itself alone. Strengthening the Japan-U.S. technological advances, contemporary warfare increasingly
Alliance as well as security cooperation with other countries are features capabilities combined across all domains: not only land,
critical to Japan’s national security, and this cannot be achieved sea and air but also new domains, which are space, cyberspace and
without Japan's own efforts. The international community also electromagnetic spectrum. Aiming to improve overall military
expects Japan to play roles that are commensurate with its capability, states are seeking to gain superiority in technologies
national power. that undergird capabilities in new domains. Since space and cyber
In strengthening its defense capability, Japan must squarely domains are widely used for civilian purposes, if stable use of
face the aforementioned realities of national security and ensure these domains is impeded, it may entail serious consequences for
necessary and sufficient quality and quantity so as to build a truly the safety of state and its citizens.
effective defense capability that does not lie on a linear extension Due to advances in military technologies, a variety of threats
of the past. In particular, it has become essential that Japan achieve can now easily penetrate national borders. States endeavor
superiority in new domains, which are space, cyberspace and to develop weapons that leverage cutting-edge, potentially
electromagnetic spectrum. To build a new defense capability that game-changing technologies. They also engage in research of
combines strengths across all domains, Japan needs to engage in autonomous unmanned weapon systems equipped with artificial

intelligence (AI). Further technological innovations hereafter are status quo based on its own assertions that are incompatible
expected to make it difficult still to foresee future warfare. with existing international order. In the East China Sea and other
In the international community, there is a broadening and waters, China is expanding and intensifying its military activities
diversifying array of security challenges that cannot be dealt with at sea and in the air. Around the Senkaku Islands, an inherent part
by a single country alone. With respect to space and cyber domains, of Japanese territory, Chinese government vessels continually
establishing international rules and norms has been a security violate Japanese territorial waters despite Japan’s strong protests
agenda. In maritime domain, there have been cases where country while Chinese naval ships continuously operate in waters around
unilaterally claims its entitlements or take actions based on its the Islands. China is also expanding its military activities in the
own assertions that are incompatible with existing international Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. In particular, the Chinese
order. These have generated undue infringement upon freedom military in recent years has frequently advanced to the Pacific,
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in high seas. In addition, the proliferation of weapons of mass with its navigation routes and unit composition becoming more
destruction including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, diverse. In the South China Sea, China has forcibly conducted
and ballistic missiles as well as worsening international terrorism large-scale, rapid reclamation of maritime features, which
remain grave challenges for the international community. are being converted into military foothold. China in the South
Against such background, qualitatively and quantitatively China Sea is also expanding and intensifying its maritime and air
superior military powers concentrate in Japan’s surroundings activities.
where clear trends are observed in further military build-up and Such Chinese military and other developments, coupled with
increase in military activities. the lack of transparency surrounding its defense policy and
military power, represent a serious security concern for the region
2. Situations by country and region including Japan and for the international community. Japan needs
While remaining to possess the world’s largest comprehensive to continue to pay utmost attention to these developments. China
national power, the United States, with inter-state competitions is eagerly expected to play active roles in a more cooperative
in a range of areas prominently emerging, has acknowledged that manner in the region and the international community.
particularly important challenge is strategic competition with North Korea in recent years has launched ballistic missiles
China and Russia who attempt to alter global and regional order. at unprecedented frequency, rapidly improving its operational
To rebuild its military power, the United States is engaged capabilities such as simultaneous launch and surprise attack.
in such efforts as maintaining military advantage in all domains Given technological maturity obtained through a series of nuclear
through technological innovations, enhancing nuclear deterrent, tests, North Korea is assessed to have already successfully
and advancing missile defense capabilities. The United States miniaturized nuclear weapons to fit ballistic missile warheads.
upholds defense commitments to allies and partners and maintains Although North Korea expressed its intention for complete
forward force presence, while calling on them to share greater denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and blew up in public
responsibility. The United States frames the Indo-Pacific as a its nuclear test site, it has not carried out the dismantlement of all
priority region where it adopts a policy of strengthening alliances weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges in
and partnerships. a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner: There has been no
Member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization essential change in North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
(NATO) including the United States are reviewing their strategies North Korea is assessed to possess large-scale cyber units
to deal with coercive attempts to alter the status-quo as well as as part of its asymmetric military capabilities, engaging in theft
“hybrid warfare.” In view of changes in the security environment, of military secrets and developing capabilities to attack critical
NATO member states have been increasing their defense infrastructure of foreign countries. North Korea also retains large-
expenditures. scale special operation forces.
With an aim to build “world-class forces” by the mid-21st Such military developments of North Korea pose grave and
century, China has sustained high-level growth of defense imminent threats to Japan’s security and significantly undermine
expenditures with continued lack of transparency. China has peace and security of the region and the international community.
engaged in broad, rapid improvement of its military power in Through United Nations Security Council resolutions, the
qualitative and quantitative terms with focus on nuclear, missile, international community also has made it clear that North Korea’s
naval and air forces. In so doing, China attaches importance to nuclear- and ballistic missile-related activities constitute a clear
ensuring superiority in new domains: it is rapidly advancing threat to international peace and security.
capabilities in cyber and electromagnetic domains with which Russia is enhancing its military posture by continuing force
to disrupt opponent’s command and control; and continues to modernization efforts with a focus on nuclear forces. Russia is
enhance space domain capabilities through developing and in sharp confrontation with Europe and the United States over
experimenting anti-satellite weapons. China is also improving issues including situation in Ukraine. Russia’s military activities
missile defense penetration capabilities and amphibious landing are trending upward in the Arctic Circle, Europe, areas around
capabilities. Such capability enhancement serves to improve the the United States and the Middle East, as well as in the Far East
so-called Anti-Access/Area Denial (“A2/AD”) capabilities— including Japan’s Northern Territories. Close attention therefore
capabilities to deny access and deployment of foreign militaries needs to be paid to its developments.
to one’s surrounding areas and to disrupt their military operations
therein—as well as to build capabilities with which to conduct 3. Characteristics of Japan
military operations over greater distances. In addition, China is Surrounded by sea on all sides and with long coastlines, Japan
promoting civil-military integration policy in areas of national possesses numerous islands remote from the mainland and is
defense, science & technology and industry, and actively blessed with vast Exclusive Economic Zones: spread widely
developing and acquiring cutting-edge technologies of potential therein are life, person and property of its nationals, territorial
military utility. Also, maritime law enforcement agencies and the land, waters and airspace, as well as various resources, all of
military are improving their collaboration. which Japan must defend to the end. For Japan, a maritime nation
China engages in unilateral, coercive attempts to alter the dependent on overseas trade for the bulk of energy resources and

food supplies, fundamental to its peace and prosperity is to ensure will closely cooperate with the United States to maintain and
the safety of maritime and air traffic by strengthening the order of enhance its credibility. To deal with the threat, Japan will also
“Open and Stable Oceans,” an order based on fundamental norms increase its own efforts including comprehensive air and missile
such as rule of law and freedom of navigation. defense as well as civil protection. At the same time, towards the
Japan is prone to natural disasters that exact heavy damage. long-term goal of bringing about a world free of nuclear weapons,
Industry, population and information infrastructure concentrate in Japan will play an active and positive role in nuclear disarmament
Japan’s urban areas, and a large number of critical facilities such and non-proliferation.
as nuclear power plants are located in coastal areas.
In addition, Japan is undergoing population decline and ageing 1. Strengthening Japan’s own architecture for national defense
with dwindling birthrate at unprecedented pace. Severe fiscal (1) Building comprehensive architecture for national defense
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conditions continue as well. In order to squarely address the realities of security environment
that it has hitherto never faced and to securely achieve national
4. Summary defense objectives, Japan will build national defense architecture
In light of the foregoing, while the probability of a large- that in all phases integrates the strengths at the nation’s disposal:
scale military conflict between major countries, which was this structure enables not only Ministry of Defense (MOD) and
of concern during the Cold War era, remains low, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) efforts but also coherent, whole-
security environment is becoming more testing and uncertain of-government efforts; and enables cooperation with local
at a remarkably faster speed than expected when the “National governments and private entities. In particular, Japan will
Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2014 and beyond” (approved accelerate its efforts and cooperation in such fields as space,
by the National Security Council and the Cabinet on December cyberspace, electromagnetic spectrum, ocean, and science
17, 2013 and hereinafter referred to as the “former Guidelines”) & technology, and also promote measures concerning the
was formulated. formulation of international norms in fields such as space and
To prevent threats to Japan from materializing to menace life cyberspace.
and peaceful livelihood of its nationals, it behooves Japan to take Japan will further advance steady-state efforts such as strategic
measures that are in line with these realities. communications by systematically combining all available policy
tools.
III. Japan’s Basic Defense Policy In order to address a range of situations including armed
In line with the National Security Strategy and from the contingencies and “gray-zone” situations, Japan has been
perspective of “Proactive Contribution to Peace,” Japan has strengthening its posture under the principle of civilian control of
enhanced its diplomatic strength and defense capability. Japan the military. Japan further needs to seamlessly deal with various
has also expanded and deepened cooperative relationships with situations in a coherent, whole-of-government manner by way
other countries, with the Japan-U.S. Alliance being a cornerstone. of swift and pertinent decision-making under even stronger
In so doing, Japan under the Constitution has adhered to the basic political leadership, which will be assisted by enhanced support
precept of maintaining the exclusively defense-oriented policy mechanism. In view of protecting the life, person and property of
and not becoming a military power that poses threat to other its nationals, Japan will also continue to strengthen organization
countries, ensured civilian control of the military, and observed for disaster response and civil protection, and, in cooperation
the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. with local governments, work to secure evacuation facilities.
Japan under these precepts will ever not change the course it Japan will build a posture fully prepared to evacuate Japanese
has taken as a peace-loving nation. Based on this premise, Japan, nationals overseas during emergencies and ensure their safety.
even amid the realities of security environment it has hitherto Japan will promote measures to protect infrastructure critical to
never faced, must strive to preserve national interests identified people’s daily lives such as electricity and communication as well
in the National Security Strategy—defend to the end Japanese as to protect cyberspace.
nationals’ life, person and property, territorial land, waters and In addition to making aforementioned efforts, in order to
airspace, and its sovereignty and independence. To that end, the ensure the effectiveness of various policies and measures, Japan
Government will identify national defense objectives and the will, on a steady-state basis, devise and review relevant plans
means to achieve them, and proactively and strategically promote while systematizing them; also, expand the use of simulations and
measures with added variety. comprehensive training and exercises to improve the effectiveness
National defense objectives are: first, to create, on a steady- of emergency response posture.
state basis, security environment desirable for Japan by integrating
and drawing on the strengths at the nation’s disposal; second, to (2) Strengthening Japan’s defense capability
deter threat from reaching Japan by making opponent realize that a. Significance and necessity of defense capability
doing harm to Japan would be difficult and consequential; and Defense capability is the ultimate guarantor of Japan’s national
finally, should threat reach Japan, to squarely counter the threat security. Defense capability represents Japan’s will and ability to:
and minimize damage. deter threat from reaching Japan; and should threat reach Japan,
Japan will strengthen each of the means by which to eliminate the threat and, as a sovereign nation, by exerting efforts
successfully achieve these national defense objectives: Japan’s on its own accord and initiative, defend to the end Japanese
own architecture for national defense; the Japan-U.S. Alliance; nationals’ life, person and property as well as territorial land,
and international security cooperation. These efforts, including waters and airspace.
achieving superiority in new domains, which are space, At the same time, defense capability is essential for Japan
cyberspace, and electromagnetic spectrum, must be carried out to play on its initiative its roles in the Japan-U.S. Alliance at all
swiftly and flexibly in order to deal with increasingly complex phases from peacetime to armed contingencies. Strengthening
security environment that is changing at accelerating speeds. Japan’s defense capability to provide for national security is
In dealing with the threat of nuclear weapons, U.S. extended none other than strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Defense
deterrence, with nuclear deterrence at its core, is essential: Japan capability is essential also for advancing Japan’s efforts in

security cooperation with other countries. activities by SDF units. SDF will leverage its capabilities in all
Defense capability is the most important strength for Japan domains to conduct wide-area, persistent intelligence, surveillance
in retaining self-sustained existence as a sovereign nation amid and reconnaissance (hereinafter referred to as “persistent ISR”)
security environment it has never faced before. Japan must activities around Japan. SDF will prevent occurrence or escalation
strengthen this capability on its own accord and initiative. of emergencies by employing flexible deterrent options and
b. Truly effective defense capability – Multi-domain Defense Force other measures. Leveraging posture in place for these activities,
To be able to deter and counter qualitatively and quantitatively SDF will, in coordination with the police and other agencies,
superior military threats in increasingly testing security immediately take appropriate measures in response to actions that
environment, it has become vitally important to adapt to warfare violate Japan’s sovereignty including incursions into its territorial
that combines capabilities in new domains—space, cyberspace airspace and waters.
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and electromagnetic spectrum—and traditional domains—land, SDF will provide persistent protection against incoming
sea and air. ballistic missiles and other threats, and minimize damage should
Japan needs to develop, while qualitatively and quantitatively it occur.
enhancing capabilities in individual domains, a defense capability b. Attack against Japan including its remote islands
that can execute cross-domain operations, which organically fuse In response to attack on Japan including its remote islands, SDF
capabilities in all domains to generate synergy and amplify the will quickly maneuver and deploy requisite units to block access
overall strength, so that even when inferiority exists in individual and landing of invading forces while ensuring maritime and air
domains such inferiority will be overcome and national defense superiority. Even when maintaining maritime and air superiority
accomplished. becomes untenable, SDF will block invading forces’ access and
In order to ensure national defense in increasingly uncertain landing from outside their threat envelopes. Should any part of
security environment, it is also important for Japan to be able the territory be occupied, SDF will retake it by employing all
to seamlessly conduct activities at all stages from peacetime to necessary measures.
armed contingencies. To date, Japan has endeavored to develop Against airborne attack by missiles and aircraft, SDF will
a defense capability that allows to engage in diverse activities in respond in a swift and sustained manner by applying optimal
a swift and sustainable manner. In recent years, however, SDF means and minimize damage to maintain SDF’s capabilities
has had to increase the scope and frequency of its steady-state as well as the infrastructure upon which such capabilities are
activities such as maintaining presence, as well as intelligence, employed.
surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities: This is exacting In response to attack by guerrillas or special operations forces,
a chronic burden on its personnel and equipment, generating a SDF will protect critical facilities including nuclear power plants
concern that SDF may not be able to maintain proficiency and the and search and destroy infiltrating forces.
volume of its activities. c. Space, cyber and electromagnetic domains during all phases
Japan needs to: improve quality and quantity of capabilities In space, cyber and electromagnetic domains, to prevent any
that support sustainability and resiliency of various activities; and actions that impede its activities, SDF will conduct on a steady-
develop a defense capability that enables sustained conduct of state basis persistent monitoring as well as collection and analysis
flexible and strategic activities commensurate with the character of relevant information. In case of such event, SDF will promptly
of given situations. identify incidents and take such measures as damage limitation
Further, Japan’s defense capability needs to be capable of and recovery.
strengthening the ability of the Japan-U.S. Alliance to deter and In case of armed attack against Japan, SDF will, on top of
counter threats as well as promoting multi-faceted and multi- taking these actions, block and eliminate the attack by leveraging
layered security cooperation. capabilities in space, cyber and electromagnetic domains.
In light of the foregoing, Japan will henceforth build a truly In addition, in light of the society’s growing dependence on
effective defense capability, “Multi-Domain Defense Force,” space and cyberspace, SDF will contribute to comprehensive,
which: organically fuses capabilities in all domains including whole-of-government efforts concerning these domains under
space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum; and is capable appropriate partnership and shared responsibility with relevant
of sustained conduct of flexible and strategic activities during all organizations.
phases from peacetime to armed contingencies. The development d. Large-scale disasters
of “Multi-Domain Defense Force” will be done while honing the In case of large-scale disasters, to protect the life, person, and
attributes of “Dynamic Joint Defense Force” under the former property of Japanese nationals, SDF will swiftly transport and
Guidelines. deploy requisite units to take all necessary measures for initial
response, and, as required, maintain its posture for disaster
(3) Roles that defense capability should play response for a longer term. SDF will carefully address the needs
In order to create a security environment desirable for Japan and of affected citizens and local governments, and engage in life
to deter and counter threats, Japan’s defense capability must be saving, temporary repair and livelihood support in appropriate
able to serve the roles specified below in a seamless and combined partnership and cooperation with relevant organizations, local
manner. In particular, in view of protecting the life and peaceful governments and the private sector.
livelihood of Japanese nationals, it is all the more important for e. Collaboration with the United States based on the Japan-U.S. Alliance
Japan’s defense capability to fulfill diverse roles on a steady-state In all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies, in line with
basis. the “Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation,” Japan will
a. From peacetime to “gray-zone” situations effectively conduct activities described in 2. by playing on its
SDF will enhance its presence on a steady-state basis by actively initiative its own roles in the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
engaging in, among others, bilateral/multilateral training and f. Promotion of security cooperation
exercises and overseas port visits, thereby demonstrating Japan’s SDF will actively engage in efforts for enhanced security
will and capability. SDF will, in close integration with diplomacy, cooperation as stated in 3.: In accordance with policies that
promote strategic communications including aforementioned are tailored to individual regions and countries, SDF will

strategically promote defense cooperation and exchanges such In particular, Japan will promote standardization of defense
as: joint training and exercises, cooperation in defense equipment equipment that contributes to Japan-U.S. bilateral activities, and
and technologies, capacity building assistance, and service-to- sharing of various networks. In order to support sustainable U.S.
service exchange. force activities around Japan as well as to ensure high operational
availability of SDF equipment, Japan will build capacity for in-
2. Strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance country maintenance of U.S.-made equipment.
The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements based on the Japan-U.S. To efficiently improve Japanese and U.S. capabilities, while
Security Treaty, together with Japan’s own national defense facilitating common understanding of respective priorities
architecture, constitute a cornerstone for Japan’s national in defense capability enhancement, promote measures such
security. The Japan-U.S. Alliance, with the Japan-U.S. Security as effective acquisition of advanced U.S equipment through
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Arrangements as its core, plays a significant role for peace, optimized Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Japan-U.S. joint
stability and prosperity of not only Japan but also the Indo-Pacific research and development.
region and the international community. With respect to SDF facilities and U.S force facilities and
As inter-sate competitions prominently emerge, it has become areas including training facilities and areas, Japan will promote
all the more important for Japan’s national security to further cooperation on joint/shared use and efforts for improved
strengthen relationship with the United States, with whom Japan resiliency.
shares universal values and strategic interests. The United States
also views that cooperation with its allies has become more (3) Steady implementation of measures concerning stationing of U.S.
important. Forces in Japan
While the Japan-U.S. Alliance has been reinforced through Japan will provide stable support for smooth and effective
activities including those that were made possible by the stationing of U.S. forces in Japan through various measures
Legislation for Peace and Security, Japan needs to further enhance including Host Nation Support (HNS). Japan will also steadily
the Alliance through efforts under the “Guidelines for Japan-US implement the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan to mitigate
Defense Cooperation” in order to achieve its national defense impact on local communities while maintaining deterrence
objective as security environment surrounding Japan becomes provided by U.S. forces.
more testing and uncertain at remarkably fast speeds. Okinawa is located in areas critically important to Japan’s
In further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, it is an national security and U.S. force stationing in Okinawa greatly
essential premise that Japan strengthen its own defense capability contributes to deterrent the Japan-U.S. Alliance provides: At the
on its own accord and initiative. Fulfilling this premise, Japan same time, facilities and areas of U.S. forces in Japan are highly
needs to press ahead with efforts such as: bolstering the ability of concentrated in Okinawa. In light of this, Japan in recent years
the Alliance to deter and counter threats; enhancing and expanding has been furthering its efforts to mitigate impact on Okinawa
cooperation in a wide range of areas; and steadily implementing including returns of U.S. facilities and areas. Japan will continue
measures concerning the stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan. to work to mitigate impact on Okinawa by steadily implementing
such measures as realignment, consolidation and reduction
(1) Strengthening ability of Japan-U.S. Alliance to deter and counter of facilities and areas of U.S. forces in Okinawa including the
threats relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma as well as the
In all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies as well dispersion of impact on Okinawa.
as during disasters, Japan will enhance information sharing
with the United States, conduct effective and smooth bilateral 3. Strengthening security cooperation
coordination involving all relevant organizations and take all In line with the vision of free and open Indo-Pacific, Japan will
necessary measures to ensure Japan’s peace and security. strategically promote multifaceted and multilayered security
For these purposes, Japan will further deepen various cooperation, taking into account characteristics and situation
operational cooperation and policy coordination with the United specific to each region and country. As part of such efforts, Japan
States. In particular, Japan will expand and deepen cooperation will actively leverage its defense capability to work on defense
in: space and cyber domains; comprehensive air and missile cooperation and exchanges which include bilateral training
defense; bilateral training and exercises; bilateral ISR operations; and exercises, defense equipment and technology cooperation,
and bilateral flexible deterrent options. Japan will also promote capacity building assistance, and interchanges among military
formulation and renewal of bilateral plans and deepen the branches. Furthermore, Japan will also contribute to address
Extended Deterrence Dialogue. In addition, Japan will even more global security challenges. In implementing these initiatives,
actively conduct activities such as logistic support for U.S. force Japan will position the Japan-U.S. Alliance as its cornerstone
activities and protection of U.S. ships and aircraft. and will work closely with the countries that share universal
values and security interests, through full coordination with its
(2) Strengthening and expanding cooperation in a wide range of areas diplomatic policy.
In order to create a desirable security environment including
maintaining and enhancing free and open maritime order, and (1) Promoting defense cooperation and exchanges
with an eye on increasing Japanese and U.S. presence in the With Australia, to further improve interoperability and by
Indo-Pacific region, Japan will conduct bilateral activities such utilizing frameworks such as Foreign and Defense Ministerial
as capacity building assistance, humanitarian assistance/disaster Consultations (“2+2”), Japan will further promote bilateral
relief (HA/DR) and counter-piracy. training and exercises and defense equipment and technology
In order for Japan and the United States to be able to fully cooperation, and advance cooperative activities such as
leverage their capabilities during bilateral activities, Japan will bilaterally-aligned capacity building assistance to third parties.
enhance and expand cooperation with the United States in such Japan will also strengthen cooperative relations under trilateral
areas as equipment, technology, facility, and intelligence as well framework among Japan, Australia and the United States, which
as information security. share universal values and strategic interests.

With India, in view of enhancing strategic partnership and by contribute to the improvement of capabilities pertaining to the
utilizing frameworks such as “2+2,” Japan will promote bilateral maritime security of coastal states in the Indo-Pacific region,
training and exercises and defense equipment and technology which include South Asian countries such as India and Sri
cooperation in a broad range of areas including maritime security. Lanka, as well as Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, Japan
Japan will also strengthen cooperation among Japan, India and will promote such activities as bilateral/multilateral training and
the United States. exercises, unit-to-unit exchanges and active port visits at these
With Southeast Asian countries, Japan will continue to occasions. Japan will also conduct activities such as anti-piracy
support efforts for strengthening the centrality and unity of the efforts in cooperation with relevant countries and cooperation for
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is strengthening capabilities of the Maritime Domain Awareness
the key to regional cooperation, and promote practical bilateral (MDA).
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and multilateral cooperation, including bilateral training and Regarding the use of space domain, Japan will promote
exercises, defense equipment and technology cooperation, and partnership and cooperation in various fields including the Space
capacity building assistance. Situational Awareness (SSA) and mission assurance of the entire
With the Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan will promote defense space system, through consultations and information sharing
cooperation in a broad range of fields and strive to establish with relevant countries and active participation in multilateral
the foundation for collaboration. Japan will also continue to exercises among others. Regarding the use of cyber domain,
strengthen trilateral cooperation among Japan, the ROK and the Japan will enhance its partnership and cooperation with relevant
United States to maintain peace and stability in the region. countries through measures such as sharing views on threat
With the United Kingdom and France, to contribute to the awareness, exchanging views on response to cyber attacks, and
stability of maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan participating in multilateral exercises.
will, while leveraging such frameworks as the “2+2,” promote In cooperation with relevant countries and international
efforts including more practical bilateral training and exercises, organizations, Japan will promote non-proliferation efforts
defense equipment and technology cooperation and bilateral regarding: weapons of mass destruction and missiles which
collaboration on third-party engagement. Japan will strengthen can serve as their delivery means; and goods and sensitive
cooperation with European countries as well as NATO and the technologies of potential military use. Leveraging SDF’s
European Union (EU). knowledge and human resources, Japan will engage in various
With Canada and New Zealand, Japan will promote efforts activities related to arms control and disarmament undertaken by
including bilateral/multilateral training and exercises as well as the United Nations and other bodies, including the discussion on
bilateral collaboration on third-party engagement. Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS).
With China, in order to enhance mutual understanding and trust, In line with the Legislation for Peace and Security, Japan will
Japan will promote multi-layered dialogues and exchange. In so actively promote international peace cooperation activities, while
doing, Japan will continue to encourage China to play responsible giving comprehensive consideration to such factors as purposes
and constructive roles for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific of mission, situation in host country, and political and economic
region, comply with international norms of conduct, and improve relations between Japan and host country. While making good
transparency regarding military capability enhancement. In order use of past experiences to develop human resources, Japan will
to avoid unexpected situations between the two countries, Japan actively contribute through such efforts as sending embedded
will utilize the “Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism personnel to mission headquarters and capacity building
between the defense authorities of Japan and China” in a manner assistance in areas that Japan excels. Regarding SDF operation
that contributes to building a trusting relationship between the facility in the Republic of Djibouti, which is used for anti-piracy
two countries. Japan will calmly and firmly deal with Chinese efforts, Japan will work towards stable, long-term use of the
activities at sea and in the air around Japan. facility for regional security cooperation and other activities.
With Russia, in order to enhance mutual understanding
and trust, Japan will promote security dialogues with Russia IV. Priorities in Strengthening Defense Capability
including the “2+2,” high-level interactions and broad unit-to-
1. Guiding thoughts
unit exchanges, and deepen bilateral training and exercises.
In order to adapt to increasingly rapid changes in security
With island nations of the Pacific Ocean, Japan will promote
environment, Japan must strengthen its defense capability at
port and airport visits by SDF as well as exchanges and cooperation
speeds that are fundamentally different from the past. In view
that utilize capabilities and characteristics of each service of SDF.
of aging population with declining birth rate and severe fiscal
With countries in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa,
situation, it is essential that Japan use budget and personnel even
in order to build and strengthen cooperative relations Japan
more effectively.
will promote exchanges at all levels, including high level, and
In strengthening defense capability, Japan will enhance
cooperation in such fields as capacity building assistance related
priority capability areas as early as possible, allocating resources
to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
flexibly and intensively without adhering to existing budget and
Regarding multilateral frameworks, Japan attaches importance
human resource allocation, and undertake necessary fundamental
to the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defense Ministers’
reforms.
Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the ASEAN Regional Forum
In taking these measures, SDF will further promote jointness
(ARF) that provide significant foundations for discussions,
of the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces in all areas
cooperation and exchanges related to security field in the Indo-
and, avoiding stove-piped approach, optimize their organizations
Pacific region. In addition, Japan will contribute to strengthening
and equipment. In particular, SDF will further promote jointness
cooperation and mutual trust among the countries in the region.
in a wide range of areas such as capabilities in new domains,
which are space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum,
(2) Responding to global issues
comprehensive air and missile defense, damage recovery,
From the viewpoint of securing the freedom and security
transportation, maintenance, supply, security, education, medical
of navigation and flight, Japan will promote cooperation to

service and research. information sharing posture. SDF will improve capabilities
With respect to hedging against invasion scenarios such as to minimize the effect of opponent’s electronic jamming. In
amphibious landing employing large-scale ground forces, which addition, SDF will strengthen capabilities to neutralize radar
were assumed primarily during the Cold War period, SDF will and communications of opponent who intends to invade Japan.
retain forces only enough to maintain and carry on the minimum In order to smoothly perform these activities, SDF will enhance
necessary expertise and skills with which to adapt to changes in its ability to appropriately manage and coordinate the use of
situation in the future, and work further to achieve even greater electromagnetic spectrum.
efficiency and rationalization.
(2) Enhancing capabilities in traditional domains
2.
Priorities in strengthening capabilities necessary for cross- SDF will enhance capabilities to effectively counter attacks
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domain operations by aircraft, ships and missiles during cross-domain operations
(1) Acquiring and strengthening capabilities in space, cyber and in close combination with capabilities in space, cyber and
electromagnetic domains electromagnetic domains.
In order to realize cross-domain operations, SDF will acquire a. Capabilities in maritime and air domains
and strengthen capabilities in new domains, which are space, In order to effectively deal with armed attack against Japan, it is
cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum by focusing resources extremely important for Japan to establish and maintain maritime
and leveraging Japan’s superb science and technology. In and air superiority.
doing so, SDF will strengthen and protect command, control, SDF will reinforce its posture for conducting persistent ISR at
communications and information capabilities that effectively sea and in the air around Japan.
connect capabilities in all domains including the new ones. SDF will also strengthen surface and underwater operational
a. Capabilities in space domain capabilities including Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV).
Effective use of satellites for such purposes as information- By taking measures such as developing a fighter force structure
gathering, communication and positioning is essential for that features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) fighter
realizing cross-domain operations. On the other hand, threats to aircraft which bring operational flexibility, SDF will improve air
the stable use of space are increasing. operation capability particularly on the Pacific side of Japan,
SDF therefore will further improve various capabilities where number of air bases is limited despite its vast airspace.
that leverage space domain including information-gathering, In so doing, as number of air bases that allow for take-off and
communication and positioning capabilities. SDF will also landing of fighters is limited, Japan will take necessary measures
build a structure to conduct persistent ground- and space-based to enable STOVL fighter aircraft to operate from existing SDF
space situation monitoring. To ensure superiority in use of space ships as required, in order to further improve flexibility in fighter
at all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies, SDF will operations while ensuring safety of SDF personnel.
also work to strengthen capabilities including mission assurance b. Stand-off defense capability
capability and capability to disrupt opponent’s command, control, As other countries make remarkable advances in early warning
communications and information. and control capabilities and the performance of various missiles,
In so doing, SDF will actively leverage civilian technologies SDF needs to effectively intercept attack against Japan, while
and work to enhance cooperation with relevant agencies including ensuring safety of its personnel.
the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and with the SDF will acquire stand-off firepower and other requisite
United States and other relevant countries. SDF will also engage capabilities to deal with ships and landing forces attempting to
in organization building such as the creation of units specializing invade Japan including remote islands from the outside of their
in space and dedicated career field, and develop human resources threat envelopes. In addition, in order to appropriately leverage
and accumulate knowledge and expertise in the space field. advances in military technologies, Japan will swiftly and flexibly
b. Capabilities in cyber domain strengthen stand-off defense capability through measures such as
Information and communications networks that leverage comprehensive research and development of related technologies.
cyberspace are a foundation for SDF’s activities in various c. Comprehensive air and missile defense capability
domains, and attack against them seriously disrupts organized Japan needs to effectively and efficiently counter increasingly
activities of SDF. In order to prevent such attack, SDF will diverse and complex airborne threats of ballistic and cruise
continue to strengthen capabilities for persistent monitoring of missiles and aircraft by optimum means and minimize damage.
command and communications systems and networks as well SDF will establish a structure with which to conduct
as for damage limitation and recovery. In addition, SDF will integrated operation of various equipment pieces, those for
fundamentally strengthen its cyber defense capability, including missile defense as well as air defense equipment that each SDF
capability to disrupt, during attack against Japan, opponent’s use service has separately used, thereby providing persistent nation-
of cyberspace for the attack. wide protection and also enhancing capability to simultaneously
In so doing, SDF will significantly expand its human resources deal with multiple, complex airborne threats. SDF will also study
with specialized expertise and skills, and take into consideration ways to counter future airborne threats.
its contributions to whole-of-government efforts. Based on basic role and mission sharing between Japan and
c. Capabilities in electromagnetic domain the United States, in order to strengthen the deterrent of the Japan-
Since the use of electromagnetic spectrum has expanded in range U.S. Alliance as a whole, Japan will continue to study a potential
and purpose, it is now recognized as a major operational domain form of response capability to address the means for missile
situated on the frontline of offense-defense dynamic in today’s launch and related facilities and will take necessary measures.
warfare. Ensuring superiority in electromagnetic domain is also d. Maneuver and deployment capability
critical to realizing cross-domain operations. In order to effectively deal with various situations such as attack
SDF will work to enhance information and communications on remote islands, requisite SDF units need to conduct sustained,
capabilities as well as information collection and analysis persistent activities in appropriate areas on a steady-state basis
capabilities related to electromagnetics, and develop an and to maneuver and deploy according to situation.

SDF will strengthen amphibious operation and other SDF will: develop equipment with multiple functional variants;
capabilities. In addition, to enable swift and large-scale transport, optimize and standardize specifications of equipment; and jointly
SDF will strengthen joint transport capability including inter- and procure equipment commonly used across SDF services; reduce
intra-theater transport capabilities tailored to the characteristics types of aircraft; suspend the use of equipment whose importance
of remote island areas. SDF will also work to collaborate with has decreased; and review or discontinue projects of low cost-
commercial transport on a steady-state basis. effectiveness.
(3) Strengthening sustainability and resiliency (3) Reinforcing technology base
To be able to sustain a range of requisite activities at all stages As character of warfare changes dramatically due to advances
from peacetime to armed contingencies, sustainability and in military technologies, it is becoming all the more important
resiliency of defense capability including logistics support needs to reinforce technological base that has bearing on defense
Reference
to be enhanced. equipment through whole-of-government approach by leveraging

SDF will take necessary measures for securing ammunition and Japan’s superb science and technology.
fuel, ensuring maritime shipping lanes, and protecting important MOD/SDF will make focused investments through selection
infrastructure. In particular, while cooperating with relevant and concentration in important technologies including artificial
ministries and agencies, SDF will improve sustainability through intelligence and other potentially game-changing technologies.
safe and steady acquisition and stockpiling of ammunition and MOD/SDF will also dramatically shorten research and
fuel. SDF will also improve resiliency in a multi-layered way development timelines by streamlining R&D processes and
through efforts including dispersion, recovery, and substitution of procedures. In doing so, MOD/SDF will encourage company’s
infrastructure and other foundations for SDF operations. Further, prior investments and leverage its strength to full potential by
SDF will work toward more effective and efficient equipment actively using design proposal-based competition scheme and
maintenance by reviewing existing maintenance methods, improving foreseeability through the formulation of R&D visions
thereby ensuring high operational availability. on capabilities required for Japan’s future national defense.
In addition, MOD/SDF will work to actively leverage
3. Priorities in strengthening core elements of defense capability potentially dual-use, advanced commercial technologies through
(1) Reinforcing human resource base such efforts as: technology exchange with relevant domestic and
The core element of defense capability is SDF personnel. Securing overseas entities; enhanced collaboration with relevant ministries
human resources for SDF personnel and improving their ability and agencies; and use of the “Innovative Science & Technology
and morale are essential to strengthening defense capability. Initiative for Security” program.
This has become an imminent challenge in the face of shrinking MOD/SDF will reinforce its structure aimed at early discovery
and aging population with declining birth rates. Also in light of of innovative, emerging technologies and fostering thereof by
sustainability and resilience of defense capability, SDF needs to utilizing and creating think tanks that survey and analyze latest
work even further to reinforce human resource base that sustains foreign and domestic technological trends.
SDF personnel.
MOD/SDF will promote efforts, including those address (4) Optimizing equipment procurement
institutional aspects, in order to secure diverse, high-quality In order to secure necessary and sufficient quality and quantity of
talents from a wider range of people. These efforts include: SDF equipment, MOD/SDF needs to acquire high-performance
various recruitment measures such as cooperation with local equipment at the most affordable prices possible. MOD/SDF
governments and other entities; diversifying applicant pool also needs to do thorough cost management and reduction
including college graduates; expanding women’s participation; not only during budget development but also during budget
appropriate extension of SDF personnel’s mandatory retirement implementation.
ages; leveraging retired SDF personnel as well as reserve MOD/SDF will actively use systematic acquisition methods
personnel; and measures for raising fulfillment rates. MOD/SDF including long-term contracts which facilitate efficient
will also promote manpower saving and automation by leveraging procurement, and streamline equipment maintenance. MOD/
technological innovations such as artificial intelligence. SDF will facilitate competition among domestic and foreign
To enable all SDF personnel to maintain high morale and companies, and promote defense equipment development that
continue to fully exercise their ability, MOD/SDF will improve eyes towards international joint development and production
living and work environment and promote work style reforms at as well as overseas transfer. In order to efficiently procure
MOD/SDF to ensure proper work-life balance. U.S.-made high-performance equipment, MOD/SDF will
Through such efforts as enhancing joint education and research, promote rationalization of FMS procurement and work to align
MOD/SDF will enrich education and research to improve procurement timings and specifications with U.S. forces and other
SDF’s capabilities and foster its unity. MOD/SDF will enhance parties. In taking these steps, MOD/SDF will further strengthen
education for organization management skills. In addition, MOD/ efforts on project management throughout the entire life cycle of
SDF will improve treatment through measures concerning honors defense equipment.
and privileges, and allowance increase that reflects the special
nature of SDF’s missions. MOD/SDF will also further improve (5) Strengthening defense industrial base
re-employment support for SDF personnel in view of the fact that Japan’s defense industry is an essential foundation for the
it is the responsibility of the Government to secure the livelihood production, operation, and maintenance of defense equipment.
of SDF personnel under the mandatory early retirement system. For the production of high-performance equipment and to ensure
their high operational availability, it is necessary to make defense
(2) Reviewing equipment structure industrial base more resilient by overcoming challenges such as
MOD/SDF will examine the existing equipment structure from high costs due to low- volume, high-mix production and lack of
joint operation perspective and build an optimized equipment international competitiveness, thereby enabling it to effectively
structure. In so doing, while giving due considerations to adapt to changing security environment.
capabilities each SDF service requires for its operations, MOD/ In addition to taking various measures concerning equipment

structure, technological base, and equipment procurement, to at all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies through
create a competitive environment for companies, MOD/SDF such means as mission assurance and disruption of opponent’s
will reform the existing contract system including affording command, control, communications and information.
incentives to companies. MOD/SDF will enhance supply-chain (3) SDF will maintain a cyberspace defense unit as an integrated
risk management and work to further expand Japanese defense unit in order to conduct persistent monitoring of SDF’s
industry’s participation in maintenance work of imported information and communications networks as well as to
equipment. For whole-of-government efforts to promote fundamentally strengthen cyber defense capability, including
appropriate overseas transfer of defense equipment under capability to disrupt, during attack against Japan, opponent’s
the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and use of cyberspace for the attack.
Technology, which permits transfer of defense equipment (4) SDF will strengthen the Joint Staff Office’s posture in order
Reference
in cases where the transfer contributes to Japan’s security, to appropriately manage and coordinate, from joint operation
MOD/SDF will work to make necessary improvements in perspective, the use of electromagnetic spectrum. SDF will
the Principles’ implementation. At the same time, MOD/SDF strengthen each SDF service’s posture to enable SDF to
will strengthen intellectual property management, technology collect and analyze information concerning electromagnetic
management and information security in order to prevent domain and to neutralize radar, communications and others
drain of important defense equipment-related technologies. operated by opponent that intends to invade Japan.
Through above-mentioned measures, MOD/SDF will work to (5) In order to provide persistent nation-wide protection on a
reduce equipment costs and improve industrial competitiveness, steady-state basis and to be able to simultaneously deal with
thereby striving to build resilient defense industrial base. MOD/ multiple, complex airborne threats: GSDF will maintain
SDF will also examine further measures to that end. surface-to-air guided missile units and ballistic missile defense
units; MSDF will maintain Aegis-equipped destroyers; ASDF
(6) Enhancing intelligence capabilities will maintain surface-to-air guided missile units; and SDF
MOD/SDF will enhance intelligence capabilities to provide will build comprehensive air and missile defense capability
timely, effective intelligence support to policy decision and SDF comprising these assets.
operations. MOD/SDF will strengthen capabilities for each stage (6) At all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies, SDF
of collection, processing, analysis, sharing, and protection so will maintain a maritime transport unit as an integrated unit
that SDF can promptly detect and swiftly respond to indications that allows SDF units to swiftly maneuver and deploy in joint
of various situations and also take requisite measures based on operations.
medium- to long-term military trends.
In so doing, while giving due considerations to technological 2. Organization of GSDF
trends in information processing, MOD/SDF will strengthen (1) In order to be able to swiftly respond to various situations,
capability and posture, including those related to new domains, GSDF will maintain rapidly deployable basic operational
for the collection of SIGINT, IMINT, HUMINT, OSINT and units (rapid deployment divisions, rapid deployment brigades
others. MOD/SDF will enhance collaboration with relevant and an armored division) furnished with advanced mobility
domestic agencies including the Cabinet Satellite Intelligence and ISR capabilities. GSDF will also maintain mobile
Center which operates Information Gathering Satellites and with operating units equipped with specialized functions, in order
the ally as well as with other parties. MOD/SDF will work to hire, to effectively perform operations such as: various missions
retain and train personnel for information collection and analysis in cyber and electromagnetic domains; airborne operations;
and to acquire and connect information-sharing systems. MOD/ amphibious operations; special operations; air transportation;
SDF also will establish more robust information security regime defense against NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical)
and strengthen counter-intelligence capability. weapons; and security cooperation with foreign countries.
In view of the excellent training environment it offers,
V. Organization of Self-Defense Forces GSDF will maintain half of rapidly deployable basic
operational units in Hokkaido, on the premise that these units
In order to realize cross-domain operations, SDF will strengthen will deploy and move via joint transport capability.
joint operations as described in 1 and develop organization of GSDF will strengthen its ability to deter and counter threats
each SDF service as described in sections from 2 to 4. Organic by taking measures including: persistent steady-state maneuver
structure of major units and specific quantities of major equipment such as coordinated activities between ships and Amphibious
in the future are as shown in the Annex table. Rapid Deployment Brigade and other mobile operating units
as well as their various training and exercises; stationing of
1. Joint operation to realize cross-domain operations units in remote islands hitherto without SDF presence; and
(1) In order to further promote joint-ness of GSDF, MSDF establishing networks with MSDF and ASDF.
and ASDF in all areas, SDF will strengthen the Joint Staff (2) To be able to counter invasion of remote islands, GSDF will
Office’s posture designed for effective SDF operations and maintain surface-to-ship guided missile units and hyper-
for new domains, thereby enabling swift exercise of SDF’s velocity gliding projectile units for remote island defense.
capabilities. SDF will examine future framework for joint (3) With respect to basic operational units (divisions and
operation. SDF will also work to flexibly leverage personnel brigades) other than the rapidly deployable ones referred to
of each SDF service through such efforts as building posture in (1), GSDF will review their organization and equipment
for force protection and damage recovery with an eye on with focus on tanks, howitzers and rockets. With respect to
mutual cooperation among SDF services. units under the direct command of regional armies, GSDF will
(2) SDF will maintain an ASDF unit that specializes in space also review their organization and equipment related to aerial
domain missions, and strengthen its posture for joint firepower. GSDF will thoroughly implement rationalization
operations in order to conduct persistent monitoring of and streamlining of these units and appropriately position
situations in space, and to ensure superiority in use of space them to meet conditions and characteristics of each region.

3. Organization of MSDF 1. Training and exercises
(1) In order to provide for defense in the waters around Japan In order to maintain and improve its tactical skills, SDF will
and security of maritime traffic through effective prosecution conduct more practical, effective and systematic training and
of persistent ISR, antisubmarine operations and mine exercises while, as necessary, work in partnership with relevant
countermeasure operations, and to be able to effectively organizations, local governments and the private sector. In so
engage in security cooperation with other countries, MSDF doing, in order to conduct more practical training, SDF will:
will maintain reinforced destroyer units including destroyers develop and utilize domestic training ranges such as those in
with improved multi-mission capabilities, minesweeper Hokkaido as well as fine training environment overseas; facilitate
units and embarked patrol helicopter units. MSDF will joint/shared use of U.S. Forces facilities and areas; facilitate use
Reference
organize surface units composed of these destroyer units and of places other than SDF facilities or U.S. Forces facilities and
minesweeper units. In addition, MSDF will maintain patrol areas; and more actively introduce training simulators and others.
ship units to enable enhanced steady-state ISR in the waters SDF will also actively utilize training and exercises to constantly
around Japan. examine and review various plans for emergencies.
With respect to the destroyers equipped with improved
multi-mission capabilities, MSDF will introduce multi- 2. Medical Care
crew shiftwork and promote collaboration with patrol ships SDF needs to enhance its medical functions to keep SDF
equipped with high ISR capability, thereby enhancing personnel’s vitality and enhance their ability to deal with various
persistent ISR posture. situations and engage in a diverse range of missions at home
(2) In order to effectively conduct steady-state, wide-area and abroad. In order to protect the lives of SDF personnel to the
underwater ISR, and to effectively engage in patrols and maxim extent possible, MOD/SDF will strengthen its posture
defense in the waters around Japan, MSDF will maintain for medical care and onward transfer of patients, seamlessly
reinforced submarine units. covering the entire stretch between the frontline and final medical
By introducing a test-bed submarine, MSDF will work evacuation destinations. Taking into account conditions and
to achieve greater efficiency in submarine operations and characteristics of each region, SDF will focus on strengthening
accelerate capability improvement, thereby enhancing medical functions of SDF in Japan’s southwestern region. SDF
persistent ISR posture. will establish an efficient and high-quality medical care regime
(3) In order to effectively conduct steady-state, wide-area through endeavors including upgrading of SDF hospitals
airborne ISR, and to effectively engage in patrols and defense into medical hubs with enhanced functions. In order to secure
in the waters around Japan, MSDF will maintain fixed- wing medical personnel in operation units, SDF will: improve the
patrol aircraft units. management of the National Defense Medical College; enrich
and enhance education and research such as improving medical
4. Organization of ASDF care capabilities for war injury. In addition, SDF will improve
(1) ASDF will maintain air warning and control units consisting requisite posture for various international cooperation including
of ground-based warning and control units and reinforced capacity building assistance.
airborne warning units: ground-based warning and control
units are capable of conducting persistent surveillance in 3. Collaboration with local communities
airspace around Japan including vast airspace on the Pacific Amid increasingly testing and uncertain security environment,
side; and airborne warning units are capable of conducting activities, training and exercises of SDF and U.S. forces in
effective, sustained airborne warning, surveillance and control Japan are becoming more diverse and defense equipment more
during “gray zone” and other situations with heightened sophisticated. As a result, it is becoming all the more important
tensions. to gain understanding among and secure cooperation from local
(2) In order to be able to provide for air defense in airspace governments and residents around defense facilities.
around Japan including vast airspace on the Pacific side with MOD/SDF will constantly and actively engage in public
a comprehensive posture that brings together fighter aircraft relations activities regarding defense policies and activities. Upon
and supporting functions, ASDF will maintain fighter aircraft fielding units and equipment of SDF or U.S. Forces in Japan and
units reinforced by high-performance fighter aircraft. In order conducting training and exercises, MOD/SDF will make careful,
to enable fighter aircraft units and airborne warning units to detailed coordination to meet desires and conditions of local
sustainably conduct various operations in wide areas, ASDF communities, while sufficiently fulfilling accountability. At the
will maintain reinforced aerial refueling and transport units. same time, MOD/SDF will continue to promote various impact
(3) In order to be able to effectively carry out activities such alleviation measures include noise mitigation.
as maneuver and deployment of ground forces and security MOD/SDF will further strengthen collaboration with
cooperation with foreign countries, ASDF will maintain air relevant organizations including local governments, police and
transport units. fire departments in order to enable SDF to swiftly and securely
(4) In order to be able to conduct information collection in conduct its activities in response to various situations.
areas relatively remote from Japan and persistent airborne In certain regions, presence of SDF units makes substantial
monitoring during situations with heightened tensions, ASDF contributions to maintenance and revitalization of local
will maintain unmanned aerial vehicle units. communities. There are also cases where SDF’s emergency
patient transport is supporting community medicine. In light of
VI. Elements Supporting Defense Capability this, MOD/SDF will give due considerations to local conditions
and characteristics upon reorganization of operation units as
For Japan’s defense capability to demonstrate its true value, SDF well as placement of SDF garrisons and bases. At the same time,
needs to constantly maintain and improve its capabilities and in administering garrisons and bases, MOD/SDF will give due
foster broad understanding by Japanese nationals. considerations to their contributions to local economies.

2.
When major changes in situation are anticipated during
4. Intellectual Base evaluation and verification processes, these Guidelines will
In order to facilitate understanding of security and crisis be amended as necessary after examining current security
management among the populace, MOD/SDF will work to environment and others.
promote security-related education at educational institutions. 3. Considering increasingly severe fiscal conditions and
Within MOD/SDF, in order to achieve at high levels both academic importance of other budgets related to people’s daily life,
research and policy-support by the National Institute for Defense MOD/SDF will work to achieve greater efficiency and
Studies (NIDS), MOD/SDF will facilitate NIDS’ collaboration streamlining in defense force development to curb costs.
with the policy-making sector. MOD/SDF will further enhance MOD/SDF will work to ensure that defense capability can
its defense research regime with NIDS playing central roles. smoothly and fully perform its functions while harmonizing
Reference
In so doing, MOD/SDF will promote systematic collaboration with other policies and measures of the Government.
on education and research with other research and educational
institutions within the Government, as well as with universities
and think-tanks of excellence both at home and abroad.
VII. Points of Attention

1. Japan’s defense capability these Guidelines set forth envisions
approximately 10 years. The National Security Council will
conduct periodic, systematic evaluations throughout the course
of implementation of various measures and programs. In order
to build truly effective defense capability while firmly grasping
changes in security environment, MOD/SDF will conduct
verifications regarding capabilities required for Japan's defense
in the future.
Annex Table
Cyber Defense Units 1 squadron
Joint Units
Maritime Transport Units 1 group
Authorized Number of Personnel 159,000
Active-Duty Personnel 151,000
Reserve-Ready Personnel 8,000
3 rapid deployment divisions
4 rapid deployment brigades
1 armored division
Rapid Deployment Units
1 airborne brigade
1 amphibious rapid deployment brigade
Ground Self- 1 helicopter brigade
Defense Force
Major 5 divisions
Regional Deployment Units
Units 2 brigades
Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile Units 5 surface-to-ship guided missile regiments
Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile Intended for the
2 battalions
Defense of Remote Islands Units
Surface-to-Air Guided Missile Units 7 anti-aircraft artillery groups/regiments
Ballistic Missile Defense Units 2 squadrons
Surface Vessel Units
Destroyers 4 groups (8 divisions)
Major
Destroyer and minesweeper vessels 2 groups (13 divisions)
Units
Submarine Units 6 divisions
Maritime Patrol aircraft Units 9 squadrons
Self-Defense
Force Destroyers 54
（Aegis-Equipped Destroyers） (8)
Major
Submarines 22
Equipment
Patrol Vessels 12
Combat Aircraft Approx. 190
Air Warning & Control Units 28 warning squadrons
1 AEW wing (3 squadrons)
Fighter Aircraft Units 13 squadrons
Major Aerial Refueling/Transport Units 2 squadrons
Air Self- Units Air Transport Units 3 squadrons
Defense Force Surface-to-Air Guided Missile Units 4 groups(24 fire squadrons)
Space Domain Mission Units 1 squadron
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Units 1 squadron
Major Combat Aircraft Approx. 370
Equipment Fighters Approx. 290
Notes 1. The current numbers of tanks and howitzers/rockets (authorized number as of the end of FY 2018) are respectively approx. 600 and approx. 500, which will be reduced respectively to approx. 300
and approx. 300 in the future.
2. Fighter Aircraft Units (13 squadrons) includes STOVL Units.

shorten research and development (R&D) timelines by
Reference 3 Medium Term Defense Program (FY 2019 - FY 2023) streamlining its processes and procedures.
3. In the face of rapidly shrinking and aging population with
December 18, 2018 declining birth rates, to ensure SDF’s strength, to strive to
I. Program Guidelines secure human resources for SDF personnel and to improve
their ability and morale, who are the core element of defense
In the defense program for FY 2019 - FY 2023, with
capability, MOD/SDF will comprehensively promote various
accordance to “National Defense Program Guidelines for FY
measures to reinforce human resource base such as securing
2019 and beyond” (approved by the National Security Council
diverse and high-quality talents including diversifying
and Cabinet on December 18, 2018), Japan will significantly
applicant pool, promoting women’s participation and
strengthen defense capability to build a truly effective defense
Reference
leveraging reserve personnel, improving living and work

capability, “Multi- Domain Defense Force,” which: organically
environment, promoting work style reforms, and improving
fuses capabilities in all domains including space, cyberspace
treatment.
and electromagnetic spectrum; and is capable of sustained
4. In order to maintain and strengthen the commitment of the
conduct of flexible and strategic activities during all phases
United States (U.S.) to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region
from peacetime to armed contingencies. The development of
and to secure Japan’s security, and based on the premise that
“Multi-Domain Defense Force” will be done while honing
Japan will strengthen its own capabilities, Japan will further
the attributes of “Dynamic Joint Defense Force” under the
promote a variety of cooperative activities and consultations
“National Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2014 and
with the U.S., in a wide range of areas under “Guidelines for
beyond” (approved by the National Security Council and the
Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation”. Japan will also actively
Cabinet on December 17, 2013).
facilitate measures for the smooth and effective stationing of
In order to adapt to increasingly rapid changes in security
U.S. forces in Japan.
environment, Japan will strengthen its defense capability
In line with the vision of free and open Indo-Pacific,
at speeds that are fundamentally different from the past. In
to strategically promote multifaceted and multilayered
view of aging population with declining birth rate and severe
security cooperation, Japan will actively leverage its defense
fiscal situation, Japan will strengthen its defense capability
capability to promote defense cooperation and exchanges
effectively by allocating resources flexibly and intensively
which include bilateral/multilateral training and exercises,
without adhering to existing budget and human resource
defense equipment and technology cooperation, capacity
allocation. Furthermore, SDF will further promote joint-ness of
building assistance, and interchanges among military
the Ground, Maritime and Air Self- Defense Forces in all areas,
branches.
avoid stove-piped approach and optimize their organizations
5. With respect to hedging against invasion scenarios such as
and equipment.
amphibious landing employing large-scale ground forces,
Given the guiding thoughts above, SDF will effectively and
which were assumed primarily during the Cold War period,
efficiently build, maintain and operate defense capability based
SDF will retain forces only enough to maintain and carry
on the following program guidelines:
on the minimum necessary expertise and skills with which
1.
In order to realize cross-domain operations, SDF will
to adapt to changes in situation in the future, by achieving
acquire and strengthen capabilities in new domains, which
efficiency and rationalization.
are space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum by
6. Considering increasingly severe fiscal conditions and
focusing resources and leveraging Japan’s superb science
importance of other budgets related to people’s daily
and technology, and strengthen and protect command,
life, MOD/SDF will work to achieve greater efficiency
control, communications and information (C4I) capabilities
and streamlining in defense force development while
that effectively connect capabilities in all domains including
harmonizing with other policies and measures of the
the new ones. In addition, SDF will enhance capabilities
Government.
in maritime and air domains, stand-off defense capability,
comprehensive air and missile defense capability and
maneuver and deployment capability to effectively counter II. Reorganization of the Major SDF Units
attacks by aircraft, ships and missiles during cross-domain 1. In order to build a structure that is capable of realizing
operations in close combination with capabilities in space, cross-domain operations including new domains, which are
cyber and electromagnetic domains. Furthermore, to be space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum, SDF will
able to sustain a range of requisite activities at all stages strengthen the Joint Staff’s posture designed for effective
from peacetime to armed contingencies, sustainability and SDF operations and for new domains, thereby enabling swift
resiliency of defense capability including logistics support exercise of SDF’s capabilities. For the future framework for
will be enhanced. joint operations, SDF will take necessary measures after
2.
In procuring equipment, by properly combining the considering how to conduct the operation of organizations
introduction of new, high- performance equipment, with life in which the functions in the new domains are operated
extension and improvement of existing equipment, MOD/ unitarily, and come to conclusions after considering how
SDF will efficiently secure defense capability in necessary the integrated structure should be during steady-state to
and sufficient “quality” and “quantity”. In this regard, MOD/ appropriately execute instructions from the Minister based
SDF will strengthen its project management throughout on the posture of the strengthened Joint Staff. SDF will also
its equipment life-cycle, including during its research and work to flexibly leverage personnel of each SDF service
development activities, and reduce the life-cycle costs to through such efforts as building posture for force protection
improve cost-effectiveness. Moreover, MOD/SDF will make and damage recovery with an eye on mutual cooperation
focused investments through selection and concentration in among SDF services.
cutting-edge technologies. MOD/SDF will also dramatically SDF will establish 1 squadron of ASDF space domain

mission unit in order to conduct persistent monitoring of command of the respective regional armies and consider the
situations in space, and to ensure superiority in use of space review of their deployment to operate them effectively and
at all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies. efficiently.
SDF will establish 1 squadron of cyber defense unit as 3. In order to provide for defense in the waters around
joint unit in order to fundamentally strengthen cyber defense Japan and security of maritime traffic through effective
capabilities, including capability to disrupt, in the event of prosecution of persistent ISR, anti-submarine operations and
attack against Japan, opponent’s use of cyberspace for the mine countermeasure operations, to be able to effectively
attack as well as to conduct persistent monitoring of SDF’s engage in security cooperation with other countries, MSDF
information and communications networks. will maintain 4 groups mainly consisting of 1 helicopter
SDF will strengthen the Joint Staff’s posture in order to destroyer (DDH) and 2 Aegis-equipped destroyers (DDG),
Reference
appropriately manage and coordinate, from joint operation and maintain 2 groups consisting of new type of destroyers
perspective, the use of electromagnetic spectrum, and (FFM) with improved multi- mission capabilities and
advance efforts to enhance defense capability related to the minesweeping vessels. MSDF will newly establish surface
use of electromagnetic spectrum in each SDF service. units composed of these destroyer units and minesweeper
In order to provide persistent nation-wide protection on a units. In addition, MSDF will establish patrol vessel units
steady-state basis and to be able to simultaneously deal with to enable enhanced steady-state ISR in the waters around
multiple, complex airborne threats, GSDF will establish Japan. Furthermore, by introducing a test submarine, which
2 squadrons of ballistic missile defense (BMD) units. In the type will be changed from an existing submarine,
addition, in order to operate units more efficiently including MSDF will work to achieve greater efficiency in submarine
command and control in accordance with the enhancement operations and accelerate capability improvement, thereby
of SDF’s ballistic missile response capabilities, ASDF will enhancing persistent ISR posture. In order to effectively
reorganize surface-to-air guided missile units from 6 fire conduct underwater ISR and patrols and defense in the
groups to 4 groups while maintaining 24 fire squadrons. waters around Japan, MSDF will continue to take measures
At all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies, necessary to increase the number of submarines.
SDF will establish 1 group of maritime transportation unit 4. In order to enhance the air defense posture and operate
as Joint Unit that allows SDF units to swiftly maneuver and effectively in airspace around Japan including vast airspace
deploy in joint operations. on the Pacific side, ASDF will reorganize 8 warning groups
2. In order to strengthen operation capabilities in new domains, and 20 warning squadrons to 28 warning squadrons and
GSDF will establish cyberspace units and electromagnetic establish 1 airborne early warning (AEW) wing as part of air
operation units as subordinate units of the Ground warning and control units, and take necessary measures to
Component Command. establish 1 squadron of fighter aircraft units.
In order to respond swiftly, and to deter and counter ASDF will disband 1 squadron of tactical reconnaissance
effectively and swiftly with various situations, GSDF will unit with the retirement of its reconnaissance aircraft (RF-
transform 1 division and 2 brigades respectively into 1 rapid 4), and will establish 1 squadron of aerial refueling/transport
deployment division and 2 rapid deployment brigades that units to enhance its aerial refueling/transport function.
are furnished with advanced mobility and ISR capabilities. In order to be able to conduct information collection in
In addition to rapid deployment divisions and brigades, areas relatively remote from Japan and persistent airborne
an amphibious rapid deployment brigade, which will be monitoring during situations with heightened tensions,
strengthened by the establishment of 1 amphibious rapid ASDF will establish 1 squadron of unmanned aerial vehicle
deployment regiment, will strengthen its ability to deter (UAV) unit.
and counter threats through conducting persistent steady- 5. The total number of authorized GSDF personnel at the end of
state maneuver such as coordinated activities with ships as FY 2023 will be approximately 159,000, with approximately
well as various training and exercises. In addition, through 151,000 being active-duty personnel, and approximately
continuing to establish area security units in charge of initial 8,000 being reserve-ready personnel. The authorized number
response activities, MOD will newly establish surface-to- of active- duty personnel of the MSDF and ASDF through
air guided missile units and surface-to-ship guided missile FY 2023 will be approximately at the same levels as at the
units, GSDF will strengthen its defense posture of the remote end of FY 2018.
islands in the southwest region. Furthermore, to counter During the period of the program, SDF will promote
invasion of remote islands, GSDF will take necessary initiatives to optimize organizations and missions such
measures to establish hyper-velocity gliding projectile as reviewing the existing organizations and missions
(HVGP) units for the defense of remote islands. whose importance has declined and assigning personnel
From the perspective of enabling swift and flexible mainly to new domains, which are space, cyberspace and
operations, while thoroughly facilitating efficiency and electromagnetic spectrum.
rationalizing preparations for invasion, such as the landing
of large-scale ground forces, GSDF will steadily implement III. Major Programs regarding SDF’s Capabilities
programs towards successive formation of units equipped
1. Priorities in Strengthening Capabilities Necessary for Cross-
with mobile combat vehicles and disuse of tanks deployed
Domain Operations
in basic operational units stationed in locations other than
(1)
Acquiring and Strengthening Capabilities in Space,
Hokkaido and Kyushu. In addition, GSDF will steadily carry
Cyber and Electromagnetic Domains
out programs that concentrate howitzers deployed in basic
(A) Capabilities in Space Domain
operational units stationed in locations other than Hokkaido
In order to secure the stable use of space, SDF
into newly organized field artillery units under the direct
will build a structure to conduct persistent space
command of the respective regional armies. Furthermore,
monitoring under an appropriate role-sharing with
GSDF will reduce its combat helicopter units under the direct

related ministries and agencies by such means as institutions of higher education at home and
newly establishing space domain mission unit and abroad, and conducting personnel management that
establishing a space situational awareness (SSA) cultivates expertise. In addition, SDF will strengthen
system and will also newly introduce space-based the cyber defense capability by utilizing superior
optical telescopes and SSA laser ranging devices. outside expertise.
In order to further improve various capabilities In order to enable a comprehensive response
that leverage space domain including information- through a whole-of-government approach in
gathering, communication and positioning cyber domain, MOD/SDF seeks to enhance close
capabilities, SDF will continue to enhance information coordination with relevant ministries and agencies,
gathering capabilities through the use of various etc. by providing knowledge and MOD/SDF
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space satellites equipped with diverse sensors, and personnel on a steady-state basis, and enhance
strengthen C4I capabilities by continuing to develop training and exercises.
a sophisticated X-Band satellite communications (C) Capabilities in the Electromagnetic Domain
system. SDF will also strive to secure redundancy MOD/SDF will newly establish specialized
by such means as receiving multiple positioning sections in the internal bureau and the Joint Staff
satellite signals including those of Quasi-Zenith respectively in order to enhance the function to make
Satellite System (QZSS) and utilizing information policies pertaining to effective and efficient use of
gathering satellites (IGS) and commercial satellites electromagnetic spectrum in MOD/SDF as well as
including micro ones. Additionally, in order to use to improve coordination with other ministries and
these capabilities continuously, SDF will conduct agencies.
necessary study and research, and newly introduce In order to enhance information gathering and
training devices to study and train responses to the analysis capabilities concerning electromagnetic
vulnerabilities of Japanese satellites, and devices spectrum and develop an information sharing posture,
to grasp the state of electromagnetic interference SDF will promote the procurement of radio wave
against Japanese satellites. By this strengthening information gathering aircraft and ground-based
of the structure for grasping the situation, SDF will SIGINT sensor, the upgrade of the Japan Aerospace
build the capability to disrupt C4I of opponents in Defense Ground Environment (JADGE) system, the
collaboration with the electromagnetic domain. connection of each SDF service’s systems including
In this regard, in addition to efforts to establish the Defense Information Infrastructure (DII) and the
new job categories and enhance education dedicated improvement of each SDF service’s data links.
to the space domain, SDF will actively leverage In order to neutralize the radar and communications
civilian technologies and promote to enhance of opponent attempting to invade Japan, SDF will
cooperation including the development of human proceed with the procurement of fighters (F-35A) and
resources, with relevant agencies including the Japan network electronic warfare devices, and the upgrade
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and with of fighters (F-15) and utility aircraft (EP-3 and UP-
the U.S. and other relevant countries, given that 3D). SDF will also swiftly proceed with studies and
cutting-edge technology and knowhow have been R&D aimed at the procurement of standoff electronic
accumulated in these organizations. warfare aircraft, high-output electronic warfare
(B) Capabilities in Cyber Domain equipment, high-output microwave equipment and
SDF aims to persistently ensure sufficient security electromagnetic pulse (EMP) ammunition.
against cyber attack and acquire capability to disrupt, (2) Enhancing Capabilities in Traditional Domains
opponent’s use of cyberspace in the event of attack (A) Capabilities in the Maritime and Air Domains
against Japan. With consideration to enhancing joint (i) Strengthening a Posture of Persistent ISR
functions and efficient resource allocations, SDF In order to strengthen the posture to conduct
will establish the necessary environment by such persistent ISR in broad areas at sea and in the
measures as expanding the structure of cyber defense air around Japan including vast airspace on the
squadron and other units, enhancing the resiliency Pacific side, and to detect any signs of significant
of the C4 systems of SDF, strengthening capabilities development at an early stage, SDF will procure
of information gathering, research and analysis, and new type of destroyers with enhanced capabilities
developing a practical training environment that can to respond to a wide range of missions (FFM),
test SDF’s cyber defense capability. In addition, SDF submarines, patrol vessels, fixed-wing patrol
will strive to keep abreast of the latest information aircraft (P-1), patrol helicopters (SH- 60K/K
including cyber-related risks, counter measures (upgraded version)) and ship-borne UAVs,
and technological trends, through cooperation with conduct service-extension work on existing
the private sector, and strategic talks, bilateral/ destroyers, submarines, fixed-wing patrol aircraft
multilateral exercises and other opportunities with (P-3C) and patrol helicopters (SH-60J and SH-
the ally and other parties. 60K) and upgrade the capabilities of fixed-
As the methods of cyber attack are becoming wing patrol aircraft (P-1). In this respect, SDF
increasingly sophisticated and complicated, securing will strengthen the posture of persistent ISR
personnel with expertise on a continuing basis is through increasing the number of the operating
essential. SDF plans to develop personnel with days by introducing rational shifts of multiple
strong cyber security expertise, through efforts such crews and coordination with patrol vessels to be
as improving the in-house curriculum for specialized newly introduced for the new type of destroyers
education, increasing learning opportunities at (FFM), and through increasing the opportunities

for operation of the submarine fleet on a steady- continue to improve its surface-to-air guided
state basis by introducing the test submarine, missile PATRIOT systems by equipping them
which the type has been changed from existing with new advanced interceptor missiles (PAC-3
submarines. In addition, SDF will maintain a MSE) that can be used both for response to cruise
fully-prepared ISR posture through procuring missiles and aircraft and for ballistic missile
airborne early warning aircraft (E-2D) and a defense (BMD). In addition, SDF will continue
long-endurance UAV (Global Hawk), upgrading to procure aerial refueling/transport aircraft (KC-
the capabilities of the existing airborne warning 46A) and rescue helicopters (UH-60J).
and control systems (E-767), development of a (iii) Obtaining and Maintaining Maritime Superiority
new fixed air defense radar, establishing 1 AEW In defense of the seas surrounding Japan
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wing as part of air warning and control units as and to ensure the security of maritime traffic
stated in II4, preparing an operating base for by effectively conducting various activities
mobile air defense radars on the islands on the including holding persistent ISR, anti- submarine
Pacific side and strengthening over- the-horizon operations and mine countermeasure operations,
radar capabilities. SDF will procure equipment such as a new type
(ii) Obtaining and Maintaining Air Superiority of destroyers (FFM), conduct service-extension
SDF will strive for the comprehensive activities on equipment such as existing
enhancement of air defense capability in airspace destroyers, and enhance the capabilities of
around Japan including vast air space on the equipment such as fixed wing patrol aircraft (P-1)
Pacific side. as stated in (i), and will procure minesweeping/
SDF will proceed replacing fighters that transport helicopters (MCH-101). In addition,
are not suitable for modernization (F-15) by SDF will continue to procure Mine Sweeper
increasing the number of fighters (F-35A) and Ocean (MSO) vessels and amphibious rescue
will newly introduce fighters that are capable of aircraft (US-2), and will establish the structure
short take-off and vertical landing (hereinafter for enhancing tactical development and education
referred to as “STOVL aircraft”) to enhance the and training capabilities. Furthermore, SDF
flexibility of fighter operations, as the number will continue to procure surface-to-ship guided
of air bases that allow for conventional take-off missiles and will introduce new surface-to-ship
and landing of fighters is limited. In this regard, guided missiles and air-to-ship guided missiles
SDF will refurbish MSDF’s multi-function with further extended ranges. In addition, SDF
helicopter carrier destroyers (Izumo class) after will take necessary measures after considering
studying operation of STOVL aircraft so that the the introduction of long-endurance UAVs to
operation where necessary will be possible such strengthen surveillance capabilities in the water
as response to air attacks in time of emergency, including on the vast Pacific side. Moreover, SDF
ISR, training and disaster response, in order to will strive to steadily enhance C4I capabilities
further improve flexibility in fighter operations and will deploy unmanned underwater vehicles
while ensuring safety of SDF personnel and to (UUV) and proceed with R&D aiming at further
improve air operation capability particularly on enhancement of capabilities to utilize them for
the Pacific side of Japan, where number of air oceanic observation and ISR.
bases is limited despite its vast airspace. These (B) Stand-off Defense Capability
destroyers shall continue to engage as multi- In order to deal with ships and landing forces
function destroyers in a wide range of missions attempting to invade Japan while ensuring safety of
after refurbishment, such as the defense of Japan SDF personnel, SDF will procure stand-off missiles
and the response to large- scale disasters. There (JSM, JASSM and LRASM), which are capable of
will be no change in the existing Government responding from the outside of their threat envelopes,
opinion concerning equipment that cannot be and will proceed with R&D on HVGP intended
possessed under the Constitution. In addition, for the defense of remote islands, new surface-to-
SDF will upgrade the capabilities of modernized ship missiles intended for the defense of remote
fighter aircraft (F-15) including the enhancement islands and hypersonic weapons. In addition, in
of electronic warfare capabilities, mounting order to appropriately leverage advances in military
stand-off missiles and increasing the number technology, MOD/SDF will swiftly and flexibly
of mounted missiles. Furthermore, SDF will strengthen stand-off defense capability through
upgrade the capabilities of fighter aircraft (F-2) measures such as comprehensive R&D of related
including the enhancement of network functions. technology.
With regard to future fighter, SDF will procure (C) Comprehensive Air and Missile Defense Capability
new fighters that are capable of playing a central In order to effectively and efficiently counter
role in future networked warfare before the increasingly diverse and complex airborne threats
retirement of the fighter aircraft (F-2). MOD/SDF such as ballistic and cruise missiles and aircraft by
will promote necessary research and launch a optimum means and minimize damage, SDF will
Japan-led development project at an early timing establish a structure with which to conduct integrated
with the possibility of international collaboration operation of various equipment pieces, those for
in sight. missile defense as well as air defense equipment
Along with continuing to procure middle- that each SDF service has separately used, thereby
range surface-to-air guided missiles, SDF will providing persistent nation-wide protection on a

steady-state basis and to be able to simultaneously and counter capabilities, SDF will take necessary
deal with multiple, complex airborne threats. In measures after considering how to command and
this regard, SDF will strive to standardize and coordinate the transport capabilities of each SDF
streamline the means for interception that each SDF service unilaterally from a steady-state including the
service possesses including their maintenance and reinforcement of the transport coordination function
replenishment systems. of the Joint Staff.
For reinforcing its multi-layered and persistent SDF will continue to procure transport aircraft (C-
defense posture for the entire territory of Japan 2) and transport helicopters (CH-47JA) and introduce
against ballistic missile attacks, SDF will procure its new utility helicopters, and will also promote
land-based Aegis system (Aegis Ashore), continue relevant initiatives in order to obtain the cooperation
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to upgrade the capabilities of its existing Aegis- of related local governments and other entities
equipped destroyers (DDG) and surface-to-air guided in promptly deploying GSDF Ospreys (V-22). In
missile PATRIOT system as stated in (A) (ii). SDF developing such aerial transport capability, SDF will
will also conduct bilateral training and exercises to take necessary measures after considering the further
enhance the effectiveness of the Japan-U.S. bilateral enhancement of efficiency and effectiveness such
BMD response posture. as avoiding functional redundancy by clarifying the
In order to effectively counter missile attacks, roles and assignments among the various means of
SDF will procure its interceptor missiles for BMD transportation.
(SM-3 block IB and block IIA), interceptor missiles In order to strengthen the transport function to
with upgraded capabilities (PAC-3MSE), long-range remote islands, SDF will newly introduce logistics
ship-to-air missiles (SM-6) and mid-range ground- support vessels (LSV) and landing craft utilities
to-air guided missiles. (LCU), and consider new vessels necessary to
In order to reinforce the detecting and tracking smoothly implement amphibious and other operations
capabilities for missiles and to unitarily command and in the future. SDF will also continue to actively
control the various equipment that each SDF service utilize ships for which the funds and know-how of
possesses, SDF will proceed with initiatives such the private-sector have been utilized and consider
as upgrading its Japan Aerospace Defense Ground further expansion in order to conduct large-scale
Environment (JADGE) and procuring its air defense transportation efficiently for coordination with the
command and control system (ADCCS), developing transport capabilities of SDF in light of the current
its new fixed air defense radar, adding cooperative situation in which they are being used effectively in
engagement capability (CEC) to its E-2D, R&D on dispatches to disasters and transporting its troops.
a network system that enables engage-on-remote SDF will equip mobile combat vehicles
launch of weapons by destroyers (DD) (FC network), transportable by airlift to its rapidly deployable
and research on satellite-mounted dual-wave-length basic operational units (rapid deployment divisions/
infrared sensors and will also study ways to counter brigades) as stated in II-2, and will establish rapid
future airborne threats. deployment regiments that immediately respond to
Based on basic role and mission sharing between various situations. In addition to rapid deployment
Japan and the U.S., in order to strengthen the divisions and brigades, an amphibious rapid
deterrent of the Japan-U.S. Alliance as a whole, deployment brigade, which will be strengthened by
Japan will continue to study a potential form of the establishment of 1 amphibious rapid deployment
response capability to address the means for missile regiment, will conduct persistent steady-state
launch and related facilities and will take necessary maneuver such as coordinated activities with ships
measures. as well as various training and exercises. SDF will
In preparation for an attack by guerrilla or also establish area security units in charge of initial
special operations forces concurrent with a missile responses on remote islands in the southwestern
attack, SDF will continue to procure a variety of region, as well as conduct maneuver training for
surveillance/response equipment, mobile combat prompt deployment to remote islands.
vehicles, transport helicopters (CH-47JA) and UAVs (3) Strengthening Sustainability and Resiliency
in order to improve its ISR posture, and its ability (A) Securing Continuous Operations
to protect key facilities including nuclear power In order to be able to operate units continuously at
plants, and search and destroy infiltrating units, and all stages from peacetime to armed contingencies,
also enhance the ability to respond effectively and SDF will promote measures necessary for securing
efficiently by proceeding with the networking of ammunition and fuel and protecting infrastructure
its troops and strengthening information sharing. In and other foundations for SDF operations.
sensitive locations such as areas where many nuclear With regard to securing ammunition, SDF will
power plants are located, SDF will conduct training prioritize to procure anti-aircraft missiles that are
with relevant agencies to confirm coordination necessary to secure air superiority, torpedoes that
procedures, and take necessary measures after are necessary to secure maritime superiority, stand-
considering the basis for deployment in areas off firepower that is necessary for countering from
neighboring nuclear power plants. the outside of their threat envelopes and interceptor
(D) Maneuver and Deployment Capability missiles for BMD while taking account of the needs
In order to secure capabilities for swift and large-scale of joint operation.
transportation and deployment operations for a wide With regard to securing fuel, SDF will secure
variety of situations and improve effective deterrence the effective emergency procurement and promote

necessary measures such as newly introduction resources into the future within the severe recruiting
of tankers from the perspective of stabilizing fuel environment accompanying the rapidly aging
supply during emergencies. population and declining birth rates, MOD/SDF
In order to minimize damage from various attacks will proceed with measures towards expanding the
and quickly recover functions, SDF will proceed recruitment of untenured troops and expanding the
with initiatives for the dispersion, recovery, and source for prospects including university graduates.
substitution of infrastructure and other foundations MOD/SDF will also proceed with a wide range of
for SDF operations while taking the perspective of solicitation measures including the enhancement
protection from electromagnetic pulse attacks into of recruiting advertisement and recruiting systems
consideration, and will construct a posture regarding and will also strengthen collaboration with local
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patrol and damage recovery based on the perspective governments and related organizations, etc.
of mutual cooperation among each SDF service. Furthermore, in order to increase attractiveness at the
In addition, SDF will also proceed with various point of recruiting, MOD/SDF will improve living
measures to make it possible for SDF to immediately and working environment and strive to improve
utilize private airports and ports in contingency re-employment support for being rehired as public
situations. servants and matriculating at universities after
With regard to strengthening logistics foundations, completing tenure.
for the purpose of establishing readiness capabilities, (B) Effective Utilization of Human Resources
SDF will store necessary ammunition and spare In order to further increase the proportion of female
parts in locations most appropriate for operations SDF personnel among total SDF personnel, MOD/
and proceed with the establishment of the necessary SDF will actively hire women, promote women’s
facilities. SDF will also expand some arsenals and participation and proceed with the establishment of
make it possible to have them used jointly by each the foundations for the education, living and work
SDF service and will study and take the measures environment for female SDF personnel.
necessary to optimize combat service support In order to further utilize advanced-age human
including logistics from the perspective of joint resources who have plenty of knowledge, skills and
operations. experience while keeping strength, MOD/SDF will
SDF will steadily construct and maintain raise the early retirement age for SDF personnel
necessary living quarters surrounding SDF camps and promote the expansion of reenrollment and
and bases and will also proceed with measures for the utilization by units of the skills of retired SDF
facilities regarding their deterioration and earthquake personnel in SDF fields requiring high levels of
resistance. From the perspective of enabling a expertise. MOD/SDF will also secure personnel for
sustained response posture over the long term, units that are responsible for fields that require high
various measures supporting families of military levels of expertise by effectively utilizing human
personnel will be promoted. resources in the private sector.
(B) Ensuring the Operational Availability of Equipment (C) Improving Living and Work Environment
In order to swiftly and effectively respond to various As the duration of the activities of the units becomes
situations, MOD/SDF will ensure high operational longer in response to the severe security environment,
availability of procured equipment by securing MOD/SDF will strive to improve the living and work
the necessary and sufficient funds for sustainment environment, so that all the troop members who
and maintenance of equipment, expanding the use undertake the noble mission of protecting life and
of umbrella contract system, Performance Based peaceful livelihood of Japanese national will be able
Logistics (PBL), under which the price is to be to fully exercise their capabilities and fulfill their
determined according to realized performance missions with high morale, by such means as steadily
regarding sustainment and maintenance, sharing renewing aged daily life/workplace fixtures, steadily
information on supply data between the public securing the necessary quantities of daily necessities
and private sectors, promoting the utilization of and reducing the number of days on offshore duty
Additive Manufacturing (3D printers), which can per onboard person through the introduction of
form complex shapes with speed and precision and shifts by multiple crews, in addition to accelerating
promoting the procurement of parts and components the securing and reconstruction of the necessary
from international markets. barracks and housing and proceeding with measures
2. Priorities in Strengthening Core Elements of Defense Capability against aging and earthquake resistance for facilities.
(1) Reinforcing Human Resource Base (D) Promotion of Work Style Reforms
As equipment becomes more advanced and complex As the number of SDF personnel under time and
and missions become more varied and internationalized mobility constraints because of child rearing and
against the context of the rapidly shrinking and aging nursing care increases due to the consequence of
population with declining birth rate, MOD/SDF will major changes in the social structure, MOD/SDF
strive to secure diverse, high-quality talents from a wider will promote work style reform at MOD/SDF such
range of people and also promote initiatives on a priority as correcting long working hours and promoting
base towards the establishment of an environment that the use of holidays in order to ensure proper work-
enables all SDF personnel to maintain high morale and life balance so that all SDF personnel will be able
continue to fully exercise ability. to fully exercise their ability and play prominent
(A) Enhancement of Recruitment Initiatives roles. Furthermore, MOD/SDF will proceed with
In order to steadily secure high-quality human initiatives such as establishing workplace nurseries,

and will also promote measures supporting families the fulfillment of the ranks of SDF reserves, MOD/
of military personnel such as providing temporary SDF will also increase the number of enrollees
care for children of SDF personnel who must show as reserve candidates who are drawn from people
up at the workplace for emergency operation, without experience as SDF personnel, and promote
while strengthening our collaboration with local the appointment of SDF reserves who are former
governments and other entities. reserve candidates as reserve ready personnel.
(E) Enhancing Education Furthermore, in order to make it easier for SDF
At each SDF service and the National Defense reserves to respond to training summons, MOD/SDF
Academy of Japan (NDAJ), MOD/SDF will strive to will undertake the strengthening of the foundations
enhance the content and organizational structure of for education and training and the revision of the
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the education and training, including the academic content of the training, and will implement measures
knowledge and international sensibilities necessary to obtain the understanding and cooperation of the
to nurture broad perspectives concerning security. In employers.
addition, MOD/SDF will take necessary measures (2) Reviewing Equipment Structure
after considering whether adequate education and MOD/SDF will examine the existing equipment structure
research regarding joint operations is possible with and strengthen the functions of the Joint Staff in order
the existing organizations, in order to enhance to build an effective and rational equipment structure
the capabilities and the unity of the SDF and from a joint operation perspective. MOD/SDF will also
promote cross-sectoral operations, and strive to develop equipment with multiple functional variants,
strengthen education concerning the organizational optimize and standardize specifications of equipment,
management capabilities of MOD/SDF. In order to jointly procure equipment commonly used across SDF
further promote mutual reinforcement between each services, reduce types of aircraft, suspend the use of
SDF service, MOD/SDF will strive to standardize the equipment whose importance has decreased, and review
curriculum and will utilize cutting-edge technology or discontinue projects of low cost-effectiveness.
in order to promote effective and efficient education. In order to maximize defense capability by effectively
Furthermore, MOD/SDF will strive to build up the utilizing the limited human resources to the utmost,
network of students from overseas who graduated MOD/SDF will actively promote initiatives towards
from NDAJ as a mean of support for strengthening automation through such means as the introduction of
defense cooperation and exchanges. In order to artificial intelligence (AI) to data processing and decision
steadily implement education and training, MOD/ makings regarding unit operation, the procurement of
SDF will take necessary measures after considering UAVs and R&D of unmanned surface vehicles (USV)
the procurement of new primary trainer aircraft as and UUVs. MOD/SDF will also actively promote
the successor to the existing primary trainer aircraft initiatives to save manpower through such means as
(T-7). streamlining in design of new types of destroyers (FFM)
(F) Improving Treatment and Re-Employment Support and submarines and use of remote control for radar sites
To enable SDF personnel to fulfill their missions and other equipment.
with high moral and pride, MOD/SDF will promote (3) Reinforcing Technology Base
improving treatment through measures concerning In order to ensure technological superiority in strategically
honors and privileges including the enhancement important areas of equipment and technology by
of the defensive meritorious badges and improving making focused investments in important technologies
conditions including salaries that reflects the special including artificial intelligence and other potentially
nature of the missions and working environment game-changing technologies, MOD/SDF will revise
and will strive to enhance welfare benefits including Medium- to Long-Term Defense Technology Outlook
family support. and newly formulate R&D visions on technologies that
In view of the fact that it is the responsibility will be important for future joint operation, presenting
of the Government to secure the livelihood of SDF the future direction of medium to long-term research and
personnel under the mandatory early retirement development from a strategic perspective.
system, MOD/SDF will strive to further improve In order to significantly shorten R&D timelines by
re-employment support by such means as promoting streamlining its process, MOD/SDF will adopt new
the further utilization of retired SDF personnel in methods such as block approach and modularization for
the disaster prevention-related departments of local R&D of HVGP for the defense of remote islands, new
governments and related ministries and agencies surface-to-ship missiles for the defense of remote islands,
while strengthening collaboration with local UUVs and hypersonic weapons. MOD/SDF will also
governments and related organizations from the provide the capabilities of future equipment promptly
perspective of utilizing the knowledge, skills and through analysis of alternatives by the technological
experience of retired SDF personnel in addition to demonstration at the initial stage of R&D.
expanding vocational training subjects and support MOD/SDF will work actively to leverage potentially
for step-by-step acquisition of qualifications. dual-use, advanced commercial technologies through
(G) Utilization of Personnel including Reserve Staff such efforts as: technology exchange with relevant
In order to support sustainable unit operations in domestic and overseas entities; enhanced collaboration
situations that are becoming increasingly diversified with relevant ministries and agencies; and use of the
and protracted, MOD/SDF will promote the use of “Innovative Science & Technology Initiative for Security”
ready reserve personnel and reserve personnel in program. In this regard, MOD/SDF will strengthen and
broader areas and opportunities. In order to enhance expand cooperation with the countries who are making

large-scale investments in game-changing technologies defense industry, which is in a poor competitive
such as the U.S., and promote mutually complementary environment, incorporating the knowledge, expertise,
international joint R&D. MOD/SDF will reinforce and technology of the civilian sector, and strengthen the
its structure aimed at early discovery of innovative, supply chains of equipment. As part of these measures,
emerging technologies and fostering thereof by utilizing MOD/SDF will review the contracting system with the
and creating think tanks that survey and analyze latest aim of creating a competitive environment, including
foreign and domestic technological trends. the introduction of the enterprise evaluation system
(4) Optimizing Equipment Procurement that assesses how much a contractor company tries to
In order to further promote effective and efficient contribute to strengthening of defense industry. MOD/
equipment procurement, MOD/SDF will enhance the SDF will also encourage the spin-off from defense
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effectiveness and flexibility of project management technology to civilian purposes and the spin-on from
throughout equipment lifecycles. To this end, MOD/SDF cutting-edge technologies in the civilian sector to the
will take various initiatives including undertakings that defense industry including innovative manufacturing
contribute to cost reduction at mass production stage technologies. Furthermore, MOD/SDF will strengthen
as a requirement at development stage, incorporating risk management regarding the vulnerability of supply
successful cases in the civilian sector to the manufacture chains of equipment through research on the supply
of defense equipment, actively adopting contracting chains and also promote the participation of Japan’s
methods such as the competitive bidding method that defense industry in the sustainment and maintenance of
contribute to the utilization of private sector knowledge imported equipment.
and expertise and tightening cost controls. In this regard, The government as a whole will promote appropriate
MOD/SDF will expand the items subject to project overseas transfer of defense equipment under the
management and strive to adjust the standards for the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment
specifications and the review of project plans with and Technology, which permits transfer of defense
consideration of life cycle costs, and apply them. equipment in cases such as the transfer contributes to
Regarding the cost estimation of equipment Japan’s security. In order to do so, based on progress and
without market prices, MOD/SDF will undertake more other elements in defense cooperation with our partners,
appropriate costs calculation by making the calculation the Government will make necessary improvements in
of the processing costs required for the manufacture implementation or related rules, promote public-private
more precise and appropriate, and will also conduct the partnership in information gathering and dissemination,
procurement of information systems at appropriate price strengthen technology control and intellectual property
levels. To implement these initiatives effectively, MOD/ management in order to prevent leakage of key defense
SDF will actively develop and allocate human resources equipment-related technologies on the occasion of
by utilizing human resources with specialized expertise, overseas transfer and develop defense equipment with an
skills and experiences in the private sector, and will also eye on overseas transfer. MOD/SDF will also strengthen
strive to construct the cost-database on component level information security measures that will be necessary for
of equipment based on the information compiled from Japan’s defense industry to participate in international
the cost estimates/contract records. businesses, and develop an information security
MOD/SDF will actively use systematic acquisition guidebook for Japan’s defense industry. Furthermore,
methods including long-term contracts which facilitate MOD/SDF will actively promote international joint
efficient procurement, and streamline equipment development and production with other countries
sustainment and maintenance including the expansion utilizing Japan’s technological strengths.
of PBL and other umbrella contracts. MOD/SDF will In addition, MOD/SDF will undertake measures
also facilitate competition among domestic and foreign such as making the equipment manufacturing process
companies regarding domestically procured equipment and thorough cost reduction and will strive to make
with low cost effectiveness by considering price reduction Japan’s defense industry base efficient and resilient while
through imports and considering the deduction of unique foreseeing possible realignment and consolidation of
specifications for domestic use. Furthermore, in light of businesses that may occur as a result of these measures.
the growing importance of the management of price, (6) Enhancing Intelligence Capabilities
delivery time and other matters in procurement through In order to be able to provide timely and effective
Foreign Military Sales (hereinafter referred to as “FMS intelligence support to policy decision and SDF
procurement”), MOD/SDF will collaborate closely with operations, MOD/SDF will promote initiatives to
the U.S. Government and other organizations through comprehensively enhance intelligence capabilities at all
Japan-U.S. consultations and promote initiatives towards stages of intelligence capabilities, including gathering,
the streamlining of FMS procurement, such as striving analyzing, sharing and securing of information.
to acquire equipment in coordination with U.S. forces MOD/SDF will drastically strengthen information
regarding the timing of procurement and specifications, gathering and analysis capabilities so that MOD/SDF
and to manage the status of implementation in a timely will be fully capable of meeting various intelligence
and appropriate manner. requirements including those related to new domains.
(5) Strengthening Defense Industrial Base This will be conducted by strengthening gathering
In order to strengthen the resilience of Japan’s defense postures for SIGINT and IMINT through establishing
industry base, which is an essential foundation for the and enhancing capabilities of information collection
production, operation, and maintenance of defense facilities, utilizing intelligence gathering satellites
equipment, Government will actively take measures and commercial satellites, and diversifying means for
such as introducing the competition principle to Japan’s information collection through new equipment such as

long-endurance UAVs. Furthermore, MOD/SDF will also activities, sharing of various networks, building capacity
strengthen the gathering posture of HUMINT through for in-country maintenance of U.S.-made equipment
enhancing its defense attaché system, reinforce the and initiatives for intelligence/information security. To
gathering posture of OSINT and expand its cooperation efficiently improve Japanese and the U.S. capabilities,
with allied countries. In this regard, MOD/SDF will while facilitating common understanding of respective
strive to achieve its even more effective and efficient priorities in defense capability enhancement, promote
posture by proactively utilizing the latest information measures such as effective acquisition of advanced U.S
processing technology, and will also promote all-source equipment through optimized FMS procurement and
analysis, which fuses a wide variety of information Japan-U.S. joint R&D. Furthermore, Japan will promote
sources together. MOD/SDF will also strive to utilize cooperation on joint/shared use of SDF and U.S force
Reference
information effectively by successfully developing facilities, and efforts for improved resiliency.
and connecting systems that will promote information (2)
Steady Implementation of Measures Concerning
sharing. Stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan
In order to respond appropriately to increasingly In order to make the stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan
diversified intelligence requirements, MOD/SDF will more smooth and effective, Japan will steadily secure
promote securing and training of highly capable personnel Host Nation Support (HNS).
handling information collection and analysis. Moreover, 5. Strengthening Security Cooperation
MOD/SDF will take steady measures in various In line with the vision of Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Japan
directions including recruitment, education, training, will further promote bilateral and multilateral defense
and personnel allocation to strengthen comprehensive cooperation and exchanges based on the understanding
information collection and analysis capabilities. that realizing a security environment that is desirable for
With regard to information security, MOD/SDF will Japan is an extremely important and necessary undertaking
coordinate with relevant offices to make every effort by that contributes to Japan’s defense itself and also relates to
such means as education in ensuring information sharing its basic fundamentals. In particular, in addition to high-
on a need-to-know basis, and in taking preventative level exchanges, policy dialogues and exchanges among
measures against information leakage. Also, MOD/SDF military branches, in order to improve interoperability with
will strengthen counter-intelligence capability within relevant countries and to strengthen Japan’s presence, Japan
MOD/SDF by promoting collaboration with relevant will appropriately combine and strategically implement
organizations. specific initiatives such as bilateral/multilateral training and
3. Large-Scale Disasters exercises, defense equipment and technology cooperation
In the event of a large-scale natural disaster such as a Nankai and capacity building assistance, while taking characteristics
Trough earthquake, or a special disaster such as a nuclear and situation specific to each region and country into account.
emergency, the SDF will respond to it by immediately Based on this significance of defense cooperation and
transporting and deploying sufficient numbers of SDF units exchanges, in order to further collaborate mutually and
based on a joint operational approach, and also will promote conduct specific and thoroughgoing initiatives, Japan will
measures to strengthen the response posture including the proceed with the improvement of operation procedures,
deployment of drones for disasters, a helicopter satellite development of organizational systems and review of
communication system (HeliSat), lifesaving systems, and systems, and will further reflect needs concerning defense
emergency power sources. With close coordination and cooperation and exchanges in SDF operations. Japan
cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies, local will also strive to collaborate with relevant ministries and
governments and the private sector, the MOD will promote agencies as well as with other countries, non- governmental
such measures as to establish contingency planning and organizations and the private sector, and strategically
to conduct training and exercises, and secure alternative disseminate information on Japan’s initiatives. In this regard,
capabilities when the basis for the SDF’s disaster and Japan will focus on the following in particular.
deployment operations is affected. (1) Holding bilateral/multilateral Training and Exercises
4. Strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance Japan will promote bilateral/multilateral training
(1) Strengthening Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation and exercises based on their significance as defense
In order to ensure Japan’s national security and to cooperation and exchanges. Through this, Japan will
maintain and strengthen the U.S. commitment to Japan represents the will and ability to create a desirable
and the Indo-Pacific region, Japan will further strengthen security environment and will also seek to improve
Japan-U.S. defense cooperation under the “Guidelines for interoperability with relevant countries and strengthen
Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation” while strengthening cooperative relationships with other countries.
Japan’s own capability as a premise for these efforts. (2) Equipment and Technology Cooperation
Japan will continue to promote cooperation in space Japan will strengthen initiatives for equipment and
and cyber domains, comprehensive air and missile technology cooperation including overseas transfers of
defense, bilateral training and exercises and joint ISR defense equipment, and strive to enhance our partners’
activities. Japan will also further deepen Japan-U.S. military capabilities and maintain/strengthen medium
operational cooperation and policy coordination in and long-term relationships with those countries. In
various areas such as formulation and renewal of bilateral particular, Japan will effectively promote these initiatives
plans and the Extended Deterrence Dialogue. by combining other efforts such as training and exercises
In order for Japan and the U.S. to be able to fully and capacity building assistance as necessary.
leverage their capabilities during bilateral activities, (3) Capacity Building Assistance
Japan will advance efforts for standardization of defense Japan will work with countries of the Indo-Pacific region
equipment that contributes to Japan-U.S. bilateral to support advance capacity development efforts based

on their voluntary ownership, so as to enable counterpart Weapons Systems (LAWS).
military organizations to contribute further towards 6. Elements Supporting Defense Capability
international peace and regional stability, thus creating (1) Training and Exercises
security environment that is desirable to Japan. In this To effectively respond to various contingencies and
regard, Japan will effectively utilize knowledge and enhance its deterrence effectiveness, SDF’s joint
expertise accumulated by SDF, coordinate thoroughly training and exercises and Japan-U.S. bilateral training
with diplomatic policy, and coordinate with partner and exercises are to be conducted in a tailored and
countries such as the U.S. and Australia undertaking visible way while fully grasping the environment of
capacity building assistance, so as to maximize results the surroundings of the training areas and making
by combing various measures efficiently. absolutely sure that safety is secured. Leveraging the
Reference
(4) Maritime Security lessons learned from these training and exercises, SDF
Based on the understanding that open and stable seas are will conduct regular studies and reviews of its plans to
a foundation of the peace and prosperity of Japan as a address contingencies. Along with these efforts, SDF will
maritime nation and in line with the vision of Free and expand the establishment and utilization of the training
Open Indo-Pacific, Japan will promote initiatives such as areas in Hokkaido and elsewhere in Japan and conduct
bilateral/multilateral training and exercises, equipment effective training and exercises. SDF will also facilitate
and technology cooperation, capacity building assistance, to expand joint/shared use of U.S. Forces facilities and
information sharing and visits by ships and aircraft as areas with SDF while accounting for relations with local
warranted by the occasion, with foreign countries that communities. Furthermore, SDF will facilitate the use of
share the understanding of maritime security. Through places other than SDF facilities or U.S. Forces facilities
these, Japan will show the will and ability to stabilize and areas and the utilization of excellent training
maritime order in an active and visible manner. environments overseas such as the U.S. and Australia,
(5) International Peace Cooperation Activities and introduce simulators actively. SDF will also strive
In line with the Legislation for Peace and Security, Japan to further enhance amphibious operation capability by
will actively promote international peace cooperation the implementation of training by GSDF and MSDF
activities, while giving comprehensive consideration in collaboration with U.S. Marines, SDF will strive to
to such factors as purposes of mission, situation in host enhance the effectiveness of the swift and continuous
country, and political and economic relations between deployment of units and strengthen their presence on
Japan and host country. In particular, Japan will actively a steady-state basis by organically coordinating such
promote activities such as dispatch of embedded training and exercises that utilize training environments
personnel to mission headquarters, dissemination of in Japan and abroad.
United Nations (UN) military engineer unit manuals and Seeking to respond to various situations with a whole-
capacity building assistance in Japan’s field of expertise of-government approach, coordination with relevant
by making good use of accumulated experiences. While agencies including police, firefighters, and the Japan
Japan will also proceed with education and training that Coast Guard will be reinforced. SDF will also actively
match missions conducted on the basis of the Legislation utilize the opportunities presented by the joint training
for Peace and Security, GSDF will take the necessary and exercises of SDF and Japan-U.S. bilateral training and
measures towards newly establishing an International exercises as a way not only for considering and verifying
Activities Unit with high-level emergency response plans for the actual operations of SDF, but also for actively
capabilities and high-level technology in areas such as considering and verifying comprehensive issues including
facilities and the operation of UAVs by unifying the civil protection.
Central Readiness Regiment and the International Peace (2) Medical Care
Cooperation Activities Training Unit. SDF will enhance its medical functions to keep SDF
The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center personnel’s vitality and enhance their ability to deal
will expand its curriculum, and strengthen cooperation with various situations and engage in a diverse range of
with relevant ministries and agencies, foreign countries, missions at home and abroad.
and non-governmental organizations through efforts In order to respond to various situations, SDF will
such as providing educational opportunities to not strive to enhance the capacity to rapidly deploy medical
only SDF personnel, but also candidates from various bases and conduct Damage Control Surgery (DCS) to
backgrounds. stabilize the symptoms of patients, and the capacity to
Regarding SDF operation facility in the Republic of manage patients being sent back as part of strengthening
Djibouti, which is used for anti-piracy efforts, Japan will the system to seamlessly cover the entire stretch between
work towards stable, long-term use of the facility for the frontline and final medical evacuation destinations
regional security cooperation and other activities. including the perspective of joint operations. In
(6) Arms Control, Disarmament and Nonproliferation this regard, SDF will establish a system to jointly
In cooperation with relevant countries and international possess patient information from the frontline to final
organizations, Japan will promote non-proliferation destinations. SDF will also strive to standardize medical
efforts regarding: weapons of mass destruction and supplies for the sake of interoperability and to stockpile
missiles which can serve as their delivery means; and necessary supplies. Furthermore, in order to transport
goods and sensitive technologies of potential military patients safely, SDF will take necessary measures to
use. Leveraging SDF’s knowledge and human resources, introduce armored ambulances. Taking conditions and
Japan will engage in various activities related to arms characteristics of each region into account, SDF will
control and disarmament undertaken by the UN and other focus on strengthening medical functions of SDF in
bodies, including the discussion on Lethal Autonomous Japan’s southwestern region.

In order to conduct the control and coordination roles. Furthermore, MOD/SDF will contribute to policy
regarding medical operations of SDF on a steady-state development through timely and appropriate supply
basis, SDF will strive to strengthen the organization of of high-quality research results, based upon expertise
the Joint Staff. SDF will establish an efficient and high- and research capabilities, to the policy development
quality medical care regime through further endeavors departments.
including upgrading of SDF hospitals into medical hubs
with enhanced functions. Furthermore, SDF will proceed IV. Quantities of Major Procurement
to improve the management of the National Defense
The Annex Table shows details of the quantities of major
Medical College, enhance its research functions and
procurement described in Section III.
strive to secure high-quality talents, as well as striving to
Reference
enrich the clinical experience of medical officers to better

secure the number of medical officers, and promoting the V. Expenditures
appointment of SDF Reserve Personnel (physicians). In 1. The expenditure target for the implementation of the defense
addition, MOD/SDF will proceed with the establishment capability build-up described in this program amount to
of hygienic education and training foundations common approximately ¥27,470 billion in FY 2018 prices.
to each SDF service that are necessary to improve 2. For the duration of this program, in harmony with other
medical care capabilities for combat injuries and the measures taken by the Government, substantive funds
requisite posture for various international cooperation will be secured by means of thoroughgoing greater
including capacity building assistance. efficiency and streamlining in defense force development,
(3) Collaboration with Local Communities suspending the use of equipment whose importance has
MOD/SDF will constantly and actively engage in decreased, reviewing or discontinuing projects of low cost-
public relations activities regarding defense policies effectiveness, optimizing equipment procurement through
and activities. Upon fielding units and equipment of cost management/suppression and long-term contracts and
SDF or U.S. Forces in Japan and conducting training securing other revenue. The annual defense budgets target
and exercises, MOD/SDF will make careful, detailed for the implementation of this program is expected to be
coordination to meet desires and conditions of local around approximately ¥25,500 billion over the next five
communities, while sufficiently fulfilling accountability. years. In order to adapt to increasingly rapid changes in the
At the same time, MOD/SDF will continue to promote security environment, Japan must strengthen its defense
various impact alleviation measures including sound capability at speeds that are fundamentally different from
insulation projects at residences. MOD/SDF will further the past. Moreover, to achieve rapid procurement of defense
strengthen collaboration with relevant organizations equipment, Japan must pursue flexible and swift project
including local governments, police and fire departments management, and the budgetary process for each fiscal year
in order to enable SDF to swiftly and securely conduct its which will be conducted taking into account the economic
activities in response to various situations. and fiscal conditions among other budgets.
In certain regions, presence of SDF units makes 3. The amount of expenses based on contracts (material
substantial contributions to maintenance and expenses) to be newly concluded to implement this program
revitalization of local communities. There are also cases will be allocated within the ceiling of approximately
where SDF’s emergency patient transport is supporting ¥17,170 billion in FY 2018 prices (excluding the amount
community medicine. In light of this, MOD/SDF corresponding to payments outside of the program period
will give due considerations to local conditions and for contracts that contribute to improving project efficiency
characteristics upon reorganization of operation units as such as maintenance), and the future obligation shall be
well as placement of SDF garrisons and bases. MOD/SDF managed appropriately.
will also promote various measures that contribute to the 4. This program will be reviewed after three years as necessary,
local community by such means as striving to secure with consideration to such factors at home and abroad as the
opportunities for local small and medium enterprises to international security environment, trends in technological
receive contract orders based on the contracting policy of standards including information communication technology,
the nation, etc., concerning small and medium enterprises and fiscal conditions.
while also being mindful of efficiency.
(4) Intellectual Base
VI. Other
MOD/SDF will contribute to the promotion of national
security education through such means as dispatching While maintaining U.S. Forces deterrence, Japan will steadily
instructors to educational institutions and holding public implement specific measures stipulated in “United States-
symposiums. In addition, MOD/SDF will provide Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation” and other
efficient and highly trustworthy information to increase SCC documents and SACO (Special Action Committee on
public access to the research results regarding security. Okinawa) related programs to mitigate the impact on local
Moreover, MOD/SDF will promote various measures communities, including those in Okinawa.
to improve the capabilities for providing information
including that in foreign languages, the further utilization
of increasingly diversified social networks, and MOD/
SDF will also expand networks and institutional
collaboration with research and education organizations,
and think-tanks in Japan and abroad in order to further
strengthen the research system of MOD/SDF with the
National Institute for Defense Studies playing central

Annex Table
Service Equipment Quantity
Mobile Combat Vehicles 134
Armored Vehicles 29
New Utility Helicopters 34
Transport Helicopters (CH-47JA) 3
Ground Self-Defense Force Surface-to-Ship Guided Missiles 3 companies
Mid-Range Surface-to-Air Guided Missiles 5 companies
Land-based Aegis Systems (Aegis Ashore) 2
Tanks 30
Howitzers 40
Destroyers 10
Reference
Submarines 5
Patrol Vessels 4
Other Ships 4
Total 23
Maritime Self-Defense Force
(Tonnage) (approx. 66,000t)
Fixed-Wing Patrol Aircraft (P-1) 12
Patrol Helicopters (SH-60K/K (Upgraded Capability)) 13
Ship-Borne Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 3
Minesweeping and Transport Helicopters (MCH-101) 1
Airborne Early Warning (Control) Aircraft (E-2D) 9
Fighters (F-35A) 45
Fighter Upgrade (F-15) 20
Aerial Refueling/Transport Aircraft (KC-46A) 4
Air Self-Defense Force
Transport Aircraft (C-2) 5
Upgrade of PATRIOT Surface-to-Air Guided Missiles 4 groups
(PAC-3 MSE) (16 fire squadrons)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Global Hawk) 1
Notes 1. Japan will basically pursue the establishment of 75 Patrol Helicopters and 20 Ship-borne UAVs at the completion of the “NDPG for FY 2019 and beyond,” but those exact numbers will be considered
during the period of the “MTDP (FY 2019 - FY 2023).”
2. 18 aircraft out of 45 aircraft of Fighters (F-35A) would have STOVLs.
Reference 4 Number of Tanks and Major Artillery Owned

(As of March 31, 2021)
Rocket Launchers, Anti-aircraft
Type Recoilless Guns Mortars Field Artillery Tanks Armored Vehicles
etc. Machine Guns
Approximate number
2,600 1,200 390 50 50 570 990
owned
Notes: Each type of gun, except those of tanks and armored vehicles, includes self-propelled guns.

Reference 5 Number of Major Aircraft and Performance Specifications
Maximum
Number Crew Full Length Full Width
Service Type Model Use Speed Engine
Owned (number) (m) (m)
(knots)
Fixed- Liaison and
LR-2 8 300 2 (8) 14 18 Turboprop, twin-engines
wing Reconnaissance
AH-1S Anti-tank 50 120 2 14 3 Turboshaft, single-engine
OH-1 Observation 37 140 2 12 3 Turboshaft, twin-engines
UH-1J Utility 123 110 2 (11) 13 3 Turboshaft, single-engine
Reference
Rotary-
GSDF UH-2 Utility 1 130 2 (11) 13 3 Turboshaft, twin-engines
wing
CH-47J/JA Transport 53 150/140 3 (55) 16 4/5 Turboshaft, twin-engines
UH-60JA Utility 40 150 2 (12) 16 3 Turboshaft, twin-engines
AH-64D Combat 12 150 2 15 6 Turboshaft, twin-engines
Tilt
V-22 Transport 5 280 3 (24) 17 15 Turboshaft, twin-engines
Rotor
Turbofan, quadruple-
P-1 Patrol 29 450 11 38 35
engine
Fixed- Turboprop, quadruple-
P-3C Patrol 44 400 11 36 30
wing engine
Turboprop, quadruple-
MSDF US-2 Rescue 6 320 11 33 33
engine
SH-60J Patrol 14 150 4 15 5 Turboshaft, twin-engines
Rotary- SH-60K Patrol 69 140 4 16 5 Turboshaft, twin-engines
wing Minesweeping and
MCH-101 10 150 4 20 5 Turboshaft, triple engine
transport
F-15J/DJ Fighter 201 mach 2.5 1/2 19 13 Turbofan, twin-engine
F-4EJ/EJ
Fighter 5 mach 2.2 2 19 12 Turbojet, twin-engine
(improved)
F-2A/B Fighter 91 mach 2 1/2 16 11 Turbofan, single-engine
F-35A Fighter 21 mach 1.6 1 16 11 Turbofan, single-engine
C-1 Transport 9 mach 0.76 5 (60) 29 31 Turbofan, twin-engine
C-2 Transport 12 mach 0.82 2~5 (110) 44 44 Turbofan, twin-engine
Fixed- Turboprop, quadruple-
wing C-130H Transport 13 320 6 (92) 30 40
engine
ASDF KC-767 Aerial refueling transport 4 mach 0.84 4~8 (200) 49 48 Turbofan, twin-engine
Turboprop, quadruple-
KC-130H Aerial refueling transport 3 320 6 (92) 30 40
engine
E-2C Early warning 10 320 5 18 25 Turboprop, twin-engines
E-2D Early warning 3 350 5 18 25 Turboprop, twin-engines
Early warning and
E-767 4 450 20 49 48 Turbofan, twin-engine
control
Rotary- CH-47J Transport 15 160 5 (48) 16 5 Turboshaft, twin-engines

wing
UH-60J Rescue 41 140 5 16 5 Turboshaft, twin-engines
Notes: 1. The number of aircraft possessed indicates numbers registered in the national property ledger as of March 31, 2021.
2. Parenthetical figures in the item “Crew” represents the number of people transported.
3. The full length and width of rotary-wing aircraft does not include the rotor diameter.
4. Maximum speed, full length, and full width are approximate.
Reference 6 Number of Major Ships Commissioned into Service

Patrol Combatant
Category Destroyer Submarine Mine Warfare Ship Amphibious Ship Auxiliary Ship
Craft
Number (vessels) 47 21 22 6 11 30
Standard Displacement
267 60 22 1 28 133
(1,000 tons)
Notes: Figures are rounded off, so the totals may not tally.

Reference 7 Pattern of Defense-Related Expenditures (Original Budget Basis)
(Unit: 100 million yen, %)
Item Ratio of
Ratio of
Defense-
Ratio of Defense-
Related
Annual General Defense- Defense- related
GNP/GDP Growth Growth Growth Rate Expenditures
Expenditures Annual Related Related Expenditures
(Original Rate from Rate from from Previous to Annual
on General Expenditures Expenditures Expenditures to General
Estimates) (A) Previous Year Previous Year Year Expenditures
Account (B) (C) (D) to GNP/GDP Annual
on General
(D/A) Expenditures
Account
(D/C)
Fiscal Year (D/B)
Reference
1955 75,590 9,915 △0.8 8,107 △2.8 1,349 △3.3 1.78 13.61 16.6
1965 281,600 36,581 12.4 29,198 12.8 3,014 9.6 1.07 8.24 10.3
1975 1,585,000 212,888 24.5 158,408 23.2 13,273 21.4 0.84 6.23 8.4
1985 3,146,000 524,996 3.7 325,854 △0.0 31,371 6.9 0.997 5.98 9.6
1995 4,928,000 709,871 △2.9 421,417 3.1 47,236 0.9 0.959 6.65 11.2
46,453 △ 0.4 0.969 5.14 9.06
2012 4,796,000 903,339 △2.2 512,450 △5.2
47,138 △ 1.3 0.983 5.22 9.20
46,804 0.8 0.960 5.05 8.88
2013 4,877,000 926,115 2.5 539,774 5.3
0.8 0.975 5.13 9.02
47,838 2.2 0.956 4.99 8.47
2014 5,004,000 958,823 3.5 564,697 4.6
48,848 2.8 0.976 5.09 8.65
48,221 0.8 0.955 5.01 8.41
2015 5,049,000 963,420 0.5 573,555 1.6
49,801 2.0 0.986 5.17 8.68
48,607 0.8 0.937 5.03 8.41
2016 5,188,000 967,218 0.4 578,286 0.8
50,541 1.5 0.974 5.23 8.74
48,996 0.8 0.885 5.03 8.40
2017 5,535,000 974,547 0.8 583,591 0.9
51,251 1.4 0.926 5.26 8.78
49,388 0.8 0.875 5.05 8.39
2018 5,643,000 977,128 0.3 588,958 0.9
51,911 1.3 0.920 5.31 8.81
994,291 599,359 50,070 1.4 0.884 5.04 8.35
2019 5,661,000 3.8 5.2
(1,014,571) (619,639) 52,574 1.3 0.929 5.18 8.48
1,008,791 617,184 50,688 1.2 0.889 5.02 8.21
2020 5,702,000 1.2 2.5
(1,026,580) (634,972) 53,133 1.1 0.932 5.18 8.37
51,235 1.1 0.916 4.81 7.66
2021 5,595,000 1,066,097 3.8 669,020 5.4
53,422 0.5 0.955 5.01 7.99
Notes: 1. The upper figures for defense-related expenditures for FY2012 and thereafter exclude SACO-related expenses (8.6 billion yen in FY2012, 8.8 billion yen in FY2013, 12.0 billion yen in FY2014, 4.6
billion yen in FY2015, 2.8 billion yen in FY2016, 2.8 billion yen in FY2017, 5.1 billion yen in FY2018, 25.6 billion yen in FY2019, 13.8 billion yen in FY2020, and 14.4 billion yen in FY2021), the
U.S. Forces realignment-related expenses (the portion allocated for mitigating the impact on local communities) (59.9 billion yen in FY2012, 64.6 billion yen in FY2013, 89.0 billion yen in FY2014,
142.6 billion yen in FY2015, 176.6 billion yen in FY2016, 201.1 billion yen in FY2017, 216.1 billion yen in FY2018, 167.9 billion yen in FY2019, 179.9 billion yen in FY2020, and 204.4 billion yen in
FY2021), expenses related to the introduction of new government aircraft (10.8 billion yen in FY2015, 14.0 billion yen in FY2016, 21.6 billion yen in FY2017, 31.2 billion yen in FY2018, 6.2 billion
yen in FY2019, 0.03 billion yen in FY2020, and 0.03 billion yen in FY2021) as well as expenses for the three-year emergency measures for disaster prevention, mitigation and building national
resilience (50.8 billion yen in FY2019 and 50.8 billion yen in FY2020), while the lower figures include them.
2. Annual expenditure on general account and the lower figures in parentheses in the general annual expenditures column for FY2019 and FY2020 include temporary/special measures.
3.The FY2021 budget includes expenses to be transferred to the Cabinet Secretariat and the Digital Agency (tentative name).

Reference 8 Changes in Composition of Defense-Related Expenditures (Initial Budget)
(Unit: 100 million yen, %)
FY 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Composition Composition Composition Composition Composition
Budget Budget Budget Budget Budget
Item Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio Ratio
44.2 44.2 43.6 42.3 42.8
Personnel and provisions 21,662 21,850 21,831 21,426 21,919
42.3 42.1 41.5 40.3 41.0
27,334 55.8 27,538 55.8 28,239 56.4 29,262 57.7 29,316 57.2
Materials
29,589 57.7 30,061 57.9 30,744 58.5 31,708 59.7 31,504 59.0
17.2 16.6 16.6 16.9 17.9
Equipment acquisition 8,406 8,191 8,329 8,544 9,186
16.4 15.8 15.8 16.1 17.2
Reference
2.5 2.1 2.6 2.5 2.2

R&D 1,217 1,034 1,283 1,273 1,133
2.4 2.0 2.4 2.4 2.1
3.2 3.5 2.8 3.0 4.0
Facility improvement 1,571 1,752 1,407 1513 2,030
3.1 3.4 2.7 2.8 3.8
22.2 23.0 24.0 24.9 22.7
Maintenance 10,888 11,343 12,027 12,610 11,609
21.2 21.9 22.9 23.7 21.7
9.2 9.0 8.9 9.0 9.0
Base countermeasures 4,529 4,449 4,470 4,584 4,618
8.8 8.6 8.5 8.6 8.6
The cost for SACO-related
28 0.1 51 0.1 256 0.5 138 0.3 144 0.3
projects
U.S. Forces realignment-
related expenses
2,011 3.9 2,161 4.2 1,679 3.2 1,799 3.4 2,044 3.8
(mitigation of the impact on
local communities)
Introduction of government
216 0.4 312 0.6 62 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.3 0
aircraft
National resilience-related
－－－－ 508 1.0 508 1.0 －－
expenses
1.5 1.6 1.4 1.5
Others 723 768 723 739 741 1.4
1.4 1.5 1.4 1.4
48,996 49,388 50,070 50,688 51,235 1.4
Total 100 100 100 100
51,251 51,911 52,574 53,133 53,422 100
Notes: 1. Personnel and food provisions expenses include personnel wage and food expenditures.
2. Equipment acquisition expenses include the purchase of arms, vehicles and aircraft, and the construction of ships.
3. R&D expenses include those of equipment.
4. Facility improvement expenses include those of airfields and barracks.
5. Maintenance costs include those for housing, clothing and training.
6. Base countermeasures expenses include those for areas surrounding base countermeasures and burden by the USFJ.
7. Figures are rounded off, so the totals may not tally.
8. The upper figures for Budgets and Composition Ratio exclude the cost for SACO-related expenses (2.8 billion yen in FY2017, 5.1 billion yen in FY2018, 25.6 billion yen in FY2019, 13.8 billion yen
in FY2020, and 14.4 billion yen in FY2021), the U.S. Forces realignment-related expenses (the portion allocated for mitigating the impact on local communities; 201.1 billion yen in FY2017, 216.1
billion yen in FY2018, 167.9 billion yen in FY2019, 179.9 billion yen in FY2020, and 204.4 billion yen in FY2021), expenses related to the introduction of new government aircraft (21.6 billion yen in
FY2017, 31.2 billion yen in FY2018, 6.2 billion yen in FY2019, 0.03 billion yen in FY2020, and 0.03 billion yen in FY2021), as well as expenses for the three-year emergency measures for disaster
prevention, mitigation and building national resilience (50.8 billion yen in FY2019 and 50.8 billion yen in FY2020), while the lower fi gures include them.
9. The FY2021 budget includes expenses (18.7 billion yen) to be transferred to the Cabinet Secretariat and the Digital Agency (tentative name).

Reference 9 Trend of Defense Expenditures of Major Countries
FY
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Country
48,996 49,388 50,070 50,688 51,235
51,251 51,911 52,574 53,133 53,422
Japan (100 million yen)
0.8% 0.8% 1.4% 1.2% 1.1%
1.4% 1.3% 1.3% 1.1% 0.5%
568,896 600,683 653,986 690,420 712,399
U.S. (U.S. 1 million dollar)
0.6% 5.6% 8.9% 5.6% 3.2%
10,444 11,070 11,899 12,680 13,553
China (100 million yuan)
7.1% 8.3% 7.5% 6.6% 6.8%
Reference
28,523 28,270 29,974 32,968 31,863
Russia (100 million RR)
△24.4% △0.9% 6.0% 10.0% △3.4%
Republic of Korea 403,347 431,581 466,971 501,527 528,401
(100 million won) 4.0% 7.0% 8.2% 7.4% 5.4%
Australia 35,191 36,231 38,562 42,612 44,568
(1 million Australian dollar) 7.0% 3.0% 6.4% 10.5% 4.6%
35,500 36,000 37,800 40,000 42,500
U.K. (1 million GBP)
1.4% 1.4% 5.0% 5.8% 6.3%
40,841 42,741 44,354 46,076 ―
France (1 million euro)
2.9% 4.7% 3.8% 3.9% ―
37,005 38,520 43,228 45,646 46,930
Germany (1 million euro)
7.9% 4.1% 12.2% 5.6% 2.8%
Notes: 1. Data sources are national budget books, defense white papers and others.
2. % represents a rate of growth over the previous year.
3. In Japan, the figures in the upper row exclude SACO-related expenditures (2.8 billion yen for FY2017, 5.1 billion yen for FY2018, 25.6 billion yen for FY2019, 13.8 billion yen for FY2020, and 14.4
billion yen for FY2021), the expenditures associated with the U.S. Forces realignment (the portion allocated for mitigating the impact on local communities) (201.1 billion yen for FY2017, 216.1
billion yen for FY2018, 167.9 billion yen for FY2019, 179.9 billion yen for FY2020, and 204.4 billion yen for FY2021), expenses related to the introduction of new government aircraft (21.6 billion
yen for FY2017, 31.2 billion yen for FY2018, 6.2 billion yen for FY2019, 0.03 billion yen for FY2020, and 0.03 billion yen for FY2021), as well as expenses for the three-year emergency measures
for disaster prevention, mitigation and building national resilience (50.8 billion yen for FY2019 and 50.8 billion yen in FY2020), while the figures in the lower row are based on the initial budget and
include them.
4. U.S. defense expenditures represent the expense narrowly defined by the Historical Table. Figures for FY2021 are estimated values.
5. The figures for China are based on the initial budget in the Finance Budget Report to the National People’s Congress (only the defense expenditure in the central ministry expenditure [a portion of
the central government expenditure] was released; however, for FY2017, the figures are the defense expenditure of the central government expenditure as it was calculable.) The rate of growth
over the previous year was calculated by comparing with the defense expenditure in the central ministry expenditure. The defense expenditure in the central ministry expenditure for FY2017 was
1.0226 billion yuan.
6. Russia’s defense expenditures are based on the FY2017-2020 expenditures and the FY2021 initial budget amount in the Information on Execution of Budgets of the Russian Federation released
by the Federal Treasury.
7. The figures for the Republic of Korea are based on the initial budget released on its Ministry of National Defense website.
8. The figures for Australia are based on the initial budget in the Defence Portfolio Budget Statements published by the Australian Department of Defence.
9. The figures for the United Kingdom are based on the initial budget in the budget message.
10. The figures for France are based on the initial budget in “Defence Key Figures” by the French Ministry for Armed Forces. The defense expenditure for FY2021 has not been released as of April 2021.
11. The figures for Germany are based on the initial budget released by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Reference 10 Conditions Required for Main Operations of the Self-Defense Forces (Including Diet Approval) and Authority for the Use of
Weapons Concerning Main Operations of the Self-Defense Forces
Operation Applicable Situations, etc. Conditions Required for Operations Main provisions for authority
(1) When there is a situation in which (1) Authorized by: Prime Minister ❍ Use of force necessary to defend Japan, etc.
armed attack against Japan from (2) Approval of the Diet: required (prior
outside occur or when it is considered approval required in principle)
that there is an imminent and clear (3) Cabinet decision: required
danger of armed attack, and therefore
it is necessary to defend Japan against
these attacks.
Defense operation (2) When there is a situation in which an
(Self-Defense Forces Law armed attack against a foreign country
Article 76) that is in a close relationship with
Japan occurs, which in turn poses
an imminent and clear danger of
Japan’s survival to be threatened and
fundamentally overturns people’s right
to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,
and therefore it is necessary to defend
Japan against such a situation.
When there are areas in which the (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense ❍ Establishment of positions and defense facilities in the intended
deployment of SDF units under the (2) Approval of the Diet: required (after deployment area
order for defense operations is expected the Cabinet decision on the Basic [Use of weapons]
and the reinforcement of defensive Response Plan) ❍ SDF personnel engaged in construction of defense facilities may
Establishment of defense preparations is deemed necessary (3) Cabinet decision: required (approval use weapons to the extent judged to be reasonably necessary
facilities (intended deployment area) before the of the Prime Minister) depending on the situation when there are reasonable grounds for
(Self-Defense Forces Law deployment of SDF units for possible judging that no appropriate means of overcoming existing danger
Article 77-2) operation in cases where the situation other than the use of weapons to protect their own lives and bodies
has intensified and the order for defense and those of other SDF personnel engaged in duties together. The
operations (only for armed attack use of weapons shall not cause harm to persons, except for cases
situations) is likely to be issued. falling under Article 36 (self-defense) or Article 37 (averting present
danger) of the Penal Code.

When a defense operation order is (1) Authorized by Minister of Defense ❍ Provision of supplies to the U.S. military forces as a measure related
expected under a tense situation or person delegated authority by to the actions based on U.S. and others’ Military Actions Related
the Minister for supplies; Minister of Measures Act
Defense for services ❍ Provision of services as a related measure
(2) Approval of the Diet: not required for [Use of weapons]
Measures to be taken before a supplies; required (after the Cabinet ❍ SDF personnel and others ordered to provide services in accordance
defense operation order decision on the Basic Response Plan) with measures related to U.S. military actions may use weapons
(Self-Defense Forces Law Article for services to the extent judged to be reasonably necessary depending on the
77-3 and U.S. and Others’ Military (3) Cabinet decision: not required for situation when there are reasonable grounds for the use of weapons
Actions Related Measures Act) supplies; required (approval of the to protect their own lives or bodies of themselves, those of other
Prime Minister) for services the SDF personnel who are with them, or of those who, while
conducting their duties, have come under the protection of SDF
Reference
personnel. The use of weapons shall not cause harm to persons,

except for cases falling under Article 36 (self-defense) or Article 37
(averting present danger) of the Penal Code.
When deemed unavoidable upon request (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense ❍ Measures concerning guidance of fleeing residents, emergent
by prefectural governors in accordance (2) Approval of the Diet: not required measures, traffic control, etc., pursuant to the provision of the Civil
with the Civil Protection Law, or when (3) Cabinet decision: required (approval Protection Law
requested by the Armed Attack Situation, of the Prime Minister) ❍ Partial application of the Police Duties Law weapons (Measures for
etc., Task Force Chief or the Emergency (4) Additional requirements: request of Refuge, etc., Prevention and Suppression of Crime, Entry, etc.) (all
Civil protection dispatch Response Situation Task Force Chief in prefectural governors or Armed Attack only when police officers are not present)
(Self-Defense Forces Law accordance with the Law Situation, etc., Task Force Chief (Prime ❍ Partial application of the Japan Coast Guard Law (requests for
Article 77-4) Minister) cooperation, etc.)
[Use of weapons]
❍ Article 7 of the Police Duties Execution Act applies mutatis mutandis
to SDF personnel ordered to civil protection dispatches only when
police officers, Japan Coast Guard Officers, including assistant cast
guard officers, are not present.
When it is deemed that the public (1) Authorized by: Prime Minister ❍ Application of the Police Duties Law (Questioning, Measures for
security cannot be maintained by the law (2) Approval of the Diet: required (to be Refuge, etc., Prevention and Suppression of Crime, etc.)
enforcement force in the event of indirect referred to the Diet within 20 days of ❍ Partial application of the Japan Coast Guard Law (requests for
aggression or other such emergencies the order’s issuance) cooperation, on-the-spot inspections, etc.)
(3) Cabinet decision: required ❍ Control over the Japan Coast Guard
[Use of weapons]
Public security operation by ❍ Article 7 of the Police Duties Execution Act applies mutatis mutandis
order to the execution of duties of SDF personnel under public security
(Self-Defense Forces Law operations.
Article 78) ❍ SDF personnel who are ordered into public security operations may,
in addition to cases where they use weapons under Article 7 of the
Police Duties Execution Act, use weapons under certain cases, such
as when they reasonably consider that persons to be guarded in the
line of duty and others may suffer violence or infringement or are
apparently exposed to such danger and no appropriate means of
overcoming it other than the use of weapons.
When situations have intensified and (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense [Use of weapons]
a public security operation order and (2) Approval of the Diet: not required ❍ SDF personnel engaged in information-gathering duties before
illicit activity by those armed with rifles, (3) Cabinet decision: required (approval public security operation order may use weapons within the limit
Information gathering before machine guns, or other weapons are of the Prime Minister) judged to be reasonably necessary depending on the situation
public security operation order expected; and there is a special need to (4) Additional requirements: consultation when there are reasonable grounds for judging that no appropriate
(Self-Defense Forces Law gather information between the Minister of Defense and means of overcoming such danger other than the use of weapons to
Article 79-2) the National Public Safety Commission protect their own lives and bodies and those of other SDF personnel
engaged in duties together. The use of weapons shall not cause
harm to persons, except for cases falling under Article 26 (self-
defense) or Article 37 (averting present danger) of the Penal Code.
When deemed unavoidable if public (1) Authorized by: Prime Minister ❍ Application of the Police Duties Law (Questioning, Measures for
peace is to be maintained in serious (2) Approval of the Diet: not required Refuge, etc., Prevention and Suppression of Crime, etc.)
situations by the prefectural governors (3) Cabinet decision: required ❍ Partial application of the Japan Coast Guard Law (requests for
and by the Prime Minister (4) Additional requirements: prefectural cooperation, on-the-spot inspections, etc.)
governor makes a request to the [Use of weapons]
Prime Minister after consulting ❍ Article 7 of the Police Duties Execution Act applies mutatis mutandis
Public security operation by
with the prefectural Public Safety to the execution of duties of SDF personnel under public security
request
Commission operations.
(Self-Defense Forces Law
❍ SDF personnel who are ordered into public security operations may,
Article 81)
in addition to cases where they use weapons under Article 7 of the
Police Duties Execution Act, use weapons under certain cases, such
as when they reasonably consider that persons to be guarded in the
line of duty and others may suffer violence or infringement or are
apparently exposed to such danger and no appropriate means of
overcoming it other than the use of weapons.
When special measures are deemed (1) Authorized by: Prime Minister ❍ Partial application of the Police Duties Law (Questioning; Measures
necessary to prevent damage due to (2) Approval of the Diet: not required for Refuge; Entry (all only when police officers are not present);
likely large-scale terrorist attacks on SDF (3) Cabinet decision: required Prevention and Suppression of Crime)
or U.S. forces facilities and areas in Japan (4) Additional requirements: Minister of [Use of weapons]
Defense consults with the National ❍ Article 7 of the Police Duties Execution Act applies mutatis mutandis to
Public Safety Commission after the execution of duties of SDF personnel under guarding operations.
Guarding operation
hearing opinions from the relevant ❍ SDF personnel who are ordered into guarding operations may, in
prefectural governor addition to cases where they use weapons under Article 7 of the
Article 81-2)
Police Duties Execution Act, use weapons in execution of their
duties to the extent judged to be reasonably necessary depending
on the situation when a clear danger of devastating destruction
to the installation being guarded exists and there are reasonable
grounds for judging that no appropriate means of overcoming such
danger exists other than the use of weapons.

When special measures are deemed (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense ❍ Partial application of the Japan Coast Guard Law (requests for
necessary to protect lives and property or (2) Approval of the Diet: not required cooperation, on-the-spot inspections, etc.)
maintain order at sea (3) Cabinet decision: required (approval [Use of weapons]
of the Prime Minister) ❍ Article 7 of the Police Duties Execution Act applies mutatis mutandis
Maritime security operations
to the execution of duties of SDF personnel under maritime security
operations.
Article 82)
❍ Article 20 (2) of the Japan Coast Guard Law, which allows stopping
the progression of the vessel that meet certain conditions, applied
mutatis mutandis to the execution of duties of SDF personnel under
maritime security operations.
When special measures are deemed (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense ❍ Partial application of the Japan Coast Guard Law (requests for
Reference
necessary to combat acts of piracy (2) Approval of the Diet: not required cooperation, on-the-spot inspections, etc.)
(to be reported to the Diet when the [Use of weapons]
Prime Minister has approved the ❍ Article 7 of the Police Duties Execution Act applies mutatis mutandis
counterpiracy operation and when a to the execution of duties of SDF personnel under counter-piracy
Counter-piracy operations
mission has been completed) operations.
(3) Cabinet decision: required (approval ❍ If any party perpetrating acts of piracy, including approaching
Article 82-2 and Piracy
of the Prime Minister) excessively close to a ship or trailing around a ship, continues their
Countermeasures Act)
(4) Additional requirements: Minister acts despite the counterpiracy measures of the other party, and
of Defense submits the response there are reasonable grounds to believe that no other means are
procedures to the Prime Minister available to stop the passage of the ship in question, the use of
weapons is permitted to the extent that is considered reasonably
necessary in accordance with the situation.
When it is anticipated that ballistic (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense [Use of weapons]
missiles are flying toward Japan and (2) Approval of the Diet: not required ❍ SDF units ordered to destroy ballistic missiles flying headed toward
the measures are deemed necessary to (after-the fact report required when Japan may use weapons as required.
protect lives and properties in Japan’s measures taken)
Destruction measures against
territory from the damage caused by the (3) Cabinet decision: required (approval
ballistic missiles, etc.
missiles of the Prime Minister)
(4) Additional requirements: for an urgent
Article 82-3)
case, the order can be made in
advance according to the emergency
response procedures approved by the
Prime Minister
When judged necessary in order to (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense or ❍ Partial application of the Police Duties Law (Refuge, entry, etc.) (all
protect lives and property in the event of those designated by the Minister only when police officers are not present)
natural calamities or other disasters (2) Approval of the Diet: not required ❍ Partial application of the Japan Coast Guard Law (request for
(3) Cabinet decision: not required cooperation)
Disaster relief dispatch (4) Additional requirements: request of ❍ Authority provided for under the Disaster Measures Basic Law
(Self-Defense Forces Law prefectural governors or other parties (Designation of alert zones, guarantee of passage for emergency
Article 83) designated by Government ordinance vehicles, etc.; only when no municipal mayor or police officer is
(excluding particularly urgent present)
situations when it is deemed there
is no time to wait for a request to be
made)
When a foreign aircraft intrudes Japan’s (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense ❍ The action necessary to make intruding aircraft land or withdraw
Action against violation of
territorial airspace in violation of (2) Approval of the Diet: not required from the territorial airspace of Japan (issuing warnings, guiding
territorial airspace
international law and/or the provisions of (3) Cabinet decision: not required intruders away, use of weapons, etc.)
the Aviation Law or other relevant laws
Article 84)
and regulations
Elimination of mines and other (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense ❍ Elimination and disposition of mines and other dangerous explosive
dangerous objects (2) Approval of the Diet: not required objects found on the sea
―
(Self-Defense Forces Law (3) Cabinet decision: not required
Article 84-2)
Emergency situations overseas (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense [Use of weapons]
(2) Approval of the Diet: not required ❍ SDF personnel engaged in duties related to rescue measures for
(3) Cabinet decision: required (approval Japanese nationals and others overseas may use weapons to the
of the Prime Minister) extent considered proper and necessary in light of the situations
(4) Additional requirements: when a when: (1) there are reasonable grounds for judging that there are
request is made by the Minister for no appropriate means of overcoming such situations other than the
Foreign Affairs to conduct measures use of weapons to protect their own lives and bodies and those
Rescue of Japanese nationals for rescue of Japanese nationals who of Japanese nationals and others, or to eliminate actions which
and others overseas are at risk for harm to their life or obstruct their duties stated above; (2) there are reasonable grounds
(Self-Defense Forces Law body, confirmation that the competent for the use of weapons to protect their own lives or bodies, those
Article 84-3) authorities of the country concerned of other SDF personnel engaged in duties together, or of those who,
are maintaining public safety and while conducting their duties, have come under the protection
order at the time in the areas where of SDF personnel. The use of weapons shall not cause harm to
the rescue measures are to be taken persons, except for cases falling under Article 26 (self-defense) or
and that no act of combat will be Article 37 (averting present danger) of the Penal Code.
conducted is required, and consent
from the country concerned for the
SDF’s rescue measures is required
Natural disasters, unrest, and other (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense [Use of weapons]
emergency situations overseas (2) Approval of the Diet: not required ❍ SDF personnel engaged in evacuation of Japanese nationals and
(3) Cabinet decision: as necessary others overseas may use weapons to the extent considered proper
(4) Additional requirements: when a and necessary in light of the situation when there are reasonable
Transportation of Japanese
request is made by the Minister for grounds for the use of weapons to protect their own lives and
nationals and others overseas
Foreign Affairs to evacuate Japanese bodies, those of other SDF personnel engaged in the evacuation,
nationals whose lives and bodies are or of Japanese nationals to be evacuated under the management
Article 84-4)
threatened of SDF personnel or of those granted permission to ride the same
means of transport. The use of weapons shall not cause harm to
persons, except for cases falling under Article 36 (self-defense) or
Article 37 (averting present danger) of the Penal Code.

Situations that will have an important (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense or [Use of weapons]
influence on Japan’s peace and security person who is a delegated authority ❍ SDF personnel ordered to provide services as logistics support
by the Minister for supplies; Minister activities or to conduct search and rescue operations may use
of Defense for services, search and weapons to the extent considered proper and necessary in light of
rescue activities, and ship inspection the situations: (1) when there are reasonable grounds for judging
operations that no appropriate means of overcoming such situations other than
(2) Approval of the Diet: required (prior to the use of weapons to protect their own lives or bodies, those of
taking measures in principle) other SDF personnel engaged in duties together, or of those who,
(3) Cabinet decision: required (approval while conducting their duties, have come under the protection of
of the Prime Minister to implement SDF personnel; (2) in the case where there are attacks against
response measures, for the draft camps, which were established within foreign territories and where
Logistics support and other
basic plan and for the prescribed SDF units and SDF personnel jointly stationed with personnel from
activities
Reference
implementation guidelines pursuant other countries such as the U.S. Forces personnel, when there are
(Self-Defense Forces Law Article
to the basic plan) no other places but the camps in the vicinity to ensure the safety of
84-5, Law Concerning Measures
the SDF units and others, and when there are reasonable grounds
to Ensure Peace and Security
for the use of weapons jointly with those foreign personnel to
of Japan in Situations that Will
protect their own lives or bodies as well as those of other personnel
Have an Important Influence on
stationed together at the camps. The use of weapons shall not
Japan’s Peace and Security, and
cause harm to persons, except for cases falling under Article 26
Ship Inspection Operations Act)
(self-defense) or Article 37 (averting present danger) of the Penal
Code.
❍ SDF personnel ordered to conduct ship inspection operations may
use weapons to the extent considered proper and necessary in light
of the situation when there are reasonable grounds for the use of
weapons to protect their own lives and bodies and those of others
engaged in duties together or of those who, while conducting their
duties, have come under the protection of SDF personnel. The use
of weapons shall not cause harm to persons, except for cases
falling under Article 36 (self-defense) or Article 37 (averting present
Situations where the peace and security (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense or [Use of weapons]
of the international community is person who is a delegated authority ❍ SDF personnel ordered to provide services as cooperation and
threatened, where the international by the Minister for supplies; Minister support operations or to conduct search and rescue operations may
community is collectively addressing of Defense for services, search and use weapons to the extent considered proper and necessary in light
the situation to remove the threat in rescue activities, and ship inspection of the situations: (1) when there are reasonable grounds for the
accordance with the objectives of the operations use of weapons to protect their own lives or bodies, those of other
United Nations Charter, and where (2) Approval of the Diet: required (prior SDF personnel engaged in duties together, or of those who, while
Japan needs to make independent and consent required with no exception) conducting their duties, have come under the protection of SDF
proactive contributions to these activities (3) Cabinet decision: required (approval personnel; (2) in the case where there are attacks against camps,
as a member of the international of the Prime Minister to implement which were established within foreign territories and where SDF
community, and a resolution of the response measures, for the draft units and SDF personnel jointly stationed with personnel from other
Cooperation and support General Assembly or the Security Council basic plan and for the prescribed countries such as those of foreign armed forces, when there are no
operations of the UN is adopted implementation guidelines pursuant other places but the camps in the vicinity to ensure the safety of the
(Self-Defense Forces Law to the basic plan) SDF units and others, and when there are reasonable grounds for the
Article 84-5, International use of weapons jointly with those foreign personnel to protect their
Peace Support Act, and Ship own lives or bodies as well as those of other personnel stationed
Inspection Operations Act) together at the camps. The use of weapons shall not cause harm to
persons, except for cases falling under Article 36 (self-defense) or
Article 37 (averting present danger) of the Penal Code.
❍ SDF personnel ordered to conduct ship inspection operations may
use weapons to the extent considered proper and necessary in light
of the situation when there are reasonable grounds for the use of
weapons to protect their own lives and bodies and those of others
engaged in duties together or of those who, while conducting their
duties, have come under the protection of SDF personnel. The use
of weapons shall not cause harm to persons, except for cases
In the case that a large-scale disaster has (1) Authorized by: Minister of Defense
happened or is about to happen overseas, (2) Approval of the Diet: not required
International disaster relief especially in developing countries/areas (3) Cabinet decision: not required
activities (4) Additional requirements: request
(Self-Defense Forces Law of the government of the disaster- ―
Article 84-5 and International stricken country to dispatch
Disaster Relief Law) international disaster relief teams,
and consultation with the Minister for
Foreign Affairs

United Nations peacekeeping operations, (1) Authorized by: Chief of the [Use of weapons]
internationally coordinated operations International Peace Cooperation ❍ SDF personnel engaged in duties in international peace cooperation
for peace and security, and international Headquarters (Prime Minister) (SDF operations may use weapons to the extent considered proper and
humanitarian assistance personnel dispatched individually) necessary in light of the situations: (1) when there are reasonable
Minister of Defense (SDF personnel grounds for judging that no appropriate means of overcoming such
dispatched as a unit) situations other than the use of weapons to protect their own lives
(2) Approval of the Diet: (when SDF or bodies, those of other SDF personnel engaged in duties together,
units, etc., conduct so-called primary of International Peace Cooperation Corps, or of those who, while
operations and “safety-ensuring” conducting their duties, have come under the protection of SDF
operations) required (prior consent personnel; (2) in the case where there are attacks against SDF
required in principle); (other than so- personnel jointly stationed with personnel from other countries
called primary operations and “safety- such as personnel of foreign armed forces’ units, and when there
Reference
ensuring” operations) not required are reasonable grounds for the use of weapons jointly with those
(3) Cabinet decision: required (for foreign personnel to protect their own lives or bodies as well as
International peace cooperation
implementation of international peace those of other personnel stationed together at the camps; (3) with
activities
cooperation operations and the draft regard to SDF personnel engaged in so-called “safety-ensuring”
implementation plan) operations, when there are reasonable grounds for judging that
Article 84-5 and International
(4) Additional requirements: request of no appropriate means of overcoming such situations other than
Peace Cooperation Act)
the Chief of the International Peace the use of weapons to protect their own lives, bodies or assets, or
Cooperation Headquarters (Prime those of other individuals, or to eliminate actions which obstruct
Minister) their duties, in addition to (1) and (2) above; (4) with regard to
SDF personnel engaged in so-called “kaketsuke-keigo (coming
to protection of individuals related to operations in response to
urgent request)” operations, when there are reasonable grounds for
judging that there are no appropriate means of overcoming such
situations other than the use of weapons to protect their own lives
or bodies, or those of other individuals involved in the operations
whom they intend to protect, in addition to (1) and (2) above. The
use of weapons shall not cause harm to persons, except for cases

Reference 11 History of Efforts for BMD Development in Japan
1993 May 29: North Korea launched a ballistic missile that fell into the Sea of Japan
1995 Commenced a comprehensive study on the posture of the air defense system of Japan and a Japan-U.S. joint study on ballistic missile defense
August 31: North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japanese territory
1998 The Security Council approved the commencement of the Japan-U.S. joint cooperative technical research on ballistic missile defense (BMD) for parts of the
sea-based upper-tier system
1999 Started the Japan-U.S. joint cooperative technical research on four major components for advanced interceptor missiles
2002 Decision by the United States on the initial deployment of BMD
Reference
2003 The Security Council and the Cabinet meeting approved the introduction of BMD system and other measures, and the deployment of BMD in Japan started
Amendment of the Self-Defense Forces Law (ballistic missile destruction measures)
2005
The Security Council and the Cabinet meeting approved the Japan-U.S. cooperative development of advanced interceptors for BMD
2006 July 5: North Korea launched seven ballistic missiles, six of which fell into the Sea of Japan while the other exploded immediate after the launch
The deployment of Patriot PAC-3 units started
2007
SM-3 launch tests by Aegis destroyers started
March 27: First shoot-down order for ballistic-missiles, etc. issued
2009 April 5: North Korea launched a ballistic missile that it claimed was a “satellite,” which flew over the Tohoku region and passed through to the Pacific Ocean
July 4: North Korea launched seven ballistic missiles, which fell into the Sea of Japan
March 30: Shoot-down order for ballistic-missiles, etc. issued
April 13: North Korea launched a ballistic missile that it claimed was a “satellite,” which flew a minute or longer, then separated into several parts and fell into
the Yellow Sea
2012
December 7: Shoot-down order for ballistic-missiles, etc. issued
December 12: North Korea launched a ballistic missile that it claimed was a “satellite,” which flew over Okinawa Prefecture and passed through to the Pacific
Ocean
2014 North Korea launched a total of 11 ballistic missiles in March, June, and July
2015 March 2: Two missiles were launched and flew approx. 500 km before landing in the Sea of Japan
North Korea launched 23 ballistic missiles including what it claimed to be a “satellite” in a single year
February 3: Shoot-down order for ballistic-missiles, etc. issued
2016
December 22: At the Nine Ministers’ Meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), it was decided that the ballistic missile defense enhanced-capability
interceptor missile (SM-3 block IIA) would progress to the joint production and deployment stage
North Korea launched 17 ballistic missiles beginning in February
2017 June 22: Conducted a test shot of the SM-3 Block IIA at the sea
December 19: NSC and the Cabinet meeting approved introducing two units of Aegis Ashore systems.
January 31: The U.S. conducted a test shot of the SM-3 block IIA
June 1: The MOD announced candidate sites for the deployment of two units of Aegis Ashore (GSDF Araya Maneuver Area in Akita Prefecture and Mutsumi
Maneuver Area in Yamaguchi Prefecture)
2018 July 30: The MOD selected the components of Aegis Ashore (LMSSR)
October 26: The United States conducted a test shot of the SM-3 Block IIA in waters
October 29: The MOD started surveys concerning the deployment of Aegis Ashore
December 11: The United States conducted a test shot of the SM-3 Block IIA
North Korea launched a total of 25 ballistic missiles and other objects since May
May 27 and 28: The MOD explained results of surveys concerning the deployment of Aegis Ashore and results of study by the MOD to the governors of Akita
2019 and Yamaguchi Prefectures
December 17: The MOD provided the heads of the relevant local governments in Yamaguchi Prefecture with explanations anew on the results of the resurvey
on deployment of Aegis Ashore
North Korea launched eight ballistic missiles in March
2020 June 15: The MOD announced suspension of Aegis Ashore deployment process
December 18: Security Council and Cabinet approved the installation of two Aegis System Equipped Vessels in place of Aegis Ashore
2021 North Korea launched two ballistic missiles in March

Reference 12 Participation of the MOD/SDF in Civil Protection Joint Training Exercises with Central and Local Government Bodies (2020)
Location
Types of Exercise Training content (estimated) Date
(cumulative times)
Toyama Prefecture
Field Terrorism using chemical agents, and a barricade incident October 29, 2020
(11 times)
exercise
Terrorism using explosives November 19, 2020 Oita Prefecture (7 times)
Miyagi Prefecture
Review meetings October 23, 2020
(4 times)
Review meetings November 12, 2020 Iwate Prefecture (8 times)
Shimane Prefecture
Review meetings December 16 to 17, 2020
Reference
(4 times)
Terrorism using explosives January 14, 2021 Nara Prefecture (4 times)
Simulation
Terrorism using explosives, and detection of suspicious objects January 18, 2021 Kochi Prefecture (3 times)
exercise
Terrorism using explosives, and a barricade incident January 21, 2021 Okayama Prefecture (4 times)
Terrorism using explosives, and detection of suspicious objects January 26, 2021 Kagoshima Prefecture (5 times)
Detection of suspicious ships, terrorism using chemical agents, and a
February 10, 2021 Ishikawa Prefecture (3 times)
barricade incident
Terrorism using chemical agents, detection of suspicious ships, and a
February 12, 2021 Aomori Prefecture (5 times)
barricade incident
Notes: Implemented in 15 Prefectures in FY2007.
Implemented in 18 Prefectures in FY2008.
Reference 13 Efforts in Recent Years by the MOD on Cybersecurity
April: Agreed in a Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting to start a comprehensive dialogue on cybersecurity in order to strengthen the engagement of the
governments as a whole
2012
June: CYber incident Mobile Assistance Team (CYMAT) established in the National Information Security Center (NISC)
September: “Towards the Stable and Effective Utilization of Cyberspace by the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces” formulated
May: The First Japan-U.S. Cyber Dialogue was held in accordance with the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting
July: The MOD and defense industry members deeply interested in cybersecurity established the Cyber Defense Council (CDC)
2013 August: Agreed at the Japan-U.S. Defense Ministers’ Meeting to consider a new framework for cooperation between the defense authorities from the
perspective of further promoting Japan-U.S. defense cooperation in the cybersecurity area
October: Cyber Defense Policy Working Group (CDPWG) established between the Japanese and U.S. defense authorities
March: Cyber Defense Group newly formed under the Command Control Communication Computers Systems Command
2014
November: The Basic Act on Cybersecurity enacted
January: Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters established under the Cabinet
January: National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) established in the Cabinet Secretariat
2015
May: Joint statement issued by the CDPWG
September: Cybersecurity Strategy established by Cabinet Decision
2016 April: The MOD established Deputy Director-General for Cybersecurity and Information Technology
January: Japan was approved to join the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence located in Estonia
2018 July: Cybersecurity Strategy established by Cabinet Decision
December: The Basic Act on Cybersecurity revised
March: Dispatch MOD personnel to NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Estonia
April: Established the “Cybersecurity Council,” a NISC-lead public-private collaboration framework
2019 April: Shared the view at the Japan-U.S. “2+2” Meeting on enhancing cooperation on cyber issues, and affirmed that a cyber attack could, in certain
circumstances, constitute an armed attack for the purposes of Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty
December: Officially participated in “Cyber Coalition 2019,” a cyber defense exercise organized by NATO for the first time
2021 March: Held MOD cyber contest

Reference 14 Record of Disaster Relief (Past Five Years)
2018
Northern 2019 Boso
Kumamoto 2018 July Hokkaido 2019 East Japan
Kyushu Peninsula 2020 July
FY 2016 Earthquake 2017 2018 Heavy Rain Eastern Iburi 2019 Typhoon 2020
torrential Typhoon Heavy Rain
(2016) (2018) Earthquake (Typhoon Hagibis)
rains (2017) (Typhoon Faxai)
(2018)
Number of
515 － 501 － 430 12 1 447 1 1 530 1
Dispatches
Personnel working Personnel working Personnel working
in the field in the field in the field
Approx. Approx. Approx. Approx.
Personnel 33,123 23,838 22,665 43,285 Approx. 54,000 Approx. 84,000 58,828 Approx. 61,000
814,200 81,950 957,000 211,000
Reference
Overall personnel Overall personnel Overall personnel

Approx. 96,000 Approx. 880,000 Approx. 350,000
Approx. Approx. Approx.
Vehicles 5,824 － 3,340 3,090 7,597 Approx. 19,000 Approx. 49,400 8,132 Approx. 13,000
7,140 49,500 17,800
Aircraft 725 2,618 792 169 644 340 230 707 Approx. 20 Approx. 1,610 567 Approx. 270
Vessels 11 300 39 0 11 150 20 9 Approx. 20 Approx. 100 4 4
* K umamoto Earthquake, Northern Kyushu torrential rains, 2018 July Heavy Rain, 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake, 2019 Boso Peninsula Typhoon (Typhoon Faxai), 2019 East Japan Typhoon
(Typhoon Hagibis) and 2020 July Heavy Rain are excluded from the record of each fiscal year.
* The number of overall personnel includes maintenance, communication, command, standby/backup and other rear-service personnel in addition to personnel working in the field.
* Education support in relation to COVID-19 included in FY2020 is only recorded in terms of number of personnel.
-
Reference 15 Government’s Efforts to Ensure the Safety of
Japan-Related Vessels in the Middle East 1. Further diplomatic efforts
Japan has built good relations with countries involved in the
(Approved by the National Security Council and the Cabinet stability of the Middle East, such as maintaining good relations
on December 27, 2019 with Iran for many years while being an ally of the United States.
December 11, 2020 Taking advantage of these relations, Japan will make further
Partially revised) diplomatic efforts, including reaching out to the countries
concerned at various levels, to ease tensions and stabilize the
Peace and stability in the Middle East are crucial to the peace and situation in the Middle East. In addition, Japan will continue
prosperity of the international community, including Japan. In to seek cooperation from the coastal countries that play an
addition, it is very important to ensure the safety of Japan-related important role in the safe navigation of vessels. As for SDF’s
vessels (meaning Japanese-flag ships and foreign-flag ships that activities in the Middle East region, Japan has made efforts
Japanese nationals are on board, as well as foreign-flag ships to gain the understanding of related countries in the region.
operated by Japanese shipping business operators or foreign-flag Continued efforts will be made to gain the understanding of
ships transporting Japanese cargoes that are important for stable the countries concerned in the region regarding the SDF’s
economic activities of Japanese people; hereinafter the same) in information gathering activities described in 3 below.
the Middle East, which is the world’s major energy source. 2. Thorough implementation of navigation safety measures
In the Middle East, amidst ongoing high tensions, there were
incidents of attacks on ships. In June 2019, Japan-related vessels Japan will thoroughly implement its navigation safety
suffered damage. Under these circumstances, each country is measures, including meticulous information sharing with
engaging in efforts to ensure the safety of navigation in the region related industries. Specifically, a system of cooperation within
by utilizing ships and aircraft. Under the International Maritime the government and between the government and related
Security Construct, the United States is carrying out activities industries will be established, which will also cover the
utilizing ships, etc., together with the United Kingdom and other sharing of information obtained through the SDF’s information
countries. France is participating in the initiative by European gathering activities described in 3 below by related ministries
countries and has established a command in the UAE. India and and agencies. In addition, whenever information that suggests
the ROK are also carrying out activities using ships independently. the existence of a risk to the safe navigation of vessels is
In this manner, the international community is making all-out obtained, the government will promptly share such information
efforts to ensure safety, while gathering information for the safety with related industries to call for vigilance in a timely manner,
of navigation by diverse means. encouraging them to thoroughly implement navigation safety
In this context, Japan has decided to make government-wide measures at their own initiative.
efforts and implement comprehensive measures in collaboration 3. Information gathering activities by the SDF
among relevant ministries and agencies with regard to the Although there is no immediate need to implement protective
following points as Japan’s independent initiative to ensure peace measures for Japan-related vessels in the Middle East, given
and stability in the Middle East and the safety of Japan-related the ongoing high tensions in the region, it is necessary to
vessels: (1) further diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle strengthen the information gathering system to ensure the safety
East and stabilize the situation; (2) thorough implementation of of Japan-related vessels. Therefore, Japan has decided to have
navigation safety measures, including close information sharing the SDF conduct information gathering activities, considering
with relevant industries; and (3) better utilization of the SDF’s the distance from Japan to the Middle East region, the SDF’s
ships and aircraft to strengthen information gathering posture. In experience in operating in the region, and the importance of
light of the significance of these measures, Japan will take actions cooperation with units and organizations from other countries.
as follows based on the Cabinet decision. The SDF’s information gathering activities are part of the

government’s navigation safety measures and are aimed at agencies will work closely together to share understanding
collecting information necessary to ensure the safety of Japan- regarding such responses, improve response capabilities
related vessels. The activities are to be conducted in accordance through training, and develop a system that allows for a
with the provisions of Article 4, paragraph (1), item (xviii) of prompt response to the situation.
the Act for Establishment of the Ministry of Defense (Act No. (7) Cooperation with Other Countries
164 of 1954), as they would need smooth decision making and Although Japan does not participate in any specific
order issuance in relation to Maritime Security Operations as framework related to the safety of navigation in the Middle
measures for unforeseen circumstances or other changes in the East and the SDF’s information gathering activities are to be
situation, which are provided in Article 82 of the Self-Defense conducted at its own initiative, Japan will communicate and
Forces Law (Act No. 165 of 1954) described in (4) below. cooperate with other countries as necessary.
Reference
Basic implementation policies are as follows. Details are to (8) Duration of the SDF’s Activities
be provided in the Defense Minister’s order. The period during which the SDF should engage in the
(1) Information to Be Gathered information gathering activities (including preparation
The SDF will gather information that directly affects or and training periods) under the Cabinet decision is from
is necessary for ensuring safe navigation in the waters December 27, 2019, to December 26, 2021. If it is deemed
described in (3) below. necessary to extend the SDF’s activities based on the Cabinet
(2) Equipment decision, another Cabinet decision or any changes to it will
One destroyer will be dispatched. In addition, the SDF be made in that regard. If, prior to the expiration of the above
will also use fixed-wing patrol aircraft P-3C of the units period, the SDF’s activities are no longer deemed necessary
currently engaged in the Counter-Piracy Operations in light of the necessity described in this paragraph, the
(hereinafter referred to as “counter-piracy units”) under SDF will terminate such activities at that point. If there is
Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Acts of Punishment and a noticeable change in the situation, the National Security
Countermeasures against Piracy (Act No. 55 of 2009, Council will consider a response.
hereinafter referred to as the “Piracy Countermeasures 4. Report to the Diet
Act”). Information gathering activities by the counter-piracy
In view of the fact that matters pertaining to the SDF operations
units will be carried out to an extent that does not interfere
under the Piracy Countermeasures Act are reported to the
with the counter-piracy operation.
Diet in accordance with Article 7, paragraph (3) of the Piracy
(3) Geographical Scope of Activities
Countermeasures Act, the Diet is to receive a report whenever
The geographical scope of the information gathering
a Cabinet decision or any changes to it is made and a report on
activities by destroyers and fixed-wing patrol aircraft
the results of such activities upon termination.
described in (2) consists of three waters of high seas: the
Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of
Aden to the east of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait (including
the exclusive economic zones of the coastal states). For
Reference 16 The Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense
resupply, destroyers will call at a port facing the three seas.
Cooperation
(4) Responding to Unforeseen Circumstances or Other Changes
in the Situation
(April 27, 2015)
In the event of unforeseen circumstances or other changes
in the situation, the relevant ministries and agencies will I. Defense Cooperation and the Aim of the Guidelines
work together to understand the situation, share information In order to ensure Japan’s peace and security under any
closely and promptly with each other, and strengthen the circumstances, from peacetime to contingencies, and to
government’s response. Then, if further measures by the promote a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region
SDF are deemed necessary in response to the situation in and beyond, bilateral security and defense cooperation will
question, Maritime Security Operations will be ordered in emphasize:
accordance with Article 82 of the Self-Defense Forces Law. • seamless, robust, flexible, and effective bilateral responses;
When issuing such an order, the MOD will make best efforts • synergy across the two governments’ national security
for prompt decision making. policies;
The measures that can be taken in the course of Maritime • a whole-of-government Alliance approach;
Security Operations will be based on international laws, • cooperation with regional and other partners, as well as
including the flag state principle, and will vary depending international organizations; and
on the circumstances, such as whether the protected vessel • the global nature of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
is a Japanese or foreign-flagged vessel and the type of The two governments will continuously enhance the Japan-
infringement. U.S. Alliance. Each government will maintain its individual
(5) Ensuring the Safety of the SDF Units defense posture based on its national security policy. Japan will
In conducting information gathering activities, the SDF possess defense capability on the basis of the “National Security
units take all possible measures to ensure their own safety, Strategy” and the “National Defense Program Guidelines.”
including the collection of sufficient information on the The United States will continue to extend deterrence to Japan
situation in the areas of operation, the installation of through the full range of capabilities, including U.S. nuclear
equipment necessary to ensure safety, and appropriate prior forces. The United States also will continue to forward deploy
education and training combat-ready forces in the Asia-Pacific region and maintain
(6) Cooperation among Relevant Ministries and Agencies the ability to reinforce those forces rapidly.
In order to ensure the effectiveness of information gathering The Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation (“the
activities and responses to changes in the situation including Guidelines”) provide the general framework and policy
the rise of unforeseen circumstances, relevant ministries and direction for the roles and missions of Japan and the United

States, as well as ways of cooperation and coordination, situational awareness. To ensure effective coordination, the
with a view to improving the effectiveness of bilateral two governments will establish necessary procedures and
security and defense cooperation. In this way, the Guidelines infrastructure (including facilities as well as information and
advance peace and security, deter conflict, secure the basis for communication systems) and conduct regular training and
economic prosperity, and promote domestic and international exercises.
understanding of the significance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The two governments will tailor to the situation the
II. Basic Premises and Principles procedures for coordination as well as the exact composition
of participating agencies within the Alliance Coordination
The Guidelines, as well as actions and activities under the Mechanism structure. As part of these procedures, contact
Guidelines, are and will be consistent with the following basic information will be shared and maintained from peacetime.
premises and principles.
Reference
B. Enhanced Operational Coordination

A.
The rights and obligations under the Treaty of Mutual Enhanced bilateral operational coordination for flexible
Cooperation and Security between Japan and the United and responsive command and control is a core capability
States of America (the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty) and its of critical importance to Japan and the United States. In
related arrangements, as well as the fundamental framework this context, the two governments recognize the continued
of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, will remain unchanged. importance of collocating operational coordination functions
B.
All actions and activities undertaken by Japan and the to strengthen cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces
United States under the Guidelines will be consistent and the United States Armed Forces.
with international law, including the Charter of the United The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed
Nations and its provisions regarding the peaceful settlement Forces will exchange personnel to ensure robust information
of disputes and sovereign equality of States, as well as other sharing, to facilitate coordination from peacetime to
relevant international agreements. contingencies, and to support international activities. The
C.
All actions and activities undertaken by Japan and the Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed Forces, in
United States will be in accordance with their respective close cooperation and coordination, will take action through
constitutions, laws, and regulations then in effect, and basic their respective chains-of-command.
positions on national security policy. Japan will conduct C. Bilateral Planning
actions and activities in accordance with its basic positions, The two governments will continue to develop and update
such as the maintenance of its exclusively national defense- bilateral plans to ensure smooth and effective execution of
oriented policy and its three non-nuclear principles. coordinated operations by the Self-Defense Forces and the
D. The Guidelines do not obligate either government to take United States Armed Forces. To ensure the effectiveness
legislative, budgetary, administrative, or other measures, of the plans and the ability to make flexible, timely, and
nor do the Guidelines create legal rights or obligations for appropriate responses, the two governments will exchange
either government. Since the objective of the Guidelines, relevant information, including identifying operational and
however, is to establish an effective framework for bilateral logistic support requirements and sources in advance, as
cooperation, the two governments are expected to reflect in appropriate.
an appropriate way the results of these efforts, based on their The two governments will conduct bilateral planning
own judgment, in their specific policies and measures. in peacetime for contingencies relevant to Japan’s peace
III. Strengthened Alliance Coordination and security through an upgraded Bilateral Planning
Effective bilateral cooperation under the Guidelines will Mechanism, which includes relevant agencies of the
require the two governments to conduct close, consultative respective governments. Bilateral plans will be developed
dialogue and sound policy and operational coordination from with input from relevant agencies, as appropriate. The
peacetime to contingencies. Security Consultative Committee (SCC) will continue to be
The two governments must be well informed and coordinate responsible for presenting directions, validating the progress
at multiple levels to ensure successful bilateral security and of the planning under the mechanism, and issuing directives
defense cooperation. To that end, the two governments will as necessary. The SCC will be assisted by an appropriate
take advantage of all available channels to enhance information subordinate body.
sharing and to ensure seamless and effective whole-of- Bilateral plans are to be reflected appropriately in the
government Alliance coordination that includes all relevant plans of both governments.
agencies. For this purpose, the two governments will establish IV. Seamlessly Ensuring Japan’s Peace and Security
a new, standing Alliance Coordination Mechanism, enhance Persistent and emerging threats can have a serious and immediate
operational coordination, and strengthen bilateral planning. impact on Japan’s peace and security. In this increasingly
A. Alliance Coordination Mechanism complex security environment, the two governments will take
Persistent and emerging threats can have a serious and measures to ensure Japan’s peace and security in all phases,
immediate impact on the peace and security of Japan and the seamlessly, from peacetime to contingencies, including
United States. In order to address seamlessly and effectively situations when an armed attack against Japan is not involved.
any situation that affects Japan’s peace and security or any In this context, the two governments also will promote further
other situation that may require an Alliance response, the cooperation with partners.
two governments will utilize the Alliance Coordination The two governments recognize that these measures need to be
Mechanism. This mechanism will strengthen policy and taken based on flexible, timely, and effective bilateral coordination
operational coordination related to activities conducted tailored to each situation and that interagency coordination is
by the Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed essential for appropriate Alliance responses. Therefore, the two
Forces in all phases from peacetime to contingencies. This governments will utilize the whole- of-government Alliance
mechanism also will contribute to timely information sharing Coordination Mechanism, as appropriate, to:
as well as the development and maintenance of common

• assess the situation; contribute to the defense of Japan in a cooperative
• share information; and manner, including during training and exercises.
• develop ways to implement the appropriate Alliance 5. Training and Exercises
response, including flexible deterrent options, as well as actions The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed
aimed at de-escalation. Forces will conduct effective bilateral and multilateral
To support these bilateral efforts, the two governments training and exercises both inside and outside of Japan
also will coordinate strategic messaging through appropriate in order to strengthen interoperability, sustainability, and
channels on issues that could potentially affect Japan’s peace readiness. Timely and realistic training and exercises
and security. will enhance deterrence. To support these activities, the
A. Cooperative Measures from Peacetime two governments will cooperate to ensure that training
Reference
In order to ensure the maintenance of Japan’s peace and areas, facilities, and associated equipment are available,
security, the two governments will promote cooperation accessible, and modern.
across a wide range of areas, including through diplomatic 6. Logistic Support
efforts, to strengthen the deterrence and capabilities of the Japan and the United States are primarily responsible
Japan-U.S. Alliance. for providing logistic support for their respective forces
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed in all phases. The Self-Defense Forces and the United
Forces will enhance interoperability, readiness, and vigilance States Armed Forces will provide mutual logistic
to prepare for all possible situations. To these ends, the two support where appropriate, including, but not limited to,
governments will take measures, including, but not limited supply, maintenance, transportation, engineering, and
to, the following: medical services, for such activities as set forth in the
1. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agreement between the Government of Japan and the
In order to identify at the earliest possible stage any Government of the United States of America Concerning
indications of threats to Japan’s peace and security and Reciprocal Provision of Logistic Support, Supplies and
to ensure a decisive advantage in intelligence gathering Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and
and analysis, the two governments will share and protect the Armed Forces of the United States of America (the
information and intelligence, while developing and Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement) and its
maintaining common situational awareness. This will related arrangements.
include enhancing coordination and cooperation among 7. Use of Facilities
relevant agencies. In order to expand interoperability and improve flexibility
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed and resiliency of the Self-Defense Forces and the United
Forces will conduct intelligence, surveillance, and States Armed Forces, the two governments will enhance
reconnaissance (ISR) activities based on the capabilities joint/shared use and cooperate in ensuring the security of
and availability of their respective assets. This will facilities and areas. Recognizing the importance of being
include conducting bilateral ISR activities in a mutually prepared for contingencies, the two governments also
supportive manner to ensure persistent coverage of will cooperate in conducting site surveys on facilities
developments that could affect Japan’s peace and including civilian airports and seaports, as appropriate.
security. B. Responses to Emerging Threats to Japan’s Peace and Security
2. Air and Missile Defense The Alliance will respond to situations that will have an
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed important influence on Japan’s peace and security. Such
Forces will maintain and strengthen deterrence and their situations cannot be defined geographically. The measures
defense postures against ballistic missile launches and described in this section include those that may be taken,
aerial incursions. The two governments will cooperate in accordance with the two countries’ respective laws and
to expand early warning capabilities, interoperability, regulations, in circumstances that have not yet amounted to
network coverage, and real-time information exchange such a situation. Early recognition and adaptable, resolute
and to pursue the comprehensive improvement of decision-making on bilateral actions will contribute to
capabilities to respond to the threat of ballistic missiles. deterrence and de-escalation of such situations.
Moreover, the two governments will continue to In addition to continuing cooperative measures from
coordinate closely in responding to provocative missile peacetime, the two governments will pursue all avenues,
launches and other aerial activities. including diplomatic efforts, to ensure the peace and security
3. Maritime Security of Japan. Utilizing the Alliance Coordination Mechanism,
The two governments will cooperate closely with each the two governments will take additional measures, based
other on measures to maintain maritime order based on their own decisions, including, but not limited to, those
upon international law, including freedom of navigation. listed below.
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed 1. Noncombatant Evacuation Operations
Forces will cooperate, as appropriate, on various efforts When Japanese and U.S. noncombatants need to be
such as maintaining and enhancing bilateral presence evacuated from a third country to a safe haven, each
in the maritime domain through ISR and training and government is responsible for evacuating its own
exercises, while further developing and enhancing shared nationals, as well as dealing with the authorities of the
maritime domain awareness including by coordinating affected area. As appropriate, the two governments will
with relevant agencies, as necessary. coordinate in planning and cooperate in carrying out
4. Asset Protection evacuations of Japanese or U.S. noncombatants. These
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed evacuations will be carried out using each country’s
Forces will provide mutual protection of each other’s capabilities such as transportation means and facilities in
assets, as appropriate, if engaged in activities that a mutually supplementary manner. The two governments

may each consider extending evacuation assistance to remain a core aspect of Japan-U.S. security and defense
third-country noncombatants. cooperation.
The two governments will conduct early-stage When an armed attack against Japan is anticipated, the
coordination through the Alliance Coordination two governments will take steps to deter the armed attack
Mechanism, as appropriate, to carry out cooperation in and to de-escalate the situation, while making preparations
fields such as the safety of evacuees, transportation means necessary for the defense of Japan.
and facilities, customs, immigration and quarantine When an armed attack against Japan occurs, the two
processing, safe havens, and medical services. The two governments will conduct appropriate bilateral actions to
governments will enhance coordination in noncombatant repel it at the earliest possible stage and to deter any further
evacuation operations from peacetime, as appropriate, attacks. The two governments also will take necessary
Reference
including by conducting training and exercises. measures including those listed earlier in Chapter IV.
2. Maritime Security 1. When an Armed Attack against Japan is Anticipated
Taking into account their respective capabilities, the two When an armed attack against Japan is anticipated, the
governments will cooperate closely to enhance maritime two governments will intensify, through a comprehensive
security. Cooperative measures may include, but are not and robust whole-of-government approach, information
limited to, information sharing and inspection of ships and intelligence sharing and policy consultations, and
based on a United Nations Security Council resolution or will pursue all avenues, including diplomatic efforts, to
other basis under international law. deter the attack and to de-escalate the situation.
3. Measures to Deal with Refugees The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
If a situation develops such that a flow of refugees Armed Forces will assume appropriate postures for
into Japan becomes likely or actually begins, the two bilateral operations, including the execution of necessary
governments will cooperate to maintain Japan’s peace deployments. Japan will establish and maintain the basis
and security while handling refugees in a humane for its support of U.S. deployments. The preparations
manner consistent with applicable obligations under by the two governments may include, but would not be
international law. Primary responsibility for such refugee limited to: joint/ shared use of facilities and areas; mutual
response lies with Japan. The United States will provide logistic support, including, but not limited to, supply,
appropriate support upon a request from Japan. maintenance, transportation, engineering, and medical
4. Search and Rescue services; and reinforced protection of U.S. facilities and
The two governments will cooperate and provide areas in Japan.
mutual support, as appropriate, in search and rescue 2. When an Armed Attack against Japan Occurs
operations. The Self-Defense Forces, in cooperation a. Principles for Coordinated Actions
with relevant agencies, will provide support to combat If an armed attack against Japan occurs despite
search and rescue operations by the United States, where diplomatic efforts and deterrence, Japan and the
appropriate, subject to Japanese laws and regulations. United States will cooperate to repel promptly the
5. Protection of Facilities and Areas attack and deter any further attacks to return peace
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed and security to Japan. Such coordinated actions
Forces are responsible for protecting their own facilities will contribute to the reestablishment of peace and
and areas in cooperation with relevant authorities. Upon security in the region.
request from the United States, Japan will provide Japan will maintain primary responsibility for
additional protection for facilities and areas in Japan defending the citizens and territory of Japan and
in close cooperation and coordination with the United will take actions immediately to repel an armed
States Armed Forces. attack against Japan as expeditiously as possible.
6. Logistic Support The Self-Defense Forces will have the primary
The two governments will enhance mutual logistic responsibility to conduct defensive operations in
support (which includes, but is not limited to, supply, Japan and its surrounding waters and airspace, as
maintenance, transportation, engineering, and medical well as its air and maritime approaches. The United
services), as appropriate, to enable effective and efficient States will coordinate closely with Japan and provide
operations. This includes rapid validation and resourcing appropriate support. The United States Armed Forces
of operational and logistic support requirements. The will support and supplement the Self-Defense Forces
Government of Japan will make appropriate use of the to defend Japan. The United States will take actions
authorities and assets of central and local government to shape the regional environment in a way that
agencies as well as private sector assets. The Government supports the defense of Japan and reestablishes peace
of Japan will provide logistic or other associated and security.
support where appropriate, subject to Japanese laws and Recognizing that all instruments of national
regulations. power will be required to defend Japan, the two
7. Use of Facilities governments respectively will employ a whole-
The Government of Japan will provide, as needed, of-government approach, utilizing their respective
temporary use of facilities, including civilian airports chains-of-command, to coordinate actions through
and seaports, in accordance with the Japan-U.S. the Alliance Coordination Mechanism.
Security Treaty and its related arrangements. The two The United States will employ forward-deployed
governments will enhance cooperation in joint/shared forces, including those stationed in Japan, and
use of facilities and areas. introduce reinforcements from elsewhere, as
C. Actions in Response to an Armed Attack against Japan required. Japan will establish and maintain the basis
Bilateral actions in response to an armed attack against Japan required to facilitate these deployments.

The two governments will take actions as The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
appropriate to provide defense of each other’s forces Armed Forces will conduct bilateral operations to
and facilities in response to an armed attack against counter ground attacks against Japan by ground,
Japan. air, maritime, or amphibious forces.
b. Concept of Operations The Self-Defense Forces will have primary
i. Operations to Defend Airspace responsibility for conducting operations to
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States prevent and repel ground attacks, including
Armed Forces will conduct bilateral operations those against islands. If the need arises, the Self-
to defend airspace above and surrounding Japan. Defense Forces will conduct operations to retake
The Self-Defense Forces will have primary an island. For this purpose, the Self-Defense
Reference
responsibility for conducting air defense Forces will take necessary actions, including, but
operations while ensuring air superiority. For not limited to, operations to prevent and repel
this purpose, the Self-Defense Forces will take airborne and seaborne invasions, amphibious
necessary actions, including, but not limited to, operations, and rapid deployment.
defense against attacks by aircraft and cruise The Self-Defense Forces, in cooperation
missiles. with relevant agencies, also will have primary
The United States Armed Forces will conduct responsibility for defeating attacks by special
operations to support and supplement the Self- operations forces or any other unconventional
Defense Forces’ operations. attacks in Japan, including those that involve
ii. Operations to Counter Ballistic Missile Attacks infiltration.
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States The United States Armed Forces will conduct
Armed Forces will conduct bilateral operations operations to support and supplement the Self-
to counter ballistic missile attacks against Japan. Defense Forces’ operations.
The Self-Defense Forces and the United v. Cross-Domain Operations
States Armed Forces will exchange real-time The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
information for early detection of ballistic missile Armed Forces will conduct bilateral operations
launches. When there is an indication of a across domains to repel an armed attack against
ballistic missile attack, the Self-Defense Forces Japan and to deter further attacks. These
and the United States Armed Forces will maintain operations will be designed to achieve effects
an effective posture to defend against ballistic across multiple domains simultaneously.
missile attacks heading for Japan and to protect Examples of cooperation across domains
forces participating in ballistic missile defense include the actions described below.
operations. The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
The Self-Defense Forces will have primary Armed Forces, in cooperation with relevant
responsibility for conducting ballistic missile agencies, as appropriate, will strengthen their
defense operations to defend Japan. respective ISR postures, enhance the sharing
The United States Armed Forces will conduct of intelligence, and provide protection for each
operations to support and supplement the Self- other’s ISR assets.
Defense Forces’ operations. The United States Armed Forces may conduct
iii. Operations to Defend Maritime Areas operations involving the use of strike power, to
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States support and supplement the Self-Defense Forces.
Armed Forces will conduct bilateral operations When the United States Armed Forces conduct
to defend waters surrounding Japan and to secure such operations, the Self-Defense Forces may
the safety of sea lines of communication. provide support, as necessary. These operations
The Self-Defense Forces will have primary will be based on close bilateral coordination, as
responsibility for the protection of major ports appropriate.
and straits in Japan and of ships and vessels in The two governments will cooperate to address
waters surrounding Japan and for other associated threats in the space and cyberspace domains in
operations. For this purpose, the Self-Defense accordance with bilateral cooperation set out in
Forces will take necessary actions, including, Chapter VI.
but not limited to, coastal defense, anti-surface The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
warfare, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, Armed Forces’ special operations forces will
anti-air warfare, and air interdiction. cooperate during operations, as appropriate.
The United States Armed Forces will conduct c. Operational Support Activities
operations to support and supplement the Self- The two governments will cooperate in the following
Defense Forces’ operations. activities in support of bilateral operations.
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States i. Communications and Electronics
Armed Forces will cooperate in the interdiction The two governments will provide mutual support
of shipping activities providing support to to ensure effective use of communications and
adversaries involved in the armed attack. electronics capabilities, as appropriate.
The effectiveness of these activities will be The Self-Defense Forces and the United
enhanced through information sharing and other States Armed Forces will ensure effective
forms of cooperation among relevant agencies. communication between the two forces and
iv. Operations to Counter Ground Attacks maintain a common operational picture for

bilateral operations under common situational Such cooperation will include, but not be limited to,
awareness. protection of assets that are engaged in operations such
ii. Search and Rescue as Noncombatant Evacuation Operations or Ballistic
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Missile Defense.
Armed Forces, in cooperation with relevant 2. Search and Rescue
agencies, will cooperate and provide mutual The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed
support in search and rescue operations, including Forces, in cooperation with relevant agencies, will
combat search and rescue, as appropriate. cooperate and provide support in search and rescue
iii. Logistic Support operations, including combat search and rescue, as
When operations require supplementing their appropriate.
Reference
respective logistics resources, the Self-Defense 3. Maritime Operations

Forces and the United States Armed Forces The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
will provide flexible and timely mutual logistic Armed Forces will cooperate in minesweeping, as
support, based on their respective capabilities and appropriate, including to secure the safety of sea lines of
availability. communication.
The two governments will make appropriate The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
use of the authorities and assets of central and Armed Forces, in cooperation with relevant agencies,
local government agencies, as well as private will cooperate in escort operations to protect ships and
sector assets, to provide support. vessels, as appropriate.
iv. Use of Facilities The Self-Defense Forces and the United States
The Government of Japan will provide, as needed, Armed Forces, in cooperation with relevant agencies,
additional facilities in accordance with the Japan- will cooperate in the interdiction of shipping activities
U.S. Security Treaty and its related arrangements. providing support to adversaries involved in the armed
The two governments will enhance cooperation attack, as appropriate.
in joint/shared use of facilities and areas. 4. Operations to Counter Ballistic Missile Attacks
v. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed
Protection Forces will cooperate in intercepting ballistic missiles,
The Government of Japan will maintain primary as appropriate, in accordance with their respective
responsibility for emergency responses to capabilities. The two governments will exchange
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear information to ensure early detection of ballistic missile
(CBRN) incidents or attacks in Japan. The launches.
United States retains primary responsibility for 5. Logistics Support
maintaining and restoring the mission capability When operations require supplementing their respective
of the United States Armed Forces in Japan. At logistics resources, the Self-Defense Forces and the
Japan’s request, the United States will support United States Armed Forces will provide flexible and
Japan in CBRN incident or attack prevention and timely mutual logistic support, based on their respective
response-related activities in an effort to ensure capabilities and availability.
the protection of Japan, as appropriate. The two governments will make appropriate use of
D. Actions in Response to an Armed Attack against a Country the authorities and assets of central and local government
other than Japan agencies, as well as private sector assets, to provide
When Japan and the United States each decides to take support.
actions involving the use of force in accordance with E. Cooperation in Response to a Large-scale Disaster in Japan
international law, including full respect for sovereignty, and When a large-scale disaster takes place in Japan, Japan will
with their respective Constitutions and laws to respond to an have primary responsibility for responding to the disaster.
armed attack against the United States or a third country, and The Self-Defense Forces, in cooperation with relevant
Japan has not come under armed attack, they will cooperate agencies, local governments, and private actors, will conduct
closely to respond to the armed attack and to deter further disaster relief operations. Recognizing that immediate
attacks. Bilateral responses will be coordinated through the recovery from a large-scale disaster in Japan is essential
whole-of- government Alliance Coordination Mechanism. for Japan’s peace and security and that such a disaster
Japan and the United States will cooperate as appropriate could affect the activities of the United States Armed
with other countries taking action in response to the armed Forces in Japan, the United States, in accordance with its
attack. own criteria, will provide appropriate support for Japan’s
The Self-Defense Forces will conduct appropriate activities. Such support may include search and rescue,
operations involving the use of force to respond to situations transportation, supply, medical services, incident awareness
where an armed attack against a foreign country that is in a and assessment, and other specialized capabilities. The two
close relationship with Japan occurs and as a result, threatens governments will coordinate activities through the Alliance
Japan’s survival and poses a clear danger to overturn Coordination Mechanism, as appropriate.
fundamentally its people’s right to life, liberty, and pursuit To improve the effectiveness of the United States Armed
of happiness, to ensure Japan’s survival, and to protect its Forces’ cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster
people. relief activities in Japan, the two governments will work
Examples of cooperative operations are outlined below: together closely, including through information sharing.
1. Asset Protection In addition, the United States Armed Forces also may
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed participate in disaster-related drills, which will increase
Forces will cooperate in asset protection, as appropriate. mutual understanding in responding to large-scale disasters.

V. Cooperation for Regional and Global Peace and Security Proactive cooperation with partners will contribute to
In an increasingly interconnected world, Japan and the United maintaining and enhancing regional and international
States will take a leading role in cooperation with partners peace and security. The two governments will cooperate
to provide a foundation for peace, security, stability, and in capacity building activities, as appropriate, by making
economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. For the best use of their capabilities and experience, with the
well over half a century, both countries have worked together objective of strengthening the capability of partners to
to deliver effective solutions to challenges in diverse regions respond to dynamic security challenges. Examples of
of the world. cooperative activities may include maritime security,
When each of the two governments decides to participate in military medicine, defense institution building, and
international activities for the peace and security of the region improved force readiness for HA/DR or peacekeeping
Reference
and beyond, the two governments, including the Self-Defense operations.
Forces and the United States Armed Forces, will cooperate 5. Noncombatant Evacuation Operations
closely with each other and with partners, as appropriate, such In circumstances when international action is required for
as in the activities described below. This cooperation also will the evacuation of noncombatants, the two governments
contribute to the peace and security of both countries. will utilize, as appropriate, all possible avenues
A. Cooperation in International Activities including diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of
The two governments will participate in international noncombatants, including those who are Japanese or
activities, based on their own judgment. When working U.S. nationals.
together, the Self-Defense Forces and the United States 6. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Armed Forces will cooperate to the maximum extent When the two governments participate in international
practicable. activities, the Self-Defense Forces and the United
The two governments may coordinate the activities States Armed Forces will cooperate in ISR activities,
through the Alliance Coordination Mechanism, as as appropriate, based on the respective capabilities and
appropriate, and also will pursue trilateral and multilateral availability of their assets.
cooperation in these activities. The Self-Defense Forces 7. Training and Exercises
and the United States Armed Forces will share procedures In order to enhance the effectiveness of international
and best practices, as appropriate, for smooth and effective activities, the Self-Defense Forces and the United
cooperation. While the two governments will continue to States Armed Forces will conduct and participate in
cooperate on a broad array of issues that may not be explicitly joint training and exercises, as appropriate, to strengthen
included in the Guidelines, common areas for cooperation by interoperability, sustainability, and readiness. The two
the two governments in regional and international activities governments also will continue to pursue opportunities to
will include: work with partners in training and exercises to contribute
1. Peacekeeping Operations to enhancing interoperability with the Alliance and
When the two governments participate in peacekeeping the development of common tactics, techniques, and
operations authorized by the United Nations (UN) in procedures.
accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the 8. Logistic support
two governments will cooperate closely, as appropriate, When participating in international activities, the two
to maximize interoperability between the Self-Defense governments will cooperate to provide mutual logistic
Forces and the United States Armed Forces. The two support. The Government of Japan will provide logistic
governments also may cooperate in providing logistic support where appropriate, subject to Japanese laws and
support for and protecting UN and other personnel who regulations.
participate in the same mission, as appropriate. B. Trilateral and Multilateral Cooperation
2. International Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief The two governments will promote and improve trilateral
When the two governments conduct international and multilateral security and defense cooperation. In
humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) particular, the two governments will reinforce efforts and
operations in response to requests from governments seek additional opportunities to cooperate with regional and
concerned or international organizations in the wake of other partners, as well as international organizations.
large-scale humanitarian and natural disasters, the two The two governments also will work together to
governments will cooperate closely to provide mutual strengthen regional and international institutions with a view
support, as appropriate, maximizing interoperability to promoting cooperation based upon international law and
between participating Self-Defense Forces and United standards.
States Armed Forces. Examples of cooperative activities VI. Space and Cyberspace Cooperation
may include mutual logistic support and operational A. Cooperation on Space
coordination, planning, and execution. Recognizing the security aspects of the space domain,
3. Maritime Security the two governments will maintain and strengthen their
When the two governments conduct activities for partnership to secure the responsible, peaceful, and safe use
maritime security, the two governments will cooperate of space.
closely, as appropriate. Examples of cooperative As part of such efforts, the two governments will ensure
activities may include efforts for: safe and secure sea the resiliency of their space systems and enhance space
lines of communication such as counter-piracy and situational awareness cooperation. The two governments
minesweeping; non-proliferation of weapons of mass will provide mutual support, as appropriate, to establish
destruction; and counterterrorism activities. and improve capabilities and will share information about
4. Partner Capacity Building actions and events that might affect the safety and stability of

the space domain and impede its use. The two governments A. Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation
also will share information to address emerging threats In order to enhance interoperability and to promote efficient
against space systems and will pursue opportunities for acquisition and maintenance, the two governments will:
cooperation in maritime domain awareness and in space- • cooperate in joint research, development, production, and
related equipment and technology that will strengthen test and evaluation of equipment and in mutual provision
capabilities and resiliency of the space systems, including of components of common equipment and services;
hosted payloads. • strengthen the basis to repair and maintain common
To accomplish their missions effectively and efficiently, equipment for mutual efficiency and readiness;
the Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed Forces • facilitate reciprocal defense procurement to enhance
will continue to cooperate and to contribute to whole- efficient acquisition, interoperability, and defense
Reference
of-government efforts in utilizing space in such areas as: equipment and technology cooperation; and
early-warning; ISR; positioning, navigation, and timing; • explore opportunities for cooperation with partners on
space situational awareness; meteorological observation; defense equipment and technology.
command, control, and communications; and ensuring the B. Intelligence Cooperation and Information Security
resiliency of relevant space systems that are critical for • Recognizing that common situational awareness is
mission assurance. In cases where their space systems are essential, the two governments will enhance intelligence
threatened, the Self-Defense Forces and the United States cooperation and information sharing at all levels,
Armed Forces will cooperate, as appropriate, in mitigating including the national strategic level.
risk and preventing damage. If damage occurs, they • In order to enable robust intelligence cooperation and
will cooperate, as appropriate, in reconstituting relevant information sharing, the two governments will continue
capabilities. to promote cooperation in strengthening policies,
B. Cooperation on Cyberspace practices, and procedures related to the protection of
To help ensure the safe and stable use of cyberspace, the classified information.
two governments will share information on threats and • The two governments also will explore opportunities for
vulnerabilities in cyberspace in a timely and routine cooperation with partners on information sharing.
manner, as appropriate. The two governments also will C. Educational and Research Exchanges
share, as appropriate, information on the development of Recognizing the importance of intellectual cooperation
various capabilities in cyberspace, including the exchange concerning security and defense, the two governments will
of best practices on training and education. The two deepen exchanges of members of relevant organizations
governments will cooperate to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen communication between each side’s research
and the services upon which the Self-Defense Forces and and educational institutions. Such efforts will serve as the
the United States Armed Forces depend to accomplish their enduring foundation for security and defense officials to
missions, including through information sharing with the share their knowledge and reinforce cooperation.
private sector, as appropriate. VIII. Processes for Review
The Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed
The SCC, assisted by an appropriate subordinate body, will
Forces will:
regularly evaluate whether the Guidelines remain adequate
• maintain a posture to monitor their respective networks
in light of the evolving circumstances. The two governments
and systems;
will update the Guidelines in a timely and appropriate manner
• share expertise and conduct educational exchanges in
when changes in situations relevant to the Japan-U.S. Alliance
cybersecurity;
relationship occur and if deemed necessary in view of the
• ensure resiliency of their respective networks and
circumstances at that time.
systems to achieve mission assurance;
• contribute to whole-of-government efforts to improve
cybersecurity; and
• conduct bilateral exercises to ensure effective cooperation
for cybersecurity in all situations from peacetime to
contingencies.
In the event of cyber incidents against Japan, including
those against critical infrastructure and services utilized
by the Self-Defense Forces and the United States Armed
Forces in Japan, Japan will have primary responsibility
to respond, and based on close bilateral coordination, the
United States will provide appropriate support to Japan.
The two governments also will share relevant information
expeditiously and appropriately. In the event of serious cyber
incidents that affect the security of Japan, including those
that take place when Japan is under an armed attack, the
two governments will consult closely and take appropriate
cooperative actions to respond.
VII. Bilateral Enterprise
The two governments will develop and enhance the following
areas as a foundation of security and defense cooperation, in order
to improve further the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation:

Reference 17 Japan-U.S. (Minister-Level) Consultations (Since 2018)
Outline and Results
Apr. 20, 2018 • The Ministers closely compared and adjusted the defense agencies’ understandings and policy on the way ahead including the meeting between leaders of
Japan-U.S. Defense United States and North Korea, regarding the issue of North Korea.
Ministerial Meeting / • Agreed on the need to keep a close watch on North Korea, given no concrete initiatives by North Korea to give up its nuclear development has been confirmed,
Washington, D.C. despite the changes in the regime’s posture such as requesting for talks.
• The Japanese side spoke about the necessity to put maximum pressure on North Korea in order to make it abolish its nuclear and missile development, and
Participants: affirmed that the two governments will maintain pressure and sanctions on North Korea with the goal of having North Korea relinquish all weapons of mass
Minister of Defense destruction and all ballistic missile plans in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.
Onodera • The U.S. side commended efforts by the MSDF to address the issue of illegal ship-to-ship transfers by North Korean vessels, and showed its commitment to
Secretary of Defense continue these efforts with Japan and other partner nations.
Reference
Mattis • Affirmed the importance of cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea and other nations through trilateral/multilateral training and exercise.
• Agreed on the importance of continuing close information-sharing to ensure the Alliance’s response capabilities to any situation.
• Welcomed progress in cooperation between Japan and the U.S. under Japan's Legislation for Peace and Security and the Guidelines such as the SDF
protecting and providing supplies and services to the U.S. Forces, and reaffirmed the further promotion of Japan-U.S. defense cooperation through the steady
enforcement of the Legislation and the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation.
• The Japanese side talked about moving forward on the review of the National Defense Program Guidelines towards the end of FY2018 and the study of setting
forth a next Mid-Term Defense Program, and reaffirmed on sharing information between the ministers.
• The Japanese side spoke about the need to introduce high-performance equipment including those used by the U.S. military to bolster Japan’s defense
capabilities amid an increasingly severe security environment. The two ministers affirmed to work together to make it possible for Japan to smoothly and
swiftly acquire equipment made in the U.S. including the Aegis Ashore by addressing the issues regarding FMS.
• The Japanese side requested the securing of safe operations by the U.S. Forces, including the CV-22 to be deployed to Yokota Air Base and U.S. Forces aircraft
in Okinawa, and the U.S. side acknowledged the importance of ensuring flight safety.
• The Japanese side requested U.S. cooperation for the mitigation of the impact on the local community of Okinawa and other places, and concurred that the
U.S. will continue to cooperate with Japan on efforts to gain the understanding of the local community.
May 29, 2018 • The Ministers, taking into account the recent situations regarding the issue of North Korea, closely compared and adjusted the defense agencies’ understandings
Japan-U.S. Defense and policy on future response against North Korea issues.
Ministerial Meeting / • The Japanese side expressed its view that the meeting between the leaders of U.S. and North Korea should be an opportunity to advance outstanding issues
Hawaii of concern such as nuclear, missile and abductions issues. The Ministers confirmed that they will continue exerting pressure and sanctions, under the common
principle of realizing abandonment of all weapons of mass destruction including chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missiles of all ranges in
Participants: complete, verifiable and irreversible way.
Minister of Defense • In light of illegal ship-to-ship transfers of goods, the Ministers welcomed measures implemented by Japan in coordination with partner countries including
Onodera United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and agreed that they will continue to take actions with the voluntary countries, and reaffirmed the importance of the
Secretary of Defense deterrent capability of regional U.S. Forces including U.S. Forces Korea.
Mattis • The U.S. side expressed renewed commitment to Japanese defense. The Ministers agreed that they will continue to maintain close communication to take
concerted action as an alliance in response to any situations.
• The Ministers exchanged opinions on regional challenges, and in light of China’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South
China Seas, agreed that it is important for both countries to continue to closely watch on the situations in the East China Sea, to cooperate for the peace and
stability, and to be continuously engaged in the South China Sea.
• The Ministers noted that China has enforced its military capability and intensified its activities in the sea and airspace surrounding Japan, and also agreed
to reinforce the Alliance capability to deter and respond through enhancement of defense capability based on the close cooperation of Japan and U.S. for the
peace and stability of the region.
• The Ministers reconfirmed the importance of cooperating with the allied countries and various partners to assure the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and agreed
that Japan and U.S. or Japan, U.S., and Australia proceed with coordination in the promotion of the basic principles such as rule of law, freedom of navigation,
and in capacity building.
• The Japanese side requested efforts to ensure safe operations of U.S. Forces and cooperation in efforts to obtain consent from local communities including
those in Okinawa.
Jun. 29, 2018 • The Ministers, taking into account the recent situations regarding the issue of North Korea, closely compared and adjusted the defense agencies’ understandings
Japan-U.S. Defense and policy on future response against North Korea issues.
Ministerial Meeting • The Ministers agreed that, complying with the UNSCRs, they will work together to realize CVID of all of its WMD including biological and chemical weapons
/ Tokyo and ballistic missiles of all ranges in coordination with the international community, and confirmed that Japan and U.S. continue to counter illegal ship-to-ship
transfers of goods by North Korea in coordination with their partner countries.
Participants: • The U.S. side explained the suspension of U.S.-ROK combined military exercises, and the Ministers reaffirmed that neither withdrawal nor reduction of the
Minister of Defense USFK has been considered, and reconfirmed the importance of the deterrent capability of regional U.S. Forces including U.S. Forces Korea.
Onodera • The U.S. side expressed renewed U.S. commitments to defend Japan, and the Ministers agreed to proceed with the reinforcement of the alliance’s deterrence
Secretary of Defense and response capability including conducting Japan-U.S. bilateral exercises steadily, as planned.
Mattis • The Ministers exchanged their views based on the U.S. Secretary of Defense’s visit to China, and agreed that they will continue to maintain a close channel of
communication to take concerted actions as an alliance in response to every situation.
• The Ministers reconfirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, and that they would oppose any unilateral actions
which attempt to undermine Japan’s administration of the islands, and agreed to continue to closely watch on the situations in the East China Sea, and to
cooperate with each other for the peace and stability.
• The Ministers also confirmed the importance to collaborate towards consolidating basic principles such as rule of law and freedom of navigation.
• The Ministers welcomed the progress and improvements being made in challenges regarding Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and the Ministers also confirmed
the U.S. will continue to work to help Japan achieve efficient procurement.
• The Ministers agreed to closely work towards the steady implementation of the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan, and the Japanese side requested
cooperation to ensure the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.

Outline and Results
Oct. 19, 2018 • The Ministers shared the understandings about the importance of the free and open Indo-Pacific, and confirmed the significance of cooperation between
Japan-U.S. Defense Japan and the United States and with various partners.
Ministerial Meeting / • The Ministers welcomed the development of the regional multilateral security cooperation and dialogue under the framework of the ADMM-Plus, and agreed to
Singapore strengthen the cooperation with partner countries in maintaining basic international principles such as rule of law, freedom of navigation and in implementing
measures for peace and stability such as capacity building assistance.
Participants: • The Ministers, taking into account that China continues unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion in the East and South China Seas, confirmed
Minister of Defense that the two countries work together for the peace and stability of the East China Sea, and it is important for both countries to be engaged in the South China
Iwaya Sea.
Secretary of Defense • The Ministers confirmed they continue to support full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions for a complete, verifiable and
Mattis irreversible dismantlement of all North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
• As part of efforts to ensure the effectiveness of the UN Security Council resolutions, the Ministers additionally confirmed the importance of working with
partner countries to counter illicit ship-to-ship transfers of goods by North Korea, and welcomed the monitoring and surveillance activities taking place since
Reference
September with the participation of Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and agreed that the two countries conduct the operation in cooperation with like-
minded countries.
• The Ministers confirmed that U.S. Forces in ROK is a stabilizing force in the region, and that no change in U.S. Forces in ROK has been considered.
• The Ministers also agreed to work together to reinforce the deterrence and response capability including conducting Japan-U.S. bilateral exercises steadily
as planned.
• The Ministers confirmed to work together to improve efficiency regarding Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in Japan’s buying U.S-made defense assets.
• The Japanese side explained the current status of the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines and the formulation of the Mid-Term Defense
Program for the next term, and the Ministers concurred to continue to closely exchange information.
• The Ministers reconfirmed that the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma to Henoko-saki is the only solution to avoid its continued use.
• The Ministers confirmed to work together closely for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives.
• The Japanese side requested for cooperation with efforts to secure the understanding from the local communities, and to ensure the safe operations of the
U.S. Forces.
Jan. 16, 2019 • The U.S. side supported the National Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2019 and beyond (NDPG) and the Medium Term Defense Program (FY2019-FY2023;
Meeting with the MTDP), and welcomed that Japan expressed its strong resolve to enhance its defense architecture and to play a larger role in accordance with the NDPG and
U.S. Acting Secretary the MTDP.
of Defense / • In regards to the current security environment, both sides shared views that competition among states is becoming more apparent. They also agreed that
Washington, D.C. gaining technological superiority in new domains such as space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum is increasingly important.
Participants: • Both sides also confirmed that they will closely coordinate in their efforts to be made pursuant to Japan’s NDPG and MTDP, and the United States’ National
Minister of Defense Defense Strategy (NDS) respectively, as well as to even strengthen the alliance capability to deter and respond following the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense
Iwaya Cooperation. With the vision of free and open Indo-Pacific in mind, they agreed to work together to shape a desirable security environment with Japan-U.S.
Acting Secretary of alliance being the cornerstone of cooperation with other nations.
Defense Shanahan • Both sides confirmed to strengthen and expand cooperation in wide range of fields including the following:
○Promote Japan-U.S. cooperation in the “new domains,” including space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum. The United States welcomed Japan’s
first participation in the Schriever Wargame.
○Closely coordinate in bilateral exercises and capacity building assistance, taking into account increasing both nations’ presence in the Indo-Pacific.
○Welcome and even make progress in the two countries’ cooperation in the operational field following Japan’s Legislation for Peace and Security and the
Guidelines (e.g. U.S. Forces asset protection mission conducted by the SDF, provision of supplies and services).
○Make continued effort in streamlining FMS process, while welcoming the recent progress and improvements in issues related to FMS. Cooperate in
ensuring cost transparency, improving late case closure, strengthening activities to realize and promote multi-year procurement.
○Continue cooperation to realize Japan’s smooth and prompt introduction, including cost management of U.S.-made advanced defense equipment such
as Aegis Ashore, E-2D and F-35.
○Enhance cooperation in defense equipment and technology as well as promoting Japan-U.S. joint development and researches.
• Both sides confirmed they continue to support full implementation of the UNSC resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all
North Korea’s WMDs and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
• Both sides agreed that Japan and the United States will continue working together with partner countries to counter North Korea’s illicit “ship-to-ship”
transfers.
• Both sides confirmed that deterrence through Japan-U.S. Alliance and U.S.-ROK Alliance is essential in maintaining the security of the region, and agreed that
both countries will steadily implement Japan-U.S. bilateral exercises.
• In regards to the East and South China Seas, both sides affirmed their position that they oppose unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion, and
that it is important to work together to make sure that Rule of Law and Freedom of Navigation are firmly established.
• Both sides also reaffirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, and that they would oppose any unilateral actions
which attempt to undermine Japan’s administration of the islands. Both sides confirmed that Japan and the United States work together for the peace and
stability of the East China Sea.
• Both sides affirmed the recent progress in the construction project of Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF), and reconfirmed that the relocation of MCAS
Futenma to Henoko-saki is the only solution to avoid its continued use. The Japanese side requested for cooperation with efforts to mitigate impact on the
local communities including Okinawa. Both sides confirmed to work together closely for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives
and training relocation.
• Both sides also affirmed the importance to ensure the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.

Outline and Results
Apr. 19, 2019 • The Ministers shared the view that the Japan-U.S. Alliance serves as the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and that
“2+2” Meeting / Japan and the United States will work together to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
Washington, D.C. • The Ministers confirmed that Japan and the United States will jointly increase their presence in the region, while collaborating with partners in the region
through bilateral/multilateral exercises, port calls, and other activities.
Participants: • The Ministers welcomed the alignment of the strategic policy documents of both countries, including Japan’s NDPG. The Ministers shared the view that the
Minister of Defense two countries will strengthen cooperation for cross-domain operations, including capability enhancement in new domains, such as space, cyberspace, and
Iwaya the electromagnetic spectrum.
Minister for Foreign • The Ministers shared the view that they will seek to achieve North Korea’s abandonment of all of its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all
Affairs Kono ranges in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In addition, the Ministers confirmed that
Acting Secretary of Japan and the United States will continue to work together in cooperation with other partner countries in fully implementing UN Security Council resolutions,
Defense Shanahan including combatting illicit ship-to-ship transfers.
Secretary of State • The Ministers also reaffirmed that U.S. force stance in the region would remain robust, and shared the view on deepening consultation on ensuring deterrence
Reference
Pompeo and security in the region. The Ministers also shared the view that they will continue to engage in close cooperation between Japan and the United States as
well as among Japan, the United States, and the ROK.
• The Ministers shared the view on calling upon North Korea to resolve the Japanese abductions issue immediately.
• Regarding the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministers expressed serious concern about, and strong opposition to, unilateral coercive
attempts to alter the status quo in the East China Sea (ECS) and South China Sea (SCS).
• The Ministers reaffirmed their determination to work together to safeguard the peace and stability of the ECS, and reconfirmed that Article V of the Japan-U.S.
Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands and that both nations oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japan’s administration of these
islands.
• The Ministers confirmed that they will deepen cooperation on space capabilities, and shared the view on promoting cooperation for enhancing space
situational awareness (SSA) capabilities through Japan’s development of a Deep Space Radar and hosting of U.S.-provided SSA payloads on Japan’s Quasi
Zenith Satellite System.
• The Ministers shared the view on enhancing cooperation on cyber issues. They affirmed that international law applies in cyberspace and that a cyber attack
could, in certain circumstances, constitute an armed attack for the purposes of Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
• The Ministers confirmed that it is important to develop defense capabilities efficiently and effectively in order to enhance the deterrence and response
capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The Ministers shared the view that the two countries will cooperate to introduce advanced weapon systems to Japan
and to further streamline the FMS process.
• The Ministers affirmed the importance of information security, and shared the view on the need for greater supply chain security, noting threats to the defense
industrial base, national networks, and critical infrastructure required for mission assurance.
• In order to improve Japan-U.S. Alliance readiness, the Ministers shared the view on further deepening operational cooperation, such as mutual asset
protection, logistical support, and joint ISR operations.
• The ministers shared the view that they will steadily implement the realignment of the USFJ, from the perspective of mitigating the impact on local communities,
including Okinawa, while maintaining the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
• The Ministers welcomed the significant progress on the construction of the FRF and reaffirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only
solution that avoids its continued use.
• Foreign Minister Kono conveyed to the U.S. side that it is important to mitigate the impact on the local people, including making progress, one by one, on the
issues surrounding the operation of U.S. forces and the SOFA, while steadily implementing the realignment of U.S. forces.
• Defense Minister Iwaya requested the U.S. side to minimize the impact of the operation of U.S. forces on local communities, including noise of transient aircraft.
• The two ministers also requested the U.S. side to prevent incidents and accidents.
Apr. 19, 2019 • The Ministers welcomed the successful holding of the Japan-U.S. “2+2” meeting and affirmed that the defense authorities of Japan and the United States will
Meeting with Acting continue to closely cooperate with each other to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
U.S. Secretary • The Ministers affirmed the importance of continuing to ensure full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions toward complete, verifiable, and
of Defense / irreversible abandonment of all weapons of mass destruction and all ranges of ballistic missiles by North Korea.
Washington, D.C. • The Ministers also agreed that Japan and the United States will continue to cooperate with like-minded countries in combatting illicit ship-to-ship transfers
by North Korea.
Participants: • They affirmed the importance of deterrence based on the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the U.S.-ROK Alliance and agreed to steadily conduct Japan-U.S. bilateral
Minister of Defense exercises.
Iwaya • The Ministers agreed to promote Japan-U.S. cooperation for cross-domain operations and affirmed that the two countries will further promote cooperation in
Acting U.S. Secretary space, cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum.
of Defense Shanahan • The Ministers affirmed that Japan and the United States will further streamline the FMS process and agreed to strengthen defense equipment and technology
cooperation by promoting Japan-U.S. joint research and development.
• The Ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will cooperate closely to make steady progress in implementing the plan for the realignment of the
U.S. Forces.
Jun. 4, 2019 • The two ministers affirmed that they will closely cooperate with each other in line with the policy confirmed at the Japan-U.S. “2+2” Meeting.
Meeting between • T he Ministers affirmed the need to deepen Japan-U.S. cooperation with a sense of urgency with respect to new domains, such as space, cyberspace and the
Minister of Defense electromagnetic spectrum. They affirmed that they will promote Japan-U.S. cooperation for cross-domain operations.
Iwaya and Acting U.S. • Defense Minister Iwaya welcomed the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report by the United States. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation with the United States to
Secretary of Defense maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific as indicated in the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report. The Ministers affirmed the importance of cooperating
Shanahan / Tokyo with diverse partners.
• The Ministers discussed the regional situation and other matters in light of the discussions held at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue.
Participants: • Regarding North Korea, they affirmed the importance of continuing to ensure full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions toward the
Minister of Defense abandonment of all weapons of mass destruction and all ranges of ballistic missiles by North Korea in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and they
Iwaya also confirmed that Japan-U.S. and Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation will be maintained.
Acting U.S. Secretary • The Ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will continue close cooperation to make steady progress in implementing the plan for the realignment
of Defense Shanahan of the U.S. Forces.
Aug. 7, 2019 • The Ministers confirmed the importance of full implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement
Japan-U.S. Defense of all North Korea’s WMD and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
Ministerial Meeting • The Ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will continue working together with partner countries to counter illicit ship-to-ship transfers of goods
/ Tokyo by North Korea.
• The Ministers confirmed the importance of the deterrent capability of regional U.S. Forces including U.S. Forces Korea.
Participants: • The Ministers affirmed their position that they oppose unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion in the East and South China Seas, and that it
Minister of Defense is important to work together to make sure that the rule of law and the freedom of navigation are firmly established.
Iwaya • The Ministers reconfirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, and that they would oppose any unilateral actions which
U.S. Secretary of attempt to undermine Japan’s administration of the islands, and agreed to cooperate with each other for the peace and stability in the East China Sea.
Defense Esper • The Ministers confirmed that they will closely coordinate in their efforts to be made based on the strategy documents of both countries and to even strengthen
the alliance capability to deter and respond.
• They confirmed the significance of cooperation with various partners, including conducting bilateral/multilateral exercises and capacity building assistance to
maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific with Japan-U.S. Alliance being the cornerstone.
• The Ministers confirmed to make continued effort in streamlining FMS process.
• The Ministers confirmed that the relocation to Henoko-saki is the only solution to avoid the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma.
• The Japanese side requested for cooperation in the Government of Japan’s efforts to mitigate the impact on the local communities including Okinawa. The
Ministers confirmed to work closely together for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives.
• The Japanese side also requested the U.S. Forces to minimize its operational impact on the local communities and the Ministers affirmed the importance to
ensure the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.

Outline and Results
Nov. 18, 2019 • The Ministers confirmed that the recent series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea are a serious threat to regional security.
Japan-U.S. Defense • The Ministers confirmed the importance of full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible
Ministerial Meeting / dismantlement of all North Korea’s WMDs and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
Thailand • The Ministers affirmed their position that they oppose unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion in the East and South China Seas, and that it
is important to work together to make sure that the rule of law and freedom of navigation are firmly established.
Participants: • The Ministers confirmed that they continue to closely work together to further strengthen the alliance capability to deter and respond, including promotion of
Minister of Defense bilateral cooperation in new domains, in order to materialize aligned strategies of both countries.
Kono • The Ministers reaffirmed the significance of cooperation with various partners including conducting bilateral/multilateral exercises and capacity building to
U.S. Secretary of maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific with the Japan-U.S. Alliance being the cornerstone.
Defense Esper • The Ministers confirmed to make continued effort in streamlining FMS process.
• The Ministers reaffirmed that it is important to sustain the operational readiness of the U.S. Forces in Japan, and Japan and the U.S. continue to work together
with the shared recognition that understanding and cooperation from local communities is crucial for maintenance of the operational readiness.
Reference
• The Ministers confirmed that the relocation to Henoko-saki is the only solution to avoid the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma.
• The Japanese side requested for cooperation in the Government of Japan’s efforts to mitigate the impact on the local communities including Okinawa. The
Ministers confirmed to work closely together for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives.
• The Japanese side also requested the U.S. Forces to minimize its operational impact on the local communities and the Ministers affirmed the importance to
ensure the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.
Jan. 14, 2020 • The Ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East.
Japan-U.S. Defense • The Japanese side expressed its deep concern about the rising tensions in the Middle East. The Ministers confirmed that we have to avoid further escalation
Ministerial Meeting / of the situation in the Middle East.
Washington, D.C. • The Japanese side explained the cabinet decision to send the SDF to the Middle East.
• The Ministers confirmed that repeated ballistic missile launches by North Korea are a serious challenge not only to Japan but also to the international
Participants: community.
Minister of Defense • The Ministers confirmed the importance of full implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement
Kono of all North Korea’s WMD and ballistic missiles of all ranges.
U.S. Secretary of • The Ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will continue working together with partner countries to counter illicit “ship-to-ship” transfers of goods
Defense Esper by North Korea.
• The Ministers affirmed their position that they oppose unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion in the East and South China Seas, and that it
is important to work together to make sure that the rule of law and the freedom of navigation are firmly established.
• The Ministers welcomed that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has become stronger than ever before particularly when we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing
of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
• The Ministers confirmed that they continue to closely work together to even strengthen the alliance capability to deter and respond in order to materialize the
aligned strategies of both countries.
• The Ministers reaffirmed the significance of cooperation with various partners, including conducting bilateral/multilateral exercises and capacity building to
maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific with the Japan-U.S. Alliance being the cornerstone.
• The ministers welcomed the recent progress made by the Japanese Government in the acquisition of Mageshima, a candidate site for FCLP, and confirmed to
work closely together for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives.
• The Ministers confirmed that the relocation to Henokosaki is the only solution to avoid the continued use of MCAS Futenma.
• The Japanese side requested for cooperation in the Government of Japan’s efforts to mitigate the impact on the local communities including Okinawa.
• The Ministers discussed the bilateral cooperation in addressing the issue of PFOS and confirmed to advance comprehensive studies.
• The Ministers reaffirmed that it is important to sustain the operational readiness of the U.S. Forces in Japan, and that Japan and the United States continue
to work together with the shared recognition that understanding and cooperation from the local communities is crucial for the maintenance of the operational
readiness.
• Both sides also affirmed the importance to ensure the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.
August 29, 2020 • The Ministers affirmed their opposition to power-based unilateral attempts to change the status-quo and importance of cooperation on establishing the rule
Japan-U.S. Defense of law and freedom of navigation in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
Ministerial Meeting / • The Ministers agreed to closer cooperation to ensure the peace and stability of the East China Sea, and reaffirmed that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security
Guam Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands and that both countries oppose any unilateral actions that would undermine Japan’s administration of the islands.
• The Ministers confirmed that it is importance to strengthen cooperation with diverse partners through activities such as joint trainings and capacity building
Participants: assistance, with Japan and the United States serving as the cornerstones, in order to maintain and strengthen a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Minister of Defense • In addition to exchanging views on the latest situation regarding North Korea, the Ministers confirmed that the repeated launches of ballistic missiles by North
Kono Korea are a violation of the UN Security Council resolution and are a serious challenge not only to Japan but also to the international community.
U.S. Secretary of • The Ministers confirmed the importance of full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible
Defense Esper dismantlement of all North Korea’s WMD and ballistic missile programs of all ranges.
• The Ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will continue to work together with interested countries to address the issue of ship-to-ship transfers
of goods by North Korea.
• The Ministers affirmed that Japan and the United States will play an even greater role in peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region based on a strong
Japan-U.S. alliance with an eye toward a post-COVID-19 world.
• The Ministers confirmed that they continue to closely work together to even strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance
to materialize aligned strategies of both countries.
• As a part of the above, the Ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening comprehensive ballistic missile defense capabilities and ISR capabilities based
on stimulated military activities and military technology advances in surrounding countries.
• The Ministers confirmed the progress on the relocation project in Guam and welcomed its steady progress.
• The Ministers confirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution to avoid continued use of the Air Station.
• The Ministers confirmed that Japan and the United States will work closely together in order to prevent the spread and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
• The Ministers confirmed the importance of maintaining the responsiveness of U.S. Forces in Japan and agreed that for such maintenance, Japan and the
United States will continue to work together under the recognition that local understanding and cooperation are indispensable.

Outline and Results
March 16, 2021 • The Ministers reaffirmed that the Japan-U.S. Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and renewed
“2+2” Meeting / the unwavering commitment of both countries to the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Amid growing geopolitical competition and challenges such as COVID-19, climate
Tokyo change, and revitalizing democracy, the Ministers concurred to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
• In light of the severe security environment, the Ministers concurred to further deepen coordination to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities
of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Japan expressed its resolve to enhance its capabilities to bolster national defense and the Alliance. The U.S. underscored its
Participants: unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan through the full range of its capabilities, including nuclear.
Minister of Defense • In light of the "2+2" discussion and joint statement, the Ministers instructed their respective offices to advance concrete works to strengthen the Alliance.
Kishi They concurred to hold another SCC later this year to confirm their outcomes.
Minister for Foreign • The Ministers acknowledged that China’s behavior, where inconsistent with the existing international order, presents political, economic, military, and
Affairs Motegi technological challenges to the Alliance and to the international community. They also committed to opposing coercion and destabilizing behavior toward
U.S. Secretary of others in the region, which undermines the rules-based international system.
Defense Austin • The Ministers opposed any unilateral action that seeks to change the status quo, including in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and expressed
Reference
U.S. Secretary of serious concerns about China Coast Guard law. The Japanese side expressed its resolve to defend its territory with every means. The Ministers reaffirmed that
State Blinken Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands and affirmed that both nations oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine
Japan’s administration of these islands.
• The Ministers reiterated their objections to China’s unlawful maritime claims and activities in the South China Sea.
• The Ministers underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The Ministers also shared serious concerns regarding the human rights
situation in Hong Kong and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
• The Ministers affirmed the importance of the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea,
and concurred to continue the cooperation between Japan and the U.S., as well as among Japan, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea. They also confirmed the
necessity of the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.
• The Ministers confirmed their cooperation among Japan, the U.S., Australia and India. They also pledged to work with the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN), affirming their strong support for its centrality and unity, as well as for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
• Recognizing the increasingly serious regional security environment, the Ministers concurred to further deepen coordination to strengthen the deterrence and
response capabilities of Japan-U.S. Alliance by consulting on Alliance roles, missions, and capabilities.
• The Ministers concurred to closely align the strategies and policies of the two countries, as the U.S. undertakes various policy reviews.
• The Ministers concurred to deepen defense cooperation across all domains and to bolster extended deterrence. They also highlighted the importance of
cooperation in domains such as space and cyber, as well as further strengthening information security.
• The Ministers reiterated that realistic bilateral and multilateral exercises and training are necessary to maintain the Alliance's operational readiness and
deterrent posture, as well as to meet future challenges.
• The Ministers shared the view that they will steadily implement the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, from the perspective of mitigating the impact on local
communities including Okinawa, while maintaining the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
• The four ministers welcomed progress on force realignment efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the current arrangements in ways that
maintain operational readiness and a sustainable presence, while mitigating the impact on local communities.
• The Ministers reconfirmed that the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility at the Camp Schwab-Henokosaki area and in adjacent waters is the
only solution that avoids the continued use of MCAS Futenma, and committed to completing construction as soon as possible.
• Regarding Host Nation Support, having agreed to a one-year extension amendment to the current Special Measures Agreement, the Ministers instructed their
negotiators to work toward a new mutually beneficial multi-year agreement.
• The Japanese side stressed the importance of steadily implementing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, and requested the U.S. side for safe operations
of the U.S. forces with utmost consideration to the impact on local communities as well as appropriate responses to incidents and accidents.
• The Japanese side reiterated their appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. In remembrance of
the lives lost, the Ministers reaffirmed the spirit of cooperation of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
March 16, 2021 • The Ministers confirmed that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is more important than ever for the regional peace and stability in the security environment that is rapidly
Japan-U.S. Defense growing severe.
Ministerial Meeting / • The Ministers affirmed that Japan and the U.S. will work to maintain and reinforce a Free and Open Indo-Pacific with the Japan-U.S. Alliance being the
Tokyo cornerstone.
• The Japanese side expressed the strong resolve to the defense of Japan and stated that Japan will play an active role for the regional peace and stability. The
Participants: U.S. side welcomed the statement and confirmed the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan.
Minister of Defense • The Ministers concurred that they will work together to further strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond.
Kishi • As China’s behaviors that do not conform to international order pose challenges to the Alliance and the international community, the Ministers agreed to have
U.S. Secretary of consultations going forward on actions to be taken by defense authorities.
Defense Austin • The Japanese side stated it is entirely unacceptable that China Coast Guard Law, which includes problematic stipulations in terms of the consistency with the
international law, heightens tension in the waters such as the East and South China Seas, and the Ministers expressed their serious concern. The Ministers
also shared the recognition on the importance of peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait.
• The Ministers reconfirmed the commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and strongly urged North Korea to abide by its obligations under
the UN Security Council Resolutions. The Ministers also agreed that Japan and the United States will continue working together with partner countries to
counter illicit ship-to-ship transfers of goods by North Korea-related vessels.
• The Ministers affirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation with various partners in the region and beyond to maintain and strengthen a Free and
Open Indo-Pacific.
• The Ministers agreed to work together to deepen cooperation in all domains including space and cyberspace, aligning the respective strategies of both
countries through close consultations.
• The Ministers concurred on the importance of strengthening the readiness of both Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Forces in Japan through measures such as
various high-end training including bilateral training in order to enhance the Alliance capabilities to respond and deter.
• The Ministers confirmed that the two countries will closely coordinate with each other regarding the Global Posture Review of the United States.
• The Ministers welcomed the realignment initiatives of U.S. Forces in Japan so far including the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko and facility development
of Mageshima, and agreed that Japan and the United States will continue to closely work together to steadily advance them.
• The Ministers reconfirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution to avoid the continued use of MCAS Futenma and agreed to
continuously advance the project.
• The Ministers confirmed that it is essential to gain understanding and cooperation from the local communities for the stable stationing of the U.S. Forces in
Japan and their daily operations, and affirmed the importance of ensuring safe and environmentally conscious operations of the U.S. forces.

Recognizing the increasingly serious regional security
Reference 18 Joint Statement of the U.S.-Japan Security environment, the Ministers recommitted to enhancing close
Consultative Committee (2+2) coordination to align security policy, deepen defense cooperation
across all domains, and bolster extended deterrence by consulting
(March 16, 2021) on Alliance roles, missions, and capabilities. They highlighted the
Joint Statement of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (2+2) importance of domains such as space and cyber, as well as further
Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin, strengthening information security. In addition, they reiterated
Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi, and Minister of Defense that realistic bilateral and multilateral exercises and training are
Kishi held the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee in necessary to maintain the Alliance’s operational readiness and
Tokyo, Japan on March 16, 2021. They reaffirmed that the U.S.- deterrent posture, as well as to meet future challenges.
Japan Alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, security, and
Reference
The Ministers acknowledged the importance of close

prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan resolved to enhance coordination as the Department of Defense conducts its Global
its capabilities to bolster national defense and further strengthen Posture Review. They welcomed progress on force realignment
the Alliance. The United States underscored its unwavering efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the
commitment to the defense of Japan through the full range of current arrangements in ways that maintain operational readiness
its capabilities, including nuclear. Amid growing geopolitical and a sustainable presence, while mitigating the impact on
competition and challenges such as COVID-19, climate change, local communities. They reconfirmed that the plan to construct
and revitalizing democracy, the United States and Japan renewed the Futenma Replacement Facility at the Camp Schwab-
their commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific and Henokosaki area and in adjacent waters is the only solution that
a rules-based international order. avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma,
The United States and Japan acknowledged that China’s and committed to completing construction as soon as possible.
behavior, where inconsistent with the existing international Regarding Host Nation Support, having agreed to a one-year
order, presents political, economic, military, and technological extension amendment to the current Special Measures Agreement,
challenges to the Alliance and to the international community. the Ministers instructed their negotiators to work toward a new
The Ministers committed to opposing coercion and destabilizing mutually beneficial multi-year agreement.
behavior toward others in the region, which undermines the rules- In remembrance of the thousands of lives lost to the Great East
based international system. They reaffirmed their support for Japan Earthquake and its aftermath in March 2011, the Ministers
unimpeded lawful commerce and respect for international law, underscored the cooperative spirit of the Alliance and reaffirmed
including freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful their commitment to working alongside one another to maintain
uses of the sea. The Ministers also expressed serious concerns peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
about recent disruptive developments in the region, such as the In recognition of the depth and breadth of the U.S.-Japan
China Coast Guard law. Further, they discussed the United States’ Alliance, and the need to increase momentum on numerous
unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan under Article shared policy priorities, the Ministers called for another Security
V of our security treaty, which includes the Senkaku Islands. Consultative Committee meeting later in the year.
The United States and Japan remain opposed to any unilateral
action that seeks to change the status quo or to undermine Japan’s
administra-tion of these islands. The Ministers underscored the
importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They
reiterated their objections to China’s unlawful maritime claims
and activities in the South China Sea and recalled that the July
2016 award of the Philippines-China arbitral tribunal, constituted
under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, is final and legally
binding on the parties. The Ministers shared serious concerns
regarding the human rights situation in Hong Kong and the
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Recognizing that North Korea’s arsenal poses a threat to
international peace and stability, the Ministers reaffirmed their
commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and
urged Pyongyang to abide by its obligations under UN Security
Council resolutions. The Ministers also confirmed the necessity
of immediate resolution of the abductions issue. Trilateral
cooperation among the United States, Japan, and the Republic of
Korea is critical for our shared security, peace, and prosperity in
the Indo-Pacific region.
The United States and Japan reaffirmed that the strength of the
Alliance comes from our shared values and is amplified by our
network of close partnerships with like-minded democracies. The
March 12 Quad Summit demonstrated to the world our shared
vision of a free, open, and inclusive region anchored by universal
values and unconstrained by coercive power. The Ministers
pledged to work with Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), affirming their strong support for its centrality and
unity, as well as for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Reference 19 Record of Main Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercises in FY2020
Joint Staff
Numbers of personnel,
Exercise Designation Date Location Participating Units Numbers of personnel, etc. (U.S.)
etc. (Japan)
[JSDF]
Each Staff Office, Defense Intelligence
Headquarters, Ground Component
Sea and airspace Command, respective Regional
Japan-U.S. bilateral joint around Japan, SDF Armies, Self-Defense Fleet, respective Totaling approximately
Oct. 26-
exercise facilities and U.S. Regional Districts, Air Defense 37,000 personnel Totaling approximately 9,000
Reference
Nov. 5,
(field training exercise) Forces Japan facilities, Command, Air Support Command, etc. Approximately 20 vessels personnel
2020
(Keen Sword21/02FTX) Tanegashima Island and [U.S. Forces] Approximately 170 aircraft
Gajajima Island U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Army
Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific
Air Force, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific,
U.S. Forces Japan, etc.
GSDF Camp Matsudo,
Camp Koga, Camp [JSDF]
Shimoshizu, Camp Joint Staff, Ground Component
Aonogahara, Camp Command, Eastern Army, Middle
Japan-U.S. joint air Iizuka, Camp Army, Western Army, JGSDF Air
Feb. 22-
defense/missile defense Miyakojima and Vice- Defense School, Self-Defense Fleet －－
26, 2021
exercise Camp Yaese; MSDF and Air Defense Command
Yokosuka District; [U.S. Forces]
ASDF Misawa, Hyakuri, U.S. 7th Fleet HQs, several vessels,
Yokota, Iruma, Komatsu etc.
and Naha Air Bases
Ground Self-Defense Force

etc. (Japan)
[JSDF] Ground Staff Office, Ground
Component Command, Western Army,
Japan-U.S. joint Training Evaluation Research and
Regional Army Camp Kengun, Camp Development Command, Joint Staff,
Dec. 2-15,
command post exercise Asaka, Camp Courtney, MSDF, ASDF, etc. －－
2020
(Japan) etc. [U.S. Forces]
(YS-79) Pacific Command HQs, U.S. Army
Japan HQs, I Corps, U.S. Army Pacific,
3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, etc.
[JSDF]
Major units of 30th Infantry Regiment,
Sekiyama Maneuver 12th Division
Field training with U.S.
Dec. 7-18, Area, Soumagahara [U.S. Forces]
Marines in Japan (Forest －－
2020 Maneuver Area, Camp Major units of 3-8 Battalion, 4th
Light (Eastern Army))
Soumagahara Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division;
VMM-265, Marine Aircraft Group 36,
1st Marine Air Wing (MV-22)
[JSDF]
Amphibious Rapid Deployment
Brigade, 1st Helicopter Brigade,
Joint training with Jan. 28-
Okinawa Prefecture and Western Army Aviation Group
the 31st Marine Feb. 6, －－
its surrounding waters [U.S. Forces]
Expeditionary Unit 2021
U.S. Marine Corps (31st Marine
Expeditionary Unit), U.S. Navy
(Amphibious Squadron 11)

etc. (Japan)
Japan-U.S. bilateral Apr. 2, Littoral combat ship USS “Gabrielle
Andaman Sea Destroyer JS “Teruzuki” 1 vessel
exercise 2020 Giffords”
Japan-U.S. bilateral Jun. 15, Waters and airspace
Destroyer JS “Kaga” 1 vessel UH-60L x 2
exercise 2020 around south of Kanto
Japan-U.S. bilateral Jun. 23, Training ship JS “Kashima” and JS Littoral combat ship USS “Gabrielle
South China Sea 2 vessels
exercise 2020 “Shimayuki” Giffords”
Japan-U.S. bilateral Jul. 7, Training ship JS “Kashima” and JS Aircraft carrier USS “Ronald Reagan”
South China Sea 2 vessels
exercise 2020 “Shimayuki” Destroyer USS “Mustin”
Anti-submarine special Jul. 15-16, Waters and airspace
1 submarine 1 vessel Several aircraft
training 2020 around south of Shikoku

etc. (Japan)
Minesweeping special
Jul. 18-30, Minesweeper tender, minesweeper 15 vessels
training (Japan-U.S. Mutsu Bay 2 minesweeper ocean
2020 ocean, minesweeper coastal, aircraft 8 aircraft
bilateral exercise)
Japan-U.S. bilateral Aug. 6, Waters and airspace
Destroyer JS “Amagiri” 1 vessel UH-60L x 2
Japan-U.S. bilateral Aug. 15-
East China Sea Destroyer JS “Suzutsuki” 1 vessel Destroyer USS “Mustin”
exercise 17, 2020
Waters and airspace
Japan-U.S. bilateral Aug. 15- Aircraft carrier USS “Ronald Reagan”
around south of Destroyer JS “Ikazuchi” 1 vessel
exercise 18, 2020 and several other vessels
Reference
Okinawa
Japan-U.S. bilateral Aug. 31, Waters and airspace
Destroyer JS “Teruzuki” 1 vessel UH-60L x 2
Japan-U.S. bilateral Sep. 28-
Off the coast of Hawaii Training ship JS “Kashima” 1 vessel Destroyer USS “Chung-Hoon”
exercise 29, 2020
Destroyer USS “John S. McCain”
Japan-U.S. bilateral Oct. 12, Destroyer JS “Kaga” and JS
South China Sea 2 vessels Replenishment oiler USNS
exercise 2020 “Ikazuchi”
“Tippecanoe”
Japan-U.S. bilateral Oct. 21, Waters and airspace
P-3C x 1 1 aircraft P-8A x 1
exercise 2020 east of Tsugaru
Anti-submarine special Nov. 7-9, Waters and airspace 3 vessels 1 submarine
Submarine, aircraft
training 2020 around south of Shikoku Several aircraft Several aircraft
19 vessels
Minesweeping special Minesweeper ocean x 2
Nov. 18- Minesweeper tender, minesweeper 3 aircraft
training (Japan-U.S. Hyuga-nada Sea Approximately 10 Explosive
28, 2020 ocean, minesweeper coastal, aircraft Totaling approximately
bilateral exercise) Ordnance Disposal personnel
1,200 personnel
Aircraft carrier USS “Theodore
Japan-U.S. bilateral Jan. 15, Around Okidaitojima Roosevelt”
Destroyer JS “Asahi” and JS “Kongo” 2 vessels
exercise 2021 Island Cruiser USS “Bunker Hill”
Destroyer USS “John Finn”
16 vessels
Minesweeping special
Feb. 1-10, Minesweeper tender, minesweeper 3 aircraft Approximately 10 Explosive
training (Japan-U.S. Ise Bay
2021 ocean, minesweeper coastal, aircraft Totaling approximately Ordnance Disposal personnel
bilateral exercise)
900 personnel
Japan-U.S. bilateral Feb. 13, Underway Replenishment Ship JS
Around Okinawa 1 vessel Dry cargo ship USNS “Charles Drew”
exercise (ILEX21-1) 2021 “Towada”
Aircraft carrier USS “Theodore
Japan-U.S. bilateral Feb. 28, Destroyer JS “Yugiri,” Training ship JS
Around Guam 3 vessels Roosevelt”
exercise 2021 “Setoyuki” and JS “Hatakaze”
Cruiser USS “Bunker Hill”
Japan-U.S. bilateral Mar. 1-5, From the south of Kanto Destroyer JS “Ise,” JS “Harusame,” Destroyer USS “John S. McCain”
3 vessels
exercise 2021 to the north of Guam and JS “Shiranui” USS “Benfold”
Anti-submarine special Mar. 23, Eastern Tanegashima 1 vessel
Submarine, aircraft 1 aircraft
training 2021 Island 1 aircraft
Japan-U.S. bilateral Mar. 29, Amphibious command ship USS
East China Sea Destroyer JS “Kongo” 1 vessel
exercise 2021 “Blue Ridge”

etc. (Japan)
Japan-U.S. bilateral Apr. 22, Airspace around the Sea 6th Air Wing, 7th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 8 B-1 x 1
training 2020 of Japan and Okinawa Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 7 F-16 x 4
Japan-U.S. bilateral May 12, Airspace around the Sea 5th Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 7th Air F-15 x 8
B-1 x 2
training 2020 of Japan and Okinawa Wing, 8th Air Wing F-2 x 8
Japan-U.S. bilateral May 27 Airspace around the Sea 5th Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 8
B-1 x 2
training 2020 of Japan and Okinawa Wing F-2 x 8
Bilateral training with Jun. 17, Airspace around the Sea 2nd Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 12
B-52 x 2
the U.S. Air Force 2020 of Japan and Okinawa Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 4
Bilateral training with
Jun. 19, Airspace over the Pacific B-52 x 2
the U.S. Air Force and 8th Air Wing F-2 x 4
2020 Ocean E/A-18G x 2
U.S. Navy
Airspace over the Sea
Bilateral training with Jul. 17, 2nd Air Wing, 5th Air Wing, 6th Air F-15 x 12
of Japan and west of B-1 x 2
the U.S. Air Force 2020 Wing, 8th Air Wing F-2 x 4
Kyushu
Bilateral training with Jul. 27, 6th Air Wing, 7th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 8
Airspace around Japan B-1 x 1
the U.S. Air Force 2020 Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 7
Bilateral training with Aug. 7, Airspace around the Sea 2nd Air Wing, 7th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 6
B-1 x 1
the U.S. Air Force 2020 of Japan and Okinawa Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 8

etc. (Japan)
B-1 x 3
Airspace around the Sea F-15 x 10
Japan-U.S. bilateral Aug. 18, 2nd Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 16
of Japan, East China E-3 x 1
training 2020 Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 4
Sea, and Okinawa F/A-18 x 2
F-35B x 3
Training relocation
from Kadena Air Base F-15 x 8
Airspace west of 2nd Air Wing, 1st Tactical Airlift Wing,
and Misawa Air Base Aug. 24- C-130 x 1 Around F‐15 x 6
Hokkaido and airspace 2nd Tactical Airlift Wing, 3rd Tactical
to Chitose Air Base 28, 2020 C-1 x 1 Around F‐16 x 6
east of Misawa Airlift Wing
related to US military C-2 x 1
Reference
reorganization
Airspace around the Sea
Japan-U.S. bilateral Sep. 10, 2nd Air Wing, 5th Air Wing, 6th Air
of Japan, East China F-15 x 20 B-1 x 2
training 2020 Wing, 9th Air Wing
Sea, and Okinawa
Japan-U.S. bilateral Sep. 30, 2nd Air Wing, 5th Air Wing, 6th Air
of Japan, East China F-15 x 20 B-1 x 2
training 2020 Wing, 9th Air Wing
Sea, and Okinawa
Japan-U.S. bilateral Oct. 20, 2nd Air Wing, 5th Air Wing, 6th Air F-15 x 16
of Japan, East China B-1 x 1
training 2020 Wing, 7th Air Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 2
Sea, and Okinawa
Japan-U.S. bilateral Oct. 20, Amphibious assault ship USS
Pacific Ocean airspace 3rd Air Wing F-35A x 2
training 2020 “America”
Training relocation
from Kadena Air Base Oct.
Around F-15×12
to Nyutabaru Air Base 26-Nov.5, Airspace off Shikoku 5th Air Wing Around F-15×15
Around 200 personnel in total
related to U.S. military 2020
reorganization
Japan-U.S. bilateral Nov. 17, 5th Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 12
training 2020 Wing, 9th Air Wing F-2 x 4"
Sea, and Okinawa
Andersen Air Force
HA/DR bilateral training Base (Guam, the U.S.),
C-130H x 1
in the Federated States Dec. 2-14, Northern Mariana 1st Tactical Airlift Wing, Air Support
Totaling approximately 20 C-130J x 3
of Micronesia, etc. 2020 Islands, Palau and Command
personnel
(Christmas Drop) Micronesia and their
surrounding airspace
Japan-U.S. bilateral Dec. 4, 2nd Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 12
Sea, and Okinawa
Japan-U.S. bilateral Dec. 16, 5th Air Wing, 7th Air Wing, 9th Air F-15 x 11
training 2020 Wing F-2 x 4
Sea, and Okinawa
Japan-U.S. bilateral Jan. 12, 5th Air Wing, 6th Air Wing, 8th Air F-15 x 12
Sea, and Okinawa
Airspace over the East
Japan-U.S. bilateral Mar. 15, F-35B x 4
China Sea northwest 9th Air Wing F-15 x 4
training 2021 KC-135 x 1
of Naha
Japan-U.S. bilateral Mar. 18, Airspace over the Pacific
2nd Air Wing F-15 x 2 F-16 x 1
training 2021 Ocean east of Misawa
Notes: 1. In addition, smaller-scale training, etc., is usually conducted between each SDF and U.S. Forces unit
2. The numbers of personnel are based on those at the time of release

Reference 20 Japan-U.S. Joint Research and Development Projects
Date of
conclusion of
intergovernmental
Item Summary agreement to Completion date
implement joint
research and
development
Ducted rocket engine, advanced steel technology, fighting vehicle propulsion technology using ceramic materials, eye-safe laser
radar, ejection seat, advanced hybrid propulsion technology, shallow water acoustic technology, ballistic missile defense technology,
low vulnerability gun propellant for field artillery, electronic device mounted on successor aircraft to P-3C, software radio, advanced
Reference
Completed
hull material/structural technology, sea-based radar system, combat system for ship, palm-sized automated chemical agent
detector, human effects of exposure to aircraft fuel and their engine exhaust, image gyro for airborne applications, hybrid electric
drive, and High-Speed Multi-Hull Vessel Optimization
March 2019
(moved to the
SM-3 Block IIA Development of advanced missile interceptor June 2006
joint produce/
deployment stage)
Comparison of Operational Jet Research on the combined effects of exposures to both jet fuel and noise on the risk of hearing
November 2015 Ongoing
Fuel and Noise Exposures loss for flight line personnel
Chemical Agent Detector-kit
Research on automatically interpreting the colorimetric response of the Chemical Agent Detector-kit February 2017 Ongoing
Colorimetric Reader
High-Temperature Case Research on rocket motor case made of high-temperature CFRP* (CFRP: Carbon Fiber Reinforced
July 2018 Ongoing
Technologies Plastic)
Next Generation Amphibious Research on the feasibility of the technology by simulations based on digital models of
May 2019 Ongoing
Technologies amphibious vehicles
Mission Partner Gateway
Research on interfaces between networks in Japan and the United States September 2020 Ongoing
eXtended
Modular Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Research on modular hybrid electric vehicle systems October 2020 Ongoing
System

(b) Force Reductions and Relocation to Guam
Reference 21 United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment  Approximately 8,000 III Marine Expeditionary Force
Implementation (tentative translation) (MEF) personnel and their approximately 9,000
dependents will relocate from Okinawa to Guam by
(Washington, DC, May 1, 2006) 2014, in a manner that maintains unit integrity. Units to
Overview relocate will include: III MEF Command Element, 3rd
On October 29, 2005, the U.S.–Japan Security Consultative Marine Division Headquarters, 3rd Marine Logistics
Committee (SCC) members approved recommendations for Group (formerly known as Force Service Support Group)
realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and related Japan Self- Headquarters, 1st Marine Air Wing Headquarters, and
Defense Forces (SDF) in their document, “U.S.– Japan Alliance: 12th Marine Regiment Headquarters.
Reference
Transformation and Realignment for the Future.” In that  The affected units will relocate from such facilities as
document, the SCC members directed their respective staffs “to Camp Courtney, Camp Hansen, MCAS Futenma, Camp
finalize these specific and interrelated initiatives and develop Zukeran, and Makiminato Service Area.
plans, including concrete implementation schedules no later than  The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) forces remaining on
March 2006.” This work has been completed and is reflected in Okinawa will consist of Marine Air-Ground Task Force
this document. elements, such as command, ground, aviation, and combat
service support, as well as a base support capability.
Finalization of Realignment Initiatives  Of the estimated $10.27 billion cost of the facilities
The individual realignment initiatives form a coherent package. and infrastructure development costs for the III MEF
When implemented, these realignments will ensure a life-of-the- relocation to Guam, Japan will provide $6.09 billion (in
alliance presence for U.S. forces in Japan. U.S. FY2008 dollars), including $2.8 billion in direct
The construction and other costs for facility development cash contributions, to develop facilities and infrastructure
in the implementation of these initiatives will be borne by the on Guam to enable the III MEF relocation, recognizing
Government of Japan (GOJ) unless otherwise specified. The U.S. the strong desire of Okinawa residents that such force
Government (USG) will bear the operational costs that arise from relocation be realized rapidly. The United States will
implementation of these initiatives. The two Governments will fund the remainder of the facilities and infrastructure
finance their realignment associated costs consistent with their development costs for the relocation to Guam estimated
commitments in the October 29, 2005 SCC document to maintain in U.S. FY2008 dollars at $3.18 billion in fiscal spending
deterrence and capabilities while reducing burdens on local plus approximately $1 billion for a road.
communities. (c) Land Returns and Shared Use of Facilities
Key Implementation Details  Following the relocation to the FRF, the return of MCAS
Futenma, and the transfer of III MEF personnel to Guam,
1. Realignment on Okinawa
the remaining facilities and areas on Okinawa will be
(a) Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF)
consolidated, thereby enabling the return of significant
 The United States and Japan will locate the FRF in
land areas south of Kadena Air Base.
a configuration that combines the Henoko-saki and
 Both sides will develop a detailed consolidation plan by
adjacent water areas of Oura and Henoko Bays, including
March 2007. In this plan, total or partial return of the
two runways aligned in a “V”-shape, each runway having
following six candidate facilities will be examined:
a length of 1,600 meters plus two 100-meter overruns.
 Camp Kuwae: Total return.
The length of each runway portion of the facility is 1,800
 Camp Zukeran: Partial return and consolidation of
meters, exclusive of seawalls (see attached concept
remaining facilities and infrastructure to the extent
plan dated April 28, 2006). This facility ensures agreed
possible.
operational capabilities while addressing issues of safety,
 MCAS Futenma: Total return (see FRF section above).
noise, and environmental impacts.
 Makiminato Service Area: Total return.
 In order to locate the FRF, inclusive of agreed support
 aha Port: Total return (relocated to the new facilities,
facilities, in the Camp Schwab area, necessary
including additional staging constructed at Urasoe).
adjustments will be made, such as reconfiguration of
 Army POL Depot Kuwae Tank Farm No. 1: Total
Camp Schwab facilities and adjacent water surface areas.
return.
 Construction of the FRF is targeted for completion by
 All functions and capabilities that are resident in
2014.
facilities designated for return, and that are required by
 Relocation to the FRF will occur when the facility is fully
forces remaining in Okinawa, will be relocated within
operationally capable.
Okinawa. These relocations will occur before the return
 Facility improvements for contingency use at ASDF
of designated facilities.
bases at Nyutabaru and Tsuiki related to replacement of
 While emphasizing the importance of steady
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma capabilities
implementation of the recommendations of the Special
will be made, as necessary, after conducting site surveys
Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) Final Report,
and before MCAS Futenma is returned.
the SACO relocation and return initiatives may need to
 Requirements for improved contingency use of civilian
be reevaluated.
facilities will be examined in the context of bilateral
 Camp Hansen will be used for GSDF training. Shared use
contingency planning, and appropriate arrangements will
that requires no facility improvements will be possible
be made in order to realize the return of MCAS Futenma.
from 2006.
 In principle, the construction method for the FRF will be
 ASDF will use Kadena Air Base for bilateral training
landfill.
with U.S. forces, taking into account noise impacts on
 The USG does not intend to operate fighter aircraft from
local communities.
this facility.

(d) Relationships among Initiatives and changes in air traffic control procedures that would
 Within the overall package, the Okinawa-related satisfy future patterns of civilian and military (U.S. and
realignment initiatives are interconnected. Japanese) demand for use of Japanese airspace. The
 Specifically, consolidation and land returns south of study will take into account both the lessons learned from
Kadena depend on completing the relocation of III MEF the Kadena radar approach control (RAPCON) transfer
personnel and dependents from Okinawa to Guam. experience and the lessons learned from experiences
 The III MEF relocation from Okinawa to Guam is with collocation of U.S. forces and Japanese controllers
dependent on: (1) tangible progress toward completion of in Japan. This study will be completed in Japan FY2009.
the FRF, and (2) Japan’s financial contributions to fund  The USG and GOJ will conduct a study of the specific
development of required facilities and infrastructure on conditions and modalities for possible civilian-military dual
Reference
Guam. use of Yokota Air Base, to be completed within 12 months

2. Improvement of U.S. Army Command and Control Capability from commencement.
 U.S. Army command and control structure at Camp Zama  The study will be conducted on the shared understanding
will be transformed by U.S. FY2008. The headquarters of that dual-use must not compromise military operations
the GSDF Central Readiness Force subsequently will arrive and safety or the military operational capabilities of
at Camp Zama by Japan FY2012; SDF helicopters will have Yokota Air Base.
access to Kastner Heliport on Camp Zama.  Based upon the outcome of this study, the two
 Along with the transformation of Army headquarters in governments will consult and then make appropriate
Japan, a battle command training center and other support decisions on civilian-military dual-use.
facilities will be constructed within Sagami General Depot 4. Relocation of Carrier Air Wing from Atsugi Air Facility to
(SGD) using U.S. funding. Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni
 In relation to this transformation, the following measures for  The relocation of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) squadrons
efficient and effective use of Camp Zama and SGD will be from Atsugi Air Facility to MCAS Iwakuni, consisting of
implemented. F/A-18, EA-6B, E-2C, and C-2 aircraft, will be completed
 Some portions of land at SGD will be returned for local by 2014, subsequent to the following: (1) completion of
redevelopment (approximately 15 hectares (ha)) and for necessary facilities, and (2) adjustment of training airspace
road and underground rail (approximately 2ha). Affected and the Iwakuni RAPCON airspace.
housing units will be relocated to Sagamihara Housing  Necessary facilities will be developed at Atsugi Air Facility
Area. to accommodate MSDF E/O/UP-3 squadrons and other
 A specified area of open space in the northwest section of aircraft from Iwakuni, taking into account the continued
SGD (approximately 35ha) will be provided for local use requirement for U.S. operations from Atsugi.
when not required for contingency or training purposes.  The KC-130 squadron will be based at MCAS Iwakuni
 Portions of the Chapel Hill housing area of Camp Zama with its headquarters, maintenance support facilities, and
(1.1ha) will be returned to the GOJ following relocation family support facilities. The aircraft will regularly deploy
of affected housing units within Camp Zama. Further on a rotational basis for training and operations to MSDF
discussions on possible additional land returns at Chapel Kanoya Base and Guam. To support the deployment of KC-
Hill will occur as appropriate. l30 aircraft, necessary facilities will be developed at Kanoya.
3. Yokota Air Base and Airspace  U.S. Marine Corps CH-53D helicopters will be relocated
 ASDF Air Defense Command (ADC) and relevant units will from MCAS Iwakuni to Guam when the III MEF personnel
relocate to Yokota Air Base in Japan FY2010. A bilateral relocate from Okinawa to Guam.
master plan for base use will be developed to accommodate  Training airspace and Iwakuni RAPCON airspace will
facility and infrastructure requirements. be adjusted to fulfill safely the training and operational
 A bilateral, joint operations coordination center (BJOCC), requirements of U.S. forces, Japan SDF, and commercial
established at Yokota Air Base, will include a collocated air aircraft (including those in neighboring airspace) through
and missile defense coordination function. The USG and coordination by the Joint Committee.
GOJ will fund their own required equipment and systems,  A bilateral framework to conduct a study on a permanent
respectively, while both sides will coordinate appropriate fieldcarrier landing practice facility will be established, with
funding of shared use equipment and systems. the goal of selecting a permanent site by July 2009 or the
 The following measures will be pursued to facilitate earliest possible date thereafter.
movement of civilian aircraft through Yokota airspace while  Portions of the future civilian air facility will be
satisfying military operational requirements. accommodated at MCAS Iwakuni.
 Establish a program in Japan FY2006 to inform 5. Missile Defense
commercial aviation entities of existing procedures to  As both sides deploy additional capabilities and improve
transit Yokota airspace. their respective ballistic missile defense capabilities, close
 Return portions of Yokota airspace to Japanese control coordination will continue.
by September 2008; specific portions will be identified  The optimum site for deployment of a new U.S. X-Band
by October 2006. radar system has been designated as ASDF Shariki Base.
 Develop procedures in Japan FY2006 for temporary Necessary arrangements and facility modifications, funded
transfers of air traffic control responsibility to Japanese by the USG, will be made before the radar becomes
authorities for portions of Yokota airspace, when not operational in summer 2006.
required for military purposes.  The USG will share X-Band radar data with the GOJ.
 Study the conditions required for the possible return of  U.S. Patriot PAC-3 capabilities will be deployed to
the entire Yokota airspace as part of a comprehensive Japan within existing U.S. facilities and areas, becoming
study of options for related airspace reconfigurations operational at the earliest possible time.

6. Training Relocation In general, bilateral training will commence with

 Both sides will develop annual bilateral training plans participation of 1–5 aircraft for the duration of 1–7 days,
beginning in Japan FY2007. As necessary, a supplemental and develop over time to participation of 6–12 aircraft for
plan for Japan FY2006 can be developed. 8–14 days at a time.
Initially, aircraft from three U.S. facilities — Kadena,
  At those SDF facilities at which terms of joint use are
Misawa, and Iwakuni — will participate in relocated training stipulated by Joint Committee agreements, limitations on the
conducted from the following SDF facilities: Chitose, number of joint training events will be removed. Limitations
Misawa, Hyakuri, Komatsu, Tsuiki, and Nyutabaru. Both on the total days and period per training event for joint use
sides will work toward expanding use of SDF facilities for of each SDF facility will be maintained.
bilateral training and exercises in the future.  The USG and GOJ will share costs for bilateral training
Reference
 The GOJ will improve infrastructure for training relocation as appropriate, bearing in mind the priority of maintaining
at SDF facilities as necessary after conducting site surveys. readiness.
 Relocated training will not diminish the quality of training (Attached conceptual diagram omitted)
that is currently available to U.S. forces in Japan, taking into
account facilities and training requirements.

Reference 22 Outline of 23 Issues
(As of April 1, 2019）
Classification
Area
Facility Scope Gun-Ten- U.S. Remarks
(ha) SCC Governor
Kyo Forces
<Already returned>
Returned on December
Army POL Depots 1. Pipeline between Urasoe and Ginowan City 4 ◎
31, 1990
2. Manhole, etc., for underground communication system Returned on September
0.1 ◎
Camp Zukeran (Noborikawa) 30, 1991
Reference
20. Awase Meadows Golf Course 47 ◎ Returned on July 31, 2010

3. Kunigami-son (Mt. Ibu) district, Higashi-son (Takae) district 480 ◎
Northern Training Area 4. A part of southern area of the prefectural highway Nago- Returned on March 31, 1993
(256) ◎
Kunigami line
Camp Schwab 5. A part of area along National Highway 329 (Henoko) 1 ◎ Returned on March 31, 1993
Makiminato Service Area
6. In whole 0.1 ◎ Returned on March 31, 1993
Annex
Naha Cold Storage 7. In whole Building ◎ Returned on March 31, 1993
Sunabe Warehouse 8. In whole 0.3 ◎ Returned on June 30, 1993
Yaedake Communication Returned on November 30,
9. Southern part (Nago City) and northern part (Motobu-cho) 19 ◎
Site 1994
10. In whole 62 ◎ Returned on September
Onna Communication Site
11. Eastern part (26) ◎ 30, 1995
Returned on January 31,
Kadena Air Base 12. A part of southern area (Tobaru) 2 ◎
1996
Chibana Site 13. In whole 0.1 ◎
31, 1996
14. A part of Kin-cho (Kin) 3 ◎
31, 1996
Camp Hansen Returned on June 30, 2014
(55ha)
23. A part of East China Sea side slope (Nago City) 162 ◎
Returned on June 30, 2017
(107ha)
(22. Eastern Side of National Highway 58 (Kino–Hija),
74 ○ Returned on March 25, 1999
Southwestern corner (Yamanaka Area))
Kadena Ammunition 15. Kadena bypass (west side of Route 58) 3 ◦ ◎ Returned on March 25, 1999
Storage Area (22. Kurahama: site for waste incineration facilities) 9 ○ Returned on March 31, 2005
Returned on October 31,
(22. Continuing use area for GSDF) 58 ○
2006
Torii Communication
16. Kadena bypass 4 ◎ Returned on March 31, 1999
Station
Deputy Division Engineer Returned on September 30,
17. In whole 4 ◎
Office 2002
(19. Southern side of the eastern part) 2 ○ ○
31, 1994
Camp Kuwae
18. Northern part (Ihei) 38 ◎
Returned on March 31, 2003
(18. Along Route 58) (5) ○
MCAS Futenma 21. Lands along eastern side (Nakabaru - Ginowan) 4 ◎ Returned on July 31, 2017
17 facilities, 21 issues 977 7 8 3 3
<Not yet returned after release agreement was concluded>
Change agreed on
Camp Kuwae 19. Northern side of eastern part (Kuwae) 0.5 ◎
December 21, 2001
Kadena Ammunition Release agreed on March
22. Old Higashionna Ammunition Storage Area 43 ◎
Storage Area 28, 1996
2 facilities, 2 issues 44 2 0 0 0
Total 17 facilities, 23 issues 1,021 9 8 3 3
Notes: 1. For the “Area” column, the value within parentheses is a portion of the value indicated immediately above.
2. A single circle in the “Classification” column expediently indicates that the scope of the case overlaps that of another issue.
3. The numbers in the “Scope” column were assigned only for the purpose of classifying 23 issues.
4. “SCC” in the “Classification” column indicates issues for which release was not achieved by June 1990 with respect to realignment, consolidation, and reduction plans of facilities and areas
in Okinawa which were approved by the 15th and 16th Japan–U.S. Security Consultative Committee meetings. “Gun-Ten-Kyo” indicates issues for which release was requested by the Council
for promotion of dezoning and utilization of military land and consultation of problems accompanying bases in Okinawa Prefecture chaired by Okinawa’s governor. “Governor” indicates issues
for which then-Governor Nishime of Okinawa requested the U.S. government to release facilities and areas. “U.S. Forces” indicates issues in which the U.S. side declared to be returnable with
respect to facilities and areas in Okinawa.

Asia-Pacific region. The SCC instructed the SSC to pursue these
Reference 23 The SACO Final Report (tentative translation) goals and to address the Okinawa related issues at the same time.
(December 2, 1996)
Return Land:
The Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) was
established in November 1995 by the Governments of Japan and — Futenma Air Station—See attached.
the United States. The two Governments launched the SACO — Northern Training Area
process to reduce the burden on the people of Okinawa and Return major portion of the Northern Training Area (approx.
thereby strengthen the Japan–U.S. alliance. 3,987ha/9,852 acres) and release U.S. joint use of certain
The mandate and guidelines for the SACO process were set reservoirs (approx. 159ha/393 acres) with the intention
forth by the Governments of Japan and the United States at the to finish the process by the end of March 2003 under the
following conditions:
Reference
outset of the joint endeavor. Both sides decided that the SACO
would develop recommendations for the Security Consultative • Provide land area (approx. 38ha/93 acres) and water area
Committee (SCC) on ways to realign, consolidate and reduce (approx. 121ha/298 acres) with the intention to finish the
U.S. facilities and areas, and adjust operational procedures of U.S. process by the end of March 1998 in order to ensure access
forces in Okinawa consistent with their respective obligations from the remaining Northern Training Area to the ocean.
under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and other • Relocate helicopter landing zones from the areas to be
related agreements. The work of the SACO was scheduled to returned to the remaining Northern Training Area.
conclude after one year. — Aha Training Area
The SCC which was held on April 15, 1996, approved Release U.S. joint use of Aha Training Area (approx.
the SACO Interim Report which included several significant 480ha/1,185 acres) and release U.S. joint use of the water area
initiatives, and instructed the SACO to complete and recommend (approx. 7,895ha/19,509 acres) with the intention to finish
plans with concrete implementation schedules by November the process by the end of March 1998 after land and water
1996. access areas from the Northern Training Area to the ocean are
The SACO, together with the Joint Committee, has conducted provided.
a series of intensive and detailed discussions and developed — Gimbaru Training Area
concrete plans and measures to implement the recommendations Return Gimbaru Training Area (approx. 60ha/149 acres) with
set forth in the Interim Report. the intention to finish the process by the end of March 1998
Today, at the SCC, Minister Ikeda, Minister Kyuma, Secretary after the helicopter landing zone is relocated to Kin Blue
Perry and Ambassador Mondale approved this SACO Final Beach Training Area, and the other facilities are relocated to
Report. The plans and measures included in this Final Report, Camp Hansen.
when implemented, will reduce the impact of the activities of — Sobe Communication Site
U.S. forces on communities in Okinawa. At the same time, these Return Sobe Communication Site (approx. 53ha/132 acres)
measures will fully maintain the capabilities and readiness of U.S. with the intention to finish the process by the end of March
forces in Japan while addressing security and force protection 2001 after the antenna facilities and associated support
requirements. Approximately 21 percent of the total acreage of the facilities are relocated to Camp Hansen.
U.S. facilities and areas in Okinawa excluding joint use facilities — Yomitan Auxiliary Airfield
and areas (approx. 5,002ha/12,361 acres) will be returned. Return Yomitan Auxiliary Airfield (approx. 191ha/471 acres)
Upon approving the Final Report, the members of the SCC with the intention to finish the process by the end of March
welcomed the successful conclusion of the yearlong SACO 2001 after the parachute drop training is relocated to Ie Jima
process and underscored their strong resolve to continue joint Auxiliary Airfield and Sobe Communication Site is relocated.
efforts to ensure steady and prompt implementation of the plans — Camp Kuwae
and measures of the SACO Final Report. With this understanding, Return most of Camp Kuwae (approx. 99ha/245 acres) with
the SCC designated the Joint Committee as the primary forum for the intention to finish the process by the end of March 2008
bilateral coordination in the implementation phase, where specific after the Naval Hospital is relocated to Camp Zukeran and
conditions for the completion of each item will be addressed. remaining facilities there are relocated to Camp Zukeran or
Coordination with local communities will take place as necessary. other U.S. facilities and areas in Okinawa.
The SCC also reaffirmed the commitment of the two — Senaha Communication Station
governments to make every endeavor to deal with various issues Return Senaha Communication Station (approx. 61ha/151
related to the presence and status of U.S. forces, and to enhance acres) with the intention to finish the process by the end of
mutual understanding between U.S. forces and local Japanese March 2001 after the antenna facilities and associated support
communities. In this respect, the SCC agreed that efforts to these facilities are relocated to Torii Communication Station.
ends should continue, primarily through coordination at the Joint However, the microwave tower portion (approx. 0.1ha/0.3
Committee. acres) will be retained.
The members of the SCC agreed that the SCC itself and the — Makiminato Service Area
Security Sub-Committee (SSC) would monitor such coordination Return land adjacent to Route 58 (approx. 3ha/8 acres) in order
at the Joint Committee described above and provide guidance as to widen the Route, after the facilities which will be affected
appropriate. The SCC also instructed the SSC to seriously address by the return are relocated within the remaining Makiminato
the Okinawa-related issues as one of the most important subjects Service Area.
and regularly report back to the SCC on this subject. — Naha Port
In accordance with the April 1996 Japan–U.S. Joint Jointly continue best efforts to accelerate the return of Naha
Declaration on Security, the SCC emphasized the importance of Port (approx. 57ha/140 acres) in connection to its relocation to
close consultation on the international situation, defense policies the Urasoe Pier area (approx. 35ha/87 acres).
and military postures, bilateral policy coordination and efforts
towards a more peaceful and stable security environment in the

— Housing consolidation (Camp Kuwae and Camp Zukeran) Improve Status of Forces Agreement Procedures:
Consolidate U.S. housing areas in Camp Kuwae and Camp — Accident reports
Zukeran and return portions of land in housing areas there Implement new Joint Committee agreement on procedures to
with the intention to finish the process by the end of March provide investigation reports on U.S. military aircraft accidents
2008 (approx. 83ha/206 acres at Camp Zukeran; in addition, announced on December 2, 1996. In addition, as part of the
approx. 35ha/85 acres at Camp Kuwae will be returned U.S. forces’ good neighbor policy, every effort will be made to
through housing consolidation. That land amount is included insure timely notification of appropriate local officials, as well
in the above entry on Camp Kuwae.). as the Government of Japan, of all major accidents involving
Adjust Training and Operational Procedures: U.S. forces’ assets or facilities.
— Artillery live-fire training over Highway 104 — Public exposure of Joint Committee agreements
Reference
Terminate artillery live-fire training over Highway 104, with Seek greater public exposure of Joint Committee agreements.
the exception of artillery firing required in the event of a — Visits to U.S. facilities and areas
crisis, after the training is relocated to maneuver areas on the Implement the new procedures for authorizing visits to U.S.
mainland of Japan within Japanese FY1997. facilities and areas announced by the Joint Committee on
— Parachute drop training December 2, 1996.
Relocate parachute drop training to Ie Jima Auxiliary Airfield. — Markings on U.S. forces official vehicles
— Conditioning hikes on public roads Implement the agreement on measures concerning markings
Conditioning hikes on public roads have been terminated. on U.S. forces official vehicles. Numbered plates will be
attached to all non-tactical U.S. forces vehicles by January
Implement Noise Reduction Initiatives: 1997, and to all other U.S. forces vehicles by October 1997.
— Aircraft noise abatement countermeasures at Kadena Air Base — Supplemental automobile insurance
and Futenma Air Station Education programs for automobile insurance have been
Agreements on aircraft noise abatement countermeasures at expanded. Additionally, on its own initiative, the U.S. has
Kadena Air Base and Futenma Air Station announced by the further elected to have all personnel under the SOFA obtain
Joint Committee in March 1996 have been implemented. supplemental auto insurance beginning in January 1997.
— Transfer of KC-130 Hercules aircraft and AV-8 Harrier aircraft — Payment for claims
Transfer 12 KC-130 aircraft currently based at Futenma Make joint efforts to improve payment procedures concerning
Air Station to Iwakuni Air Base after adequate facilities are claims under paragraph 6, Article XVIII of the SOFA in the
provided. Transfer of 14 AV-8 aircraft from Iwakuni Air Base following manner:
to the United States has been completed. • Requests for advance payments will be expeditiously
— Relocation of Navy aircraft and MC-130 operations at Kadena processed and evaluated by both Governments utilizing
Air Base their respective procedures. Whenever warranted under
Relocate Navy aircraft operations and supporting facilities U.S. laws and regulatory guidance, advance payment will
at Kadena Air Base from the Navy ramp to the other side of be accomplished as rapidly as possible.
the major runways. The implementation schedules for these • A new system will be introduced by the end of March
measures will be decided along with the implementation 1998, by which Japanese authorities will make available to
schedules for the development of additional facilities at claimants no interest loans, as appropriate, in advance of the
Kadena Air Base necessary for the return of Futenma Air final adjudication of claims by U.S. authorities.
Station. Move the MC-130s at Kadena Air Base from the Navy • In the past there have been only a very few cases where
ramp to the northwest corner of the major runways by the end payment by the U.S. Government did not satisfy the full
of December 1996. amount awarded by a final court judgment. Should such
— Noise reduction baffles at Kadena Air Base a case occur in the future, the Government of Japan will
Build new noise reduction baffles at the north side of Kadena endeavor to make payment to the claimant, as appropriate,
Air Base with the intention to finish the process by the end of in order to address the difference in amount.
March 1998. — Quarantine procedures
— Limitation of night flight training operations at Futenma Air Implement the updated agreement on quarantine procedures
Station announced by the Joint Committee on December 2, 1996.
Limit night flight training operations at Futenma Air Station to — Removal of unexploded ordnance in Camp Hansen
the maximum extent possible, consistent with the operational Continue to use USMC procedures for removing unexploded
readiness of U.S. forces. ordnance in Camp Hansen, which are equivalent to those
applied to ranges of the U.S. forces in the United States.
— Continue efforts to improve the SOFA procedures in the Joint
Committee

The SACO Final Report on Futenma Air Station e. Return Futenma Air Station within the next five to seven
(an integral part of the SACO Final Report) (tentative translation) years, after adequate replacement facilities are completed
and operational.
(Tokyo, Japan, December 2, 1996)
3. Guiding Principles
1. Introduction
a. Futenma Air Station’s critical military functions and
a. At the Security Consultative Committee (SCC) held on
capabilities will be maintained and will continue to operate
December 2, 1996, Minister Ikeda, Minister Kyuma,
at current readiness levels throughout the transfer of
Secretary Perry, and Ambassador Mondale reaffirmed their
personnel and equipment and the relocation of facilities.
commitment to the Special Action Committee on Okinawa
b. To the greatest extent possible, Futenma Air Station’s
(SACO) Interim Report of April 15, 1996 and the Status
operations and activities will be transferred to the SBF.
Report of September 19, 1996. Based on the SACO Interim
Reference
Operational capabilities and contingency planning flexibility
Report, both Governments have been working to determine
which cannot be supported by the shorter runway of the
a suitable option for the return of Futenma Air Station and
SBF (such as strategic airlift, logistics, emergency alternate
the relocation of its assets to other facilities and areas in
divert, and contingency throughput) must be fully supported
Okinawa, while maintaining the airfield’s critical military
elsewhere. Those facilities unable to be located on the SBF,
functions and capabilities. The Status Report called for
due to operational cost, or quality-of-life considerations,
the Special Working Group on Futenma to examine three
will be located on existing U.S. facilities and areas.
specific alternatives: 1) incorporate the heliport into Kadena
c. The SBF will be located off the east coast of the main island
Air Base; 2) construct a heliport at Camp Schwab; and 3)
of Okinawa, and is expected to be connected to land by a
develop and construct a sea-based facility (SBF).
pier or causeway. Selection of the location will take into
b. On December 2, 1996, the SCC approved the SACO
account operational requirements, airspace and sea-lane
recommendation to pursue the SBF option. Compared
deconfliction, fishing access, environmental compatibility,
to the other two options, the SBF is judged to be the best
economic effects, noise abatement, survivability, security,
option in terms of enhanced safety and quality of life for the
and convenient, acceptable personnel access to other U.S.
Okinawan people while maintaining operational capabilities
military facilities and housing.
of U.S. forces. In addition, the SBF can function as a fixed
d. The design of the SBF will incorporate adequate measures
facility during its use as a military base and can also be
to ensure platform, aircraft, equipment, and personnel
removed when no longer necessary.
survivability against severe weather and ocean conditions;
c. The SCC will establish a bilateral U.S.–Japan working
corrosion control treatment and prevention for the SBF
group under the supervision of the Security Sub-Committee
and all equipment located on the SBF; safety; and platform
(SSC) entitled the Futenma Implementation Group (FIG),
security. Support will include reliable and secure fuel
to be supported by a team of technical experts. The FIG,
supply, electrical power, fresh water, and other utilities
working with the Joint Committee, will develop a plan
and consumables. Additionally, the facility will be fully
for implementation no later than December 1997. Upon
self-supporting for short-period contingency/emergency
SCC approval of this plan, the FIG, working with the Joint
operations.
Committee, will oversee design, construction, testing, and
e. The Government of Japan will provide the SBF and other
transfer of assets. Throughout this process, the FIG will
relocation facilities for the use of U.S. forces, in accordance
periodically report to the SSC on the status of its work.
with the U.S.–Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and
2. Decisions of the SCC
Security and the Status of Forces Agreement. The two
a. Pursue construction of an SBF to absorb most of the
Governments will further consider all aspects of life-cycle
helicopter operational functions of Futenma Air Station.
costs as part of the design/acquisition decision.
This facility will be approximately 1,500 meters long, and
f. The Government of Japan will continue to keep the people
will support the majority of Futenma Air Station’s flying
of Okinawa informed of the progress of this plan, including
operations, including an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)—
concept, location, and schedules of implementation.
capable runway (approximately 1,300 meters long), direct
4. Possible Sea-Based Facility Construction Methods
air operations support, and indirect support infrastructure
Studies have been conducted by a “Technical Support Group”
such as headquarters, maintenance, logistics, quality-of-
comprised of Government engineers under the guidance
life functions, and base operating support. The SBF will be
of a “Technical Advisory Group” comprised of university
designed to support basing of helicopter assets, and will also
professors and other experts outside the Government.
be able to support short-field aircraft operations.
These studies suggested that all three construction methods
b. Transfer 12 KC-130 aircraft to Iwakuni Air Base. Construct
mentioned below are technically feasible.
facilities at this base to ensure that associated infrastructure
a. Pile Supported Pier Type (using floating modules)—
is available to support these aircraft and their missions.
supported by a number of steel columns fixed to the sea bed.
c. Develop additional facilities at Kadena Air Base to support
b. Pontoon Type—platform consisting of steel pontoon type
aircraft, maintenance, and logistics operations which are
units, installed in a calm sea protected by a breakwater.
currently available at Futenma Air Station but are not
c. Semi-Submersible Type—platform at a wave free height,
relocated to the SBF or Iwakuni Air Base.
supported by buoyancy of the lower structure submerged
d. Study the emergency and contingency use of alternate
under the sea.
facilities, which may be needed in the event of a crisis. This
is necessary because the transfer of functions from Futenma
Air Station to the SBF will reduce operational flexibility
currently available.

5. The Next Steps b. The FIG will establish phases and schedules to achieve
a. The FIG will recommend a candidate SBF area to the SCC operational capabilities at each location, including facility
as soon as possible and formulate a detailed implementation design, construction, installation of required components,
plan no later than December 1997. This plan will include validation tests and suitability demonstrations, and transfer
completion of the following items: concept development of operations to the new facility.
and definitions of operational requirements, technology c. The FIG will conduct periodic reviews and make decisions at
performance specifications and construction method, site significant milestones concerning SBF program feasibility.
survey, environmental analysis, and final concept and site
selection.
Reference

Reference 24 Progress of the SACO Final Report
[Return of Lands]
1. Already returned facilities
Name of Facility (Project) State of Progress
• April 1999: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on land return after seven HLZs are relocated, etc.
Northern Training Area • February 2006: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on changes to the agreement of April 1999 (HLZs: from 7 HLZs to 6
(Return of major portion) HLZs, reduction of the scale of the site preparation from 75 m to 45 m in diameter)
• December 2016: Major portion (approximately 4,000 ha) returned
Aha Training Area (Return
Reference
• December 1998: Total return completed (release of joint use)
of total area)
• January 2008: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on land return after the helicopter landing zone (HLZ) is relocated to Kin
Gimbaru Training Area
Blue Beach Training Area and the other facilities are relocated to Camp Hansen
(Return of total area)
• July 2011: Total return completed (approximately 60 ha)
• April 1999: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on land return after communication systems including communication
Sobe Communication Site
facilities such as antennas and others are relocated to Camp Hansen
(Return of total area)
• December 2006: Remaining portion (approximately 53 ha) returned
Yomitan Auxiliary Airfield • October 2002: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on land return after the Sobe Communication Site is relocated
(Return of total area) • December 2006: Remaining portion (approximately 191 ha) returned
• March 2002: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on return of most land after communication systems including the antenna
Senaha Communication
facilities and others are relocated to Torii Communication Station
Station (Return of most
• September 2006: Partially returned (approximately 61 ha excluding the microwave tower portion)
areas)
• October 2006: The microwave tower portion consolidated into Torii Communication Station
2. Facilities to be returned as the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan

* May 2006: Described as total return in the United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation
• December 2015: Japan and the U.S. came to an agreement on partial early land return to be used for municipal roads.
MCAS Futenma [Already returned area]
(Return of total area → • May 1997: Partially returned (approximately 473 m2)
Return of total area)* • September 1997: Partially returned (approximately 62 m2)
• July 2017: Partially returned (approximately 4 ha)
• March 2018: Partially returned (approximately 0.4 ha)
• December 2020: Partially returned (approximately 0.1 ha)
• July 2002: Youth Center was furnished
• January 2005: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation and construction of the Naval Hospital and other related
facilities.
• December 2006: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of the Naval Hospital.
• February 2008: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of accessory facility (helipad)
• December 2008: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of accessory facility (utility).
• May 2009: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of related facility (barracks for non-accompanied enlisted
sailors)
Camp Kuwae • October 2009: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of related facility (water tank 1)
(Return of most areas → • October 2010: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of related facility (water tank 2)
Return of total area)* • September 2011: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of related facilities (barracks for non-accompanied
officers, blood storage facility, etc.)
• February 2013: 13 buildings including the Naval Hospital were furnished
• March 2013: The Naval Hospital opened
• December 2013: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the construction of related facilities of the Naval Hospital (preventive
medical center, alcohol rehabilitation center, etc.)
• December 2015: Related facilities of the Naval Hospital (BOQ and blood storage facility, etc.) were furnished
[Already returned Area]
• March 2003: Northern side returned (approximately 38 ha)
• December 2015: the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on partial land return for the expansion of national highway
• March 2018: Partially returned (approximately 3ha)
Makiminato Service Area [Already returned area]
(Return of partial area → • May 1997: Partially returned (approximately 38 m2)
Return of total area)* • September 2001: Partially returned (approximately 1 ha)
• August 2013: Return of north access road (approximately 1 ha)
• March 2018: Partially returned (approximately 3 ha)
• March 2019: Return of area near Gate 5 (approximately 2 ha)
Naha Port Facility * May 2006: Described as total return in the United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation
(Return of total area → [Already returned area]
Return of total area)* June 2000: Partially returned (approximately 1 ha)

(Phase I: Golf Range Area)
• April 1999: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation and construction of housing and others
• July 2002: Two high rises were furnished
• July 2006: An underpass was furnished
(Phase II: Sada Area)
• February 2002: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation and construction of housing and others
• September 2005: Two high rises, 38 townhouses, and others were furnished
(Phase III: Eastern Chatan Area)
• March 2004: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation and construction of housing and others
• June 2008: 35 townhouses and others were furnished
(Phase IV: Futenma and Upper Plaza Area)
Reference
• March 2005: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation and construction of housing and others
Housing Consolidation • February 2010: 24 townhouses constructed in Upper Plaza Area were furnished
Camp Zukeran * May 2006: Camp Zukeran was described as partial return in the U.S.-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation
(Return of partial area → * April 2013: It was written in the Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa that the OHC plan will be reassessed under SACO, and
Return of partial area)* that 910 family housing (including alternatives for housing that are to be removed in consolidated areas) will be built in addition to 56 housing
already agreed to build based on the request for family housing after the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Okinawa.
[Already returned area]
• March 1997: Partially returned (approximately 371 m2)
• May 1997: Partially returned (approximately 598 m2)
• June 1997: Partially returned (approximately 353 m2)
• December 1997: Partially returned (approximately 0.3 ha)
• March 1998: Partially returned (approximately 2 ha)
• February 2000: Partially returned (approximately 3 ha)
• December 2006: Partially returned (approximately 145 m2)
• March 2015: Return of West Futenma Housing Area (approximately 51 ha)
• March 2020: Partial return of the Facilities and Engineering Compound (approximately 11 ha)
[Adjustment in training or operation]

Point State of Progress
Relocation of Artillery
Live-fire Training over • Relocated to five maneuver areas on the mainland of Japan in FY1997
Highway 104
Parachute Drop Training • Relocation training conducted at Iejima Auxiliary Airfield since July 2000
[Implementation of initiatives to reduce noise]

1. Initiatives already taken
• June 2005: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation and construction of rinse facility
• September 2008: Rinse Facility was furnished
• February 2009: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the relocation of Navy Ramp
• October 2010: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on implementation of area forming and the construction of ramp and
taxiway.
• April 2011: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on implementation of the construction of parking and utility.
Relocation of the U.S. Navy
• February 2013: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on implementation of the construction of type II maintenance hangar.
Ramp at Kadena Air Base
• July 2013: Ramp, etc., were furnished.
• July 2014: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on implementation of construction of hangars, etc.
• December 2016: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the furnishing of maintenance hangar, etc.
• January 2017: Relocation completed
• February 2020: The Japan-U.S. Joint Committee came to an agreement on the implementation of demolition of part of the existing facilities
• March 2021: Completed demolition of part of the existing facilities
Installation of Noise
Reduction Baffles at • July 2000: Furnished
Kadena Air Base
2. Ongoing initiatives as the U.S. Forces realignment

* May 2006: United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation stated that the KC-130 squadron would be based at MCAS Iwakuni
Transfer of KC-130 aircraft* with its headquarters, maintenance support facilities, and family support facilities, and that the aircraft would regularly deploy on a rotational
basis for training and operations to MSDF Kanoya Base and Guam.

Reference 25 Background of the Futenma Replacement Facility
Month & Year Background
Then Prime Minister Hashimoto and then U.S. Ambassador Mondale held a meeting, and the full return of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (MCAS
April 1996 Futenma) was announced. SACO Interim Report.
→ The airfield will be returned within five to seven years, following the completion of an adequate replacement facility.
SACO Final Report
December 1996
→ A maritime facility will be constructed off the east coast of the main island of Okinawa (one that can be dismantled).
Then Governor of Okinawa Inamine stated that he had chosen the Henoko coast region of Nago City as a candidate for the facility relocation on condition
November 1999
that it would be for joint military-civilian use
Then Mayor of Nago City Kishimoto expressed that the city would accept the FRF
Reference
December 1999 “Government Policy on Relocation of MCAS Futenma” (Cabinet decision)
→ Construction in the Nago City Henoko coastal region in the water area of Camp Schwab
“Basic Agreement Regarding the Use of Replacement Facilities” concluded between the Director General of Defense Agency and the Governor of Okinawa.
July 2002 “Basic Plan for Replacement Facilities for MCAS Futenma” was prepared.
→ Scale, construction methods, and specific construction site decided
November 2003 Then Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld visited Okinawa.
August 2004 A U.S. Forces helicopter crashed into a university campus in Ginowan City, Okinawa.
“2+2” Joint Statement
October 2005
→ Agreement on a new plan (an L shape plan connecting the coastal area of Camp Schwab with the adjacent water area of Oura bay)
“Basic Agreement Regarding the Construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility” concluded between the Director General of the Defense Agency, the
April 2006 Mayor of Nago, and the village mayor of Ginoza.
→ Agreement was reached by creating flight paths avoiding overflight of the surrounding region (the V shape plan).
• “2+2” Joint Statement
→ Final adjustments made for the “U.S.-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation,” V shape plan approved “Basic Confirmation Regarding
May 2006 the Realignment of U.S. Military Forces in Okinawa” concluded between the Director General of the Defense Agency and the Governor of Okinawa.
• “GOJ Efforts for USFJ Force Structure Realignment and Others” (Cabinet decision)
→ The cabinet decision of December 1999 was abolished.
August 2006 Establishment of “the Council on Measures for Relocation of MCAS Futenma”
August 2007 The EIA scoping document was sent to the governor, municipal mayors etc., of Okinawa.
April 2009 Draft Environment Impact Statement was sent to the governor and municipal mayors of Okinawa.
Conclusion of a three-party coalition government agreement between the Democratic Party of Japan, the Social Democratic Party, and the People’s New
September 2009 Party.
→ Agreement on reviewing the status of the U.S. Forces realignment and U.S. Forces bases in Japan.
Establishment of the Ministerial-Level Working Group on the Replacement Facility for Futenma Air Station.
November 2009 Japan-U.S. summit meeting
→ Agreement on resolving the relocation of Futenma Air Station expeditiously through the working group.
December 2009 Ministerial Committee on Basic Policies convened, Exploratory Committee for the Okinawa Bases Issue was established.
→ Confirmed the intention to locate the Futenma Replacement Facility at the Camp Schwab Henokosaki and adjacent water areas
May 2010
Cabinet approval of “immediate actions by the Government of Japan on items decided by the Japan-United States Security Consultative Committee on
May 28th, 2010”
August 2010 Futenma Replacement Facility Bilateral Experts Study Group Report
June 2011 → Confirming the commitment that a replacement plan should be completed as early as possible after 2014, while deciding that the shape of the
runway in the replaced facility should be V-shaped.
December 2011-
The Environmental Impact Statement report was sent to the governor of Okinawa.
January 2012
The Japan-U.S. Joint Statement was announced on the realignment of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan.
February 2012 → Official discussion was initiated to delink two issues—the movement of Marines to Guam and resulting land returns south of Kadena—from
progress on the FRF.
→ The four Ministers reconfirmed that the current plan to relocate MCAS Futenma to Henoko continues to be the only viable solution.
April 2012
Agreement reached to delink two issues—the movement of Marines to Guam and resulting land returns south of Kadena—from progress on
the FRF.
December 2012 Revised Environment Impact Statement was sent to the governor and municipal mayors of Okinawa.
March 2013 Application for approval of public water body reclamation was submitted to the governor of Okinawa.
Release of “the consolidation plan of USFJ facilities and areas in Okinawa”
April 2013
→ MCAS Futenma can be returned in FY2022 or later through relocation, etc.
October 2013 → The four Ministers reaffirmed that the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility in Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued
use of MCAS Futenma
December 2013 Governor of Okinawa approved reclamation of the public water body related to the Futenma Replacement Facility construction project
July 2014 Started the construction of replacement facilities
April 2015 → The four Ministers reaffirmed that the plan to construct the Futenma Replacement Facility in Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued
use of MCAS Futenma
• Governor of Okinawa revoked the landfill permit for the Futenma Replacement Facility project
• The Director General of the Okinawa Defense Bureau requested the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to review the Governor of
October 2015
Okinawa Prefecture’s revocation of the landfill permit for the Futenma Replacement Facility project, and requested the suspension of its execution
• The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism decided to suspend execution of the revocation of the landfill permit

• Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting and Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting
→ Stated that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution
November 2015
• The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism filed an administrative suit seeking a retraction of revocation of the landfill permit
→ Reconfirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Camp Schwab is the only solution that avoids continued use of MCAS Futenma
• The government announced it would accept the court’s settlement recommendation
• Landfill work was suspended
• The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a correction instruction to the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture over its revocation
March 2016
of the landfill permit
• The Governor of Okinawa Prefecture applied for a review of the correction instruction issued by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism by the Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council
• Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting
Reference
→ Japan explained that its position remains unwavering that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution and that the Government
decided to accept a court suggested settlement under the philosophy of “haste makes waste,” and stated that it would like to realize the return of
April 2016
MCAS Futenma through the completion of the relocation to Henoko at the earliest possible time and will continue to make joint efforts to mitigate
the impact on Okinawa. The U.S. stated that it understands the court-suggested settlement on the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko as Prime
Minister Abe’s strategic decision, and said that the U.S. will continue its efforts through close cooperation.
• The Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council notified the results of the review
June 2016 • Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting
→ Confirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution
July 2016 The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism filed a suit seeking confirmation of the violation of law for the failure to act
Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting
September 2016
• Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting
→ Reconfirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of MCAS Futenma
• The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal of Governor of Okinawa in a suit seeking confirmation of the violation of law for the failure to act (finalized
victory of the national government)
December 2016 • Governor of Okinawa retracted the revocation of the landfill permit for the Futenma Replacement Facility construction project
• Resumed the Futenma Replacement Facility construction project
→ Japan stated that its position remains unwavering that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution, that construction has
resumed following the Supreme Court ruling, and that the Government will steadily move forward with the construction
→ Reconfirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution
February 2017
April 2017 Began construction of the seawall, the main part of the public waters reclamation
June 2017
→ Reconfirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution
Okinawa Prefectural Government filed a lawsuit against the central government arguing it is illegal to damage rock on the seabed without securing
July 2017
permission of the governor.
Joint statement of “2+2”
August 2017 → The four Ministers reconfirmed that construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility in Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of
MCAS Futenma
Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting
November 2017
→ C
onfirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of MCAS Futenma
March 2018 Naha District Court dismissed Okinawa Prefecture’s claim regarding a suit that demands for an injunctive order for actions that damage the reefs, etc.
Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting

April 2018
August 2018 The Vice Governor of Okinawa Prefecture revoked (withdrew) the landfill permit for public waters.
• The Director General of the Okinawa Defense Bureau requested the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to review the Vice Governor
of Okinawa Prefecture’s withdrawal of the landfill permit for public waters, and requested the suspension of its execution.
October 2018 • Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting
• The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism decided to suspend execution of the withdrawal of the landfill permit.
Governor of Okinawa Prefecture objected to the decision by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to suspend execution, and applied
November 2018
for a review by the Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council.
• The Naha Branch of the Fukuoka High Court rejected an appeal by Okinawa Prefecture regarding a suit that demands for an injunctive order for actions
December 2018 that damage the reefs, etc.
• Started landfill work in the waters on the south side of Camp Schwab.
Meeting between then Minister of Defense Iwaya and then Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Shanahan
January 2019
→ Confirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of MCAS Futenma
February 2019 The Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council dismissed the request for a review from the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture.
• The Governor of Okinawa Prefecture filed a lawsuit to demand a revocation of the decision to suspend execution of the withdrawal of the landfill permit.
March 2019 • Okinawa Prefecture withdrew a petition for acceptance of final appeal with the Supreme Court regarding a suit that demands for an injunctive order for
actions that damage the reefs, etc. (finalized victory of the central government).

• Regarding the request for a review from the Director General of the Okinawa Defense Bureau, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
decided to revoke the withdrawal of the landfill permit by the Vice Governor of Okinawa Prefecture.
• Joint statement of “2+2”
→ The four Ministers reconfirmed that construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility in Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of
April 2019 MCAS Futenma
• The Governor of Okinawa Prefecture withdrew its claim regarding the suit to revoke the decision to suspend execution of the withdrawal of the landfill
permit.
• Governor of Okinawa objected to the decision by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and applied for a review by the Central
and Local Government Dispute Management Council.
• Meeting between then Minister of Defense Iwaya and then Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Shanahan
→ The Ministers agreed that Japan and the United States will cooperate closely to make steady progress in implementing the plan for the realignment
Reference
June 2019
of the U.S. Forces.
• The Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council dismissed the request for review by Governor of Okinawa.
The Governor of Okinawa Prefecture objected to the dismissal by the Central and Local Government Dispute Management Council and filed a lawsuit to
July 2019
demand a revocation of the Government decision.
• Governor of Okinawa objected to the decision by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and filed a lawsuit to demand a revocation
of the decision.
August 2019
• The Naha Branch of the Fukuoka High Court dismissed the claim regarding the suit to revoke the decision by Governor of Okinawa.
October 2019 • Governor of Okinawa filed a petition for acceptance of final appeal with the Supreme Court regarding the suit to revoke the decision by Governor of
Okinawa.
November 2019
January 2020
March 2020 The Supreme Court dismissed the claim regarding the suit to revoke the decision by the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture.
An application for change of landfill work related to the addition of the work to improve the soil foundation, etc., was submitted to the Governor of Okinawa
April 2020
Prefecture.
August 2020
November 2020 Naha District Court dismisses Okinawa Prefecture’s claim to revoke the decision
December 2020 Okinawa Prefecture appeals to Naha Branch of the Fukuoka High Court to revoke decision
March 2021 • Joint statement of “2+2”
→ The four Ministers reconfirmed that construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility in Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of
MCAS Futenma
April 2021 → Confirmed that the relocation of MCAS Futenma to Henoko is the only solution that avoids continued use of MCAS Futenma
• Completed landfill from the sea level to 3.1m (4.0m along some seawalls) in the waters on the south side of Camp Schwab

Reference 26 Estimated Timelines for the Return of Facilities and Areas South of Kadena
Areas Eligible for Immediate Return Upon Completion of Necessary Procedures
West Futenma Housing area of Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) Returned (March 31, 2015)
The north access road of Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser) Returned (August 31, 2013)
Area near Gate 5 on Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser) Returned (March 31, 2019)
A portion of the warehouse area of the Facilities and Engineering Compound in Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) Returned (March 31, 2020)1
Areas Eligible for Return Once the Replacement Facilities in Okinawa are Provided
Camp Kuwae (Camp Lester) JFY2025 or later
Reference
Lower Plaza Housing area, Comp Zukeran (Camp Foster) JFY2024 or later
A part of Kishaba Housing area, Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) JFY2024 or later
The Industrial Corridor, Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) JFY2024 or later2, 3
Elements of Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser), including the preponderance of the storage area JFY2025 or later
Naha Port JFY2028 or later
Army Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant Depot Kuwae Tank Farm No.1 JFY2022 or later
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma JFY2022 or later
Areas Eligible for Return as USMC Forces Relocate from Okinawa to Locations Outside of Japan
Additional elements of Camp Zukeran (Camp Foster) —
The remainder of Makiminato Service Area (Camp Kinser) JFY2024 or later4
Notes: 1. Shirahi River area was returned at the same timing.
2. Part of the logistics support units in this area are scheduled to be relocated to locations outside of Japan. Efforts will be made to minimize the impact of the relocation on the approximate timing
for return. However, the relocation sequence is subject to change depending on the progress of relocation.
3. Area south of the Industrial Corridor (Camp Foster) can be returned at the same timing.
4. Plans for USMC relocation to locations outside of Japan have not yet been determined. The relocation sequence is subject to change depending on the progress of relocation.

Reference 27 Chronology of Osprey Deployment by the U.S. Forces
The U.S. Department of Defense announced that the CH-46 deployed at MCAS Futenma would be replaced with the MV-22
June 6, 2011
Osprey in the latter half of 2012.
Provided an explanation on the results of the Environment Review, MV-22 pamphlet, etc., to Okinawa Prefecture, relevant local
June 13, 2012-
governments and other organizations.
Host Nation Notification and U.S. Department of Defense press release regarding the deployment of the MV-22 Osprey to
Okinawa
• Deployed a squadron in October 2012 (off-loaded at MCAS Iwakuni in late July).
June 29-
• Deployed an additional squadron in summer 2013.
• The results of the investigation of the crash accident were provided to the Government of Japan; the MV-22 Osprey did not
Reference
conduct any flights in Japan until the safety of flight operations was reconfirmed.
July 23 Off-loaded at MCAS Iwakuni.
Released the report “MV-22 Osprey deployment in Okinawa” (that safety was confirmed by the government).
September 19
The Joint Committee agreed on matters related to the Osprey’s operations.
October 6 Relocation to MCAS Futenma was completed.
The Okinawa Citizens’ Council, the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly, and other organizations sent a statement to the Prime
January 28, 2013
Minister.
The MOD provided explanation to the relevant local governments and other organizations regarding the U.S. explanation on
April 30
the deployment of the MV-22 squadron (off-loaded at MCAS Iwakuni in summer 2013).
July 30 The second squadron off-loaded at MCAS Iwakuni.
September 25 Relocation to MCAS Futenma was completed.
The U.S. Department of Defense announced that it would deploy the CV-22 Osprey at Yokota Air Base starting in the latter
May 11, 2015
half of 2017.
December 13, 2016 Emergency landing of an MV-22 Osprey off the coast of Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture.
February 1, 2017 Planned maintenance interval of the MV-22 Osprey was commenced at Camp Kisarazu.
Informed relevant local governments and other organizations that the U.S. Department of Defense announced the
March 14
postponement of the arrival of the CV-22 Osprey that were to be deployed at Yokota Air Base.
August 5 Accident of a MV-22 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force (Futenma) off the east coast of Australia.
U.S. Forces in Japan announced that five CV-22 Osprey would be deployed to Japan around summer of 2018, and that a total
April 3, 2018
of ten Osprey would be deployed gradually over the next few years.
Informed relevant local governments and other organizations that the U.S. Forces in Japan announced that five CV-22 Osprey
August 22, 2018 would be deployed at Yokota Air Base on October 1, 2018, and that a total of ten CV-22 would be deployed at Yokota Air Base
gradually by around 2024.
October 1, 2018 Five CV-22 Osprey were deployed at Yokota Air Base.

Reference 28 Outline of the Act on Special Measures on Smooth Implementation of the Realignment of United States Forces in Japan
1. Purpose
It is critically important to realize the realignment of the United States Forces in Japan (USFJ), in order to contribute to the maintenance of peace and
security in Japan and to mitigate the impact of defense facilities on surrounding residents by all of Japan. In this light, the purpose of this Act is to
contribute to the smooth implementation of USFJ realignment by taking the following special measures, etc.
2. Special Measures, etc.
(1) Realignment grants for municipalities incurring greater impacts

Reference
 In connection with the realignment of USFJ, the national government designates defense facilities for which it is deemed that consideration must be paid to
their increasing impacts on the stability of the lives of the residents in the surrounding areas. Realignment grants are awarded to municipalities in the area
of such defense facilities, in order to cover the expenses of the projects that contribute to making the residents’ lives more convenient and to developing
industries, if the grants are considered necessary to help carry out the USFJ realignment smoothly and infallibly.
 The national government takes into consideration the extent that the stability of the lives of the residents is impacted, and awards the realignment grants
based on both the progress of the measures for achieving realignment and the length of time that has passed since the measures were first implemented.
(2) Public project special provisions for areas incurring particularly large impacts
 Designate areas that include municipalities incurring particularly large impacts as Special Area for Development concerning Realignment, and promote the
development of these areas by establishing special provisions for cost sharing by local governments when developing roads, ports, and other infrastructure.
 Set up at the MOD the Council for Local Development concerning Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan and Related SDF Forces comprised of relevant
ministers, and at the Council’s meetings discuss matters such as the designation of the Special Area for Development concerning Realignment and the
establishment of the development plan for the area (Development Plan for Special Area for Development concerning Realignment).
(3) Measures for USFJ local employees
 Implement skills education and training that contribute to the continuous employment of USFJ local employees.
3. Expiration of the Law

This Act expires on March 31, 2027; provided, however, that the realignment grants will be awarded until March 31, 2032 at the latest based on the
situation of the realignment.
Notes: 1. At the time of its enactment this Act was set to expire on March 31, 2017. However, the term of validity has been extended by 10 years to March 31, 2027 pursuantto
the law for the partial revision of this Act which entered into force on March 31, 2017.
2. At the time of its enactment, this Act provided for the special measures, etc., under this Act in 2. (1) to (3) above, as well as for special provisions for the operations of
the Japan Bank for International Cooperation for the implementation of investments and loans for family housing and infrastructure development related to USFJ
relocation to the United States of America (Guam) for the promotion of said relocation.
However, the said provision was abolished pursuant to the law for the partial revision of this Act which entered into force on March 31, 2017, after the 2+2 Joint
Statement of April 2012 limited Japan’s financial commitment for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa to Guam to direct cash contribution and it was
confirmed that other forms of financial assistance (investments and loans) would not be utilized.

Reference 29 Situations Concerning the Conclusion of Agreements
Defense Equipment and Technology Acquisition and Cross-Serving Information Security Security and Defense Cooperation
Transfer Agreement Agreement (ACSA) Agreement Documents
Signed the Mutual Defense Assistance
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty
Agreement between Japan and the
Signed in September 1951 and entered into
United States of America in March 1954 Signed in April 1996 and entered into
force in April 1952
and entered into force in May 1954 force in October 1996
Signed in January 1960 and entered into force
Established the Transfer of Military Signed in April 1998 and revised in
in June 1960
United Technologies to the United States September 1999 Signed and entered into force
Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation
States of America (exchange of notes) in Signed in February 2004 and revised in August 2007
Reference
Set forth in November 1978
November 1983 in July 2004
Set forth in September 1997
Established the Transfer of Arms and Signed in September 2016 and entered
Set forth in April 2015
Military Technologies to the United into force in April 2017
Japan-U.S. Joint Declaration on Security in
States of America (exchange of notes)
April 1996
in June 2006
Signed in May 2010 Signed memorandum in September 2003
Signed in May 2012
Signed in July 2014 Entered into force in January 2013 Japan-Australia Joint Declaration on Security
Australia Entered into force in March
Entered into force in December 2014 Signed in January 2017 in March 2007
2013
Entered into force in September 2017 Revised memorandum in December 2008
Japan-India Joint Declaration on Security in
Signed in December 2015 Signed and entered into force
India Signed in September 2020 October 2008
Entered into force in March 2016 in December 2015
Signed memorandum in September 2014
Signed and entered into force in March
Indonesia — — Signed memorandum in March 2015
2021
Agreed to start negotiations at the
Japan-Vietnam Summit Meeting in
July 2019
Viet Nam — — —
Substantive agreement at the Japan-
Vietnam Summit Meeting in October
2020
The Signed in February 2016 Signed statement of intent in July 2012
— —
Philippines Entered into force in April 2016 Signed memorandum in January 2015
Thailand — — — Signed memorandum in November 2019
Laos — — — Signed memorandum in October 2019
Signed and entered into force in April

Malaysia — — Signed memorandum in September 2018
2018
Agreed to move forward with opinion
Republic of Signed and entered into force
— exchanges at the Japan-ROK Ministerial Signed statement of intent in April 2009
Korea in November 2016
Meeting in January 2011
Signed memorandum in January 2004
Signed in July 2013
United Signed and entered into force in July Signed in January 2017 Revised memorandum in June 2012
Entered into force in January
Kingdom 2013 Entered into force in August 2017 Japan-U.K Joint Declaration on Security in
2014
August 2017
Signed in March 2015 Signed in July 2018 Signed and entered into force
France Signed statement of intent in July 2014
Entered into force in December 2016 Entered into force in June 2019 in October 2011
Japan-Canada Joint Declaration on Political,
Signed in April 2018
Canada — — Peace and Security Cooperation in November
Entered into force in July 2019
2010
Shared the view that two
countries will commence
a joint study toward
New Agreed to consider at Japan-New negotiations for an agreement
— Signed memorandum in August 2013
Zealand Zealand Summit Meeting in July 2014 on security information
sharing at Japan-New
Zealand Summit Meeting in
September 2019
Announced: Individual Partnership and
Signed and entered into force
NATO — — Cooperation Programme (IPCP) between Japan
in June 2010
and NATO in May 2014
Signed and entered into force in July Signed and entered into force
Germany — —
2017 in March 2021
Signed in March 2016
Signed in May 2017 Signed statement of intent in June 2012
Italy — Entered into force in June
Entered into force in April 2019 Signed memorandum in May 2017
2016
Signed memorandum in August 1999
Russia — — —
Revised memorandum in January 2006
UAE — — — Signed memorandum in May 2018
Brazil — — — Signed memorandum in December 2020
Notes: Signed Memorandum with Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Sweden, Spain, Qatar, Georgia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Colombia, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Czech, Finland, Ukraine,
Oman and Israel; signed statement of intent with Turkey

Reference 30 Exchange Student Acceptance Record (Number of Newly Accepted Students in FY2020)
(Number of students)
Country United The Republic
Australia India Indonesia Vietnam Singapore Thailand Cambodia Myanmar Laos Malaysia Mongolia Pakistan Sub total
Institution States Philippines of Korea
National Institute for
2 — 1 — — — — 1 — — — — 2 — — 6
Defense Studies
National Defense
— — — 2 11 — 2 6 2 2 1 2 2 2 — 32
Academy
Ground Self-
Defense Force
Reference
(Training
Evaluation 4 — — 1 — 1 — 2 1 — — — — 2 — 11
Research and
Development
Command, etc.)
Maritime Self-
Defense Force 1 3 — — 1 — — 1 — 1 — — — — — 7
(Staff College, etc.)
Air Self-Defense
Force (Staff 1 — — 2 1 — — — — — — — 1 — 1 6
College, etc.)
Joint Staff College — 1 — — — — — 1 — — — — — — 1 3
Total 8 4 1 5 13 1 2 11 3 3 1 2 5 4 2 65

Reference 31 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with Australia (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
Sep. 2018 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Sep. 2018 Visit to Australia by GSDF Chief of Staff
Oct. 2018 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Sydney (8th “2+2” Meeting))
Oct. 2018 Visit to Japan by Australian Chief of Navy
Jan. 2019 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Jan. 2019 Visit to Australia by MSDF Chief of Staff
Feb. 2019 Visit to Australia by Chief of Staff, JS
Reference
Feb. 2019 Visit to Australia by ASDF Chief of Staff
Feb. 2019 Visit to Australia by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
Jun. 2019 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (18th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Sep. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of Australian Air Force
Oct. 2019 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Nov. 2019 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
High-level talks
☆2019 Japan-Australia Defence Ministers Kono/Reynolds joint statement on advancing defence cooperation
Nov. 2019 Visit to Japan by Australian Chief of the Defence Force
Dec. 2019 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Apr. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Japanese Chief of Staff, JS and Australian Chief of the Defense Force
May 2020 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
May 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Australian Chief of Air Force
Jul. 2020 Telephone Conversation between GSDF Chief of Staff and Australian Chief of Army
Aug. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and Australian Chief of Navy
Aug. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Australian Chief of Air Force
Oct. 2020 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
☆2020 Japan-Australia Defense Ministers Joint Statement on Advancing Defence Cooperation
Oct. 2020 Video Teleconference between ASDF Chief of Staff and Australian Chief of Air Force
Dec. 2020 Video Teleconference between GSDF Chief of Staff and Australian Chief of Army
Regular discussions between defense
May 2019 Japan-Australia Military-Military Consultation (MM)
authorities
Feb.-Mar. 2019 Dispatch of C-2 to Australia (overseas flight training and participation in AVALON Airshow)
Visit to Komatsu Air Base by the Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A and a unit-to-unit exchange by refueling and
Sep.-Oct. 2019
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. transport aircraft units (sister squadron exchange)
Nov. 2019 Visit to the Air Defense Command Headquarters by Australian Chief of Joint Operations
Jan. 2020 Dispatch of ASDF C-130 to Australia (International Disaster Relief Activities)
May 2018 Japan-U.S.-Australia Security and Defense Cooperation Forum (SDCF)
Jun. 2018 Japan-U.S.-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
May 2019 Japan-U.S.-Australia Security and Defense Cooperation Forum (SDCF)
Japan-U.S.-Australia
trilateral cooperation Jun. 2019 Japan-U.S.-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (18th Shangri-La Dialogue))
(See reference 46 for training Aug. 2019 6th Japan-U.S.-Australia Senior-level Seminar (Hawaii) (Chief of Staff)
and exercise)
Aug. 2019 7th Japan-U.S.-Australia Senior Leader Seminar (Hawaii) (GSDF Chief of Staff)
Jul. 2020 Japan-U.S.-Australia Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Sep. 2020 8th Trilateral Senior Leaders Seminar (VTC) (Chief of Staff, GSDF)

Numbers of
Training Designation Date Location Participating Units personnel, etc. Numbers of personnel, etc. (Australia)
(Japan)
Japan-Australia Sep. 16-18,
Waters north of Australia Destroyer JS “Sazanami” One vessel Frigate HMAS “Newcastle”
bilateral cruise training 2018
Japan-Australia May 20-22, Waters south of Honshu Destroyers JS “Ariake,” and JS Frigates HMAS “Melbourne,” and HMAS
Two vessels
bilateral cruise training 2019 through surrounding Guam “Asahi” “Parramatta”
Destroyers JS “Harusame,” JS
Japan-Australia Sep. 17-29,
Waters and airspace south of “Teruzuki,” JS “Asahi,” and JS Approximately
bilateral exercise 2019
Kanto through west of Kyushu “Atago,” Underway Replenishment 6 vessels Vessel and submarine
(Nichi Gou Trident Oct. 15-23,
via surrounding Okinawa Ship JS “Mashu,” submarine Aircraft
Reference
exercise) 2019
Patrol aircraft
Japan-Australia Sep. 13-17, Destroyer JS “Kaga” and JS Destroyer HMAS “Hobart,”
South China Sea Two vessels
bilateral exercise 2020 “Ikazuchi” Replenishment Vessel HMAS “Sirius”
Japan-Australia Nov. 12, Waters and airspace west of
Destroyer JS “Shimakaze” One vessel Frigate HMAS “Arunta”
bilateral exercise 2020 Kyushu
Japan-Australia Mar. 29-31,
South China Sea Destroyer JS “Akebono” One vessel Frigate HMAS “Anzac”
bilateral exercise 2021
Numbers of
Training Designation Date Location Participating Units personnel, etc. Numbers of personnel, etc. (Australia)
(Japan)
F/A-18A/B fighters × 7
Japan-Australia Chitose Air Base, Misawa Air KC-30 aerial tanker × 1
Sep. 11- F-15 × 10
bilateral exercise Base and their surrounding Air Defense Command C-17 transport aircraft × 1
Oct. 8, 2019 F-2 × 3
(Bushido Guardian 19) airspace C-130J transport aircraft × 1
Totaling approximately 150 personnel
Notes: 1. High-level talks in this document refers to meetings between the Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Defense, Administrative Vice-Minister, Vice-
Minister of Defense for International Affairs, and each Chief of Staff with their respective counterparts.
2. Video teleconference (VTC) refers to video conference or web-based conference.
3. The numbers of personnel, etc., are based on those at the time of release.

Reference 32 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with India (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[India]
Jun. 2018 Visit to India by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Aug. 2018 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Delhi)
Nov. 2018 Visit to India by MSDF Chief of Staff
Nov. 2018 Visit to Japan by Indian Secretary of Defence Production
Dec. 2018 Visit to Japan by Chief of the Air Staff of Indian Air Force
Jan. 2019 Visit to India by Chief of Staff, JS (participated in the Raisina Dialogue)
Reference
Feb. 2019 Visit to India by Commissioner of ATLA
Sep. 2019 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Oct. 2019 Telephone Conversation between Japanese and Indian Defense Ministers
Oct. 2019 Visit to India by GSDF Chief of Staff
Nov. 2019 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMM-Plus))
Nov. 2019 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Delhi (1st Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting))
Dec. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army
Jan. 2020 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
High-level talks
Jan. 2020 Visit to India by Chief of Staff, JS (participated in the Raisina Dialogue)
Feb. 2020 Visit to India by MSDF Chief of Staff
Apr. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Indian Air Chief
May 2020 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Aug. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Indian Air Chief
Sep. 2020 Video Teleconference between ASDF Chief of Staff and Indian Air Chief
Sep. 2020 ☆Signing of the Japan-India Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (Japan-India ACSA)
Sep. 2020 Telephone Conversation between GSDF Chief of Staff and Indian Army Chief
Sep. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and Indian Navy Chief
Nov. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Indian Chief of Defence Staff
Dec. 2020 Visit to India by ASDF Chief of Staff
Dec. 2020 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Feb. 2021 Video Teleconference for Air Chiefs hosted by Indian Chief of Air Staff (Aero India) (VTC)
Mar. 2021 Telephone Conversation between GSDF Chief of Staff and Indian Army Chief
Regular discussions
Jun. 2018 5th “2+2” Vice-Ministerial dialogue (Delhi), 6th Defence Policy Dialogue (Delhi)
between defense authorities
Jul. 2018 4th India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue
Apr. 2019 Exchange between fighter pilots (ASDF)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Jun. 2019 Exchange between fighter pilots (ASDF)
Sep. 2019 Exchange between the Indian Air Force and air defense-related units, etc. (ASDF)
Oct. 2020 Exchange between Japanese and Indian helicopter units on salt damage countermeasures (VTC) (ASDF)
Regular
Japan-U.S.-
discussions
India trilateral Apr. 2018 9th Japan-U.S.-India Meeting (Delhi)
between defense
cooperation
authorities
Joint Staff
Numbers of
Numbers of personnel, etc.
Training Designation Date Location Participating Units personnel, etc.
(India)
(Japan)
Bilateral counter-piracy 31st Deployment Surface Force for
Sep. 27,
exercise with Indian Navy Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel Frigate INS “TEG”
2018
vessel JS “Ikazuchi,” Escort Division 1
Bilateral counter-piracy 31st Deployment Surface Force for
Nov. 17,
exercise with Indian Navy Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel Patrol vessel INS “SUNAYNA”
2018
vessel JS “Ikazuchi,” Escort Division 1
Bilateral counter-piracy 32nd Deployment Surface Force for
Feb. 23,
exercise with Indian Navy Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel Frigate INS “TRIKAND”
2019
vessel JS “Samidare,” Escort Division 4

Numbers of
(India)
(Japan)
Bilateral exercise with Oct. 27- Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Second Company, 32nd Infantry Totaling
Totaling approximately 30
the Indian Army in India Nov. 18, Warfare School (Mizoram, India) and Regiment, 1st Division (one major unit approximately
personnel
(Dharma Guardian 18) 2018 its surrounding area of platoon) 30 personnel
Bilateral exercises with Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Totaling
Oct. 15- Fifth Company, 34th Infantry Totaling approximately 30
the Indian Army in India Warfare School (Mizoram, India) and approximately
Nov. 5, 2019 Regiment, 1st Division personnel
(Dharma Guardian 19) its surrounding area 30 personnel

Numbers of
(India)
(Japan)
Bilateral exercise with Waters and airspace west of Goa P-8I × 1, Frigate INS “Triesle,” 1
May 5, 2018 — P-1 × 1 or 2
the Indian Navy (Indian Ocean) submarine
29th Deployment Surface Force
Destroyer INS “Ranjit,”
Bilateral exercise with May 13-14, Visakhapatnam Port (India) and its for Counter-Piracy Enforcement,
One vessel submarine
the Indian Navy 2018 surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Setogiri,” Escort
Several aircraft
Division 7
Missile Frigate INS “Sahyadri”
Corvettes INS “Kirch,” and INS
Reference
Visakhapatnam Port (India) and waters

Bilateral exercise with Oct. 7-15, Destroyers JS “Kaga,” and JS “Kadmat”
and airspace of the Bay of Bengal Two vessels
the Indian Navy 2018 “Inazuma” Fleet Support Ship INS “Shakti”
(Indian Ocean)
Submarine
P-8I
33rd Deployment Surface Force for
Bilateral exercise with Mar. 31,
Andaman Sea Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Patrol vessel INS “Kadmat”
the Indian Navy 2019
Destroyer JS “Asagiri”
Bilateral exercise with Apr. 24, Waters and airspace off the coast of 1 submarine
5th Air Patrol Squadron P-3C × 1
the Indian Navy 2019 Goa (India) P-8I × 1
32nd Deployment Surface Force for
Bilateral exercise with Apr. 28, Visakhapatnam Port (India) and its Counter-Piracy Enforcement
One vessel Destroyer INS “Rajput”
the Indian Navy 2019 surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Samidare,” Escort
Division 4
Japan-India bilateral May 23-24, Waters and airspace north of Destroyers JS “Izuo,” and JS
Two vessels Frigate INS “Sahyadri”
exercise 2019 Sumatera (Andaman Sea) “Murasame”
34th Deployment Surface Force for
Bilateral exercise with Dec. 23, Waters and airspace surrounding
Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Frigate INS “Tarkash,” submarine
the Indian Navy 2019 Mumbai Port (India)
Destroyer JS “Sazanami”
Japan-India goodwill Jun. 27. Training ship JS “Kashima,” and JS Destroyer INS “Rana,” Corvette
Indian Ocean Two vessels
exercise 2020 “Shimayuki” INS “Kulish”
Japan-India Joint Destroyer INS “Chennai,” frigate
Sep. 26-28, Destroyers JS “Kaga,” and JS
Maritime Exercise Waters and airspace west of India Two vessels INS “Tarkash,” fleet tanker INS
2020 “Ikazuchi”
(JIMEX) “Deepak,” and aircraft

Numbers of
(India)
(Japan)
C-2 × 1
Japan-India bilateral
Dec. 1-8, Totaling C-17 × 1, An-32 Transport
exercise Agra Air Force Station 3rd Tactical Airlift Wing
2018 approximately Aircraft × 1, etc.
(Shinyuu Maitri 2018)
20 personnel
C-130H × 1
Japan-India bilateral
Oct. 15-25, Arjan Singh Air Force Station, West Totaling
exercise 1st Tactical Airlift Wing C-130J, etc.
2019 Bengal, India approximately
(Shinyuu Maitri 2019)
20 personnel
Notes: 1. High-level talks in this document refers to meetings between the Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Defense, Administrative Vice-Minister,
Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs, and each Chief of Staff with their respective counterparts.

Reference 33 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with ASEAN Member States (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[Indonesia]
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Vice-Defense Minister of Indonesia (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Vice-Defense Minister of Indonesia (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Nov. 2019 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMMPlus))
Dec. 2019 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
May 2020 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Aug. 2020 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
High-level talks Sep. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces
Nov. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy
Reference
Nov. 2020 Telephone Conversation between GSDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army
Nov. 2020 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Mar. 2021 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo (Second Japan-Indonesia Foreign and Defense Ministerial
Meeting (“2+2”)))
☆ Signing of the Japan-Indonesia Agreement concerning Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology
Aug. 2019 9th Japan-Indonesia Military-Military Consultation (MM) (Jakarta)
authorities

Numbers of
Training Designation Date Location Participating Units personnel,
etc. (Indonesia)
etc. (Japan)
Goodwill exercise with Sep. 22, Jakarta Port and its Three
Destroyers JS “Kaga,” JS “Inazuma,” and JS “Suzutsuki” Patrol boat KRI “Kurau”
the Indonesian Navy 2018 surrounding waters vessels
Goodwill exercise with May 10, Jakarta Port and its 32nd Deployment Surface Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement Corvette KRI “Bung
One vessel
the Indonesian Navy 2019 surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Samidare,” Escort Division 4 Tomo”
Goodwill exercise with Oct. 6, Two Frigate KRI “John Lie,”
South China Sea Destroyers JS “Kaga” and JS “Ikazuchi”
the Indonesian Navy 2020 vessels Corbette KRI “Sutanto”
[Vietnam]
Apr. 2018 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Jun. 2018 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Jul. 2018 Visit to Japan by Vietnamese Vice-Minister of National Defence (Tokyo (Sixth Japan-Vietnam Deputy Secretary-level
talks))
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Vietnamese Vice-Minister of National Defence (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Jan. 2019 Visit to Vietnam by ASDF Chief of Staff
Mar. 2019 Visit to Japan by Vietnamese Chief of General Staff
May 2019 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting (Hanoi)
High-level talks
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Vietnamese Vice-Minister of National Defence (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Nov. 2019 Visit to Vietnam by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs (Hanoi (Seventh Japan-Vietnam Deputy Secretary-
level talks)
Dec. 2019 Visit to Vietnam by MSDF Chief of Staff
Feb. 2020 Visit to Japan by Vietnamese Vice-Minister of National Defence
Mar. 2020 Visit to Vietnam by Chief of Staff, JS
Jun. 2020 Japan-Vietnam Deputy Secretary-level talks (VTC)
Nov. 2020 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Nov. 2019 7th Vice-Defense Ministerial Consultation (Hanoi)
authorities
Sep. 2018 Visit to Vietnam by a submarine (Cam Ranh) (MSDF)
Mar. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF C-130H to Vietnam (overseas flight training and implementation of unit-to-unit exchanges)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc.
Oct. 2019 Japan-Vietnam unit-to-unit exchanges (ASDF)
Mar. 2021 Dispatch of ASDF U-4, C-2, C-130H units to Vietnam (overseas flight training)

Numbers of
(Vietnam)
(Japan)
Goodwill exercise with the Jun. 17, Destroyers JS “Izumo,” and JS
Off the coast of Cam Ranh Two vessels Corvette HQ-381
Vietnam People’s Navy 2019 “Murasame”

[Singapore]
May 2018 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Jun. 2018 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Jul. 2018 Visit to Singapore by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs (Singapore (8th ADMMPlus))
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Singaporean Defence Permanent Secretary (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Oct. 2018 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (5th ADMM-Plus))
May 2019 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
May 2019 Visit to Singapore by MSDF Chief of Staff
Jun. 2019 Visit to Singapore by Chief of Staff, JS (Singapore (18th Shangri-La Dialogue))
High-level talks Oct. 2019 Visit to Singapore by ASDF Chief of Staff
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Singaporean Defence Permanent Secretary (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Reference
Nov. 2019 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMMPlus))

Feb. 2020 Visit to Singapore by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
May 2020 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Aug. 2020 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and Chief of Defence Force of Singapore
Sep. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and Singaporean Chief of Navy
Nov. 2020 Video Teleconference between GSDF Chief of Staff and Singaporean Chief of Army
Dec. 2020 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Nov. 2020 16th Japan-Singapore Military-Military Consultation (MM) (Singapore)
authorities
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Jul. 2019 Japan-Singapore unit-to-unit exchanges (Paya Lebar) (ASDF)

Numbers of
(Singapore)
(Japan)
Japan-Singapore
Aug. 22, 2018 Waters south of Kanto Destroyer JS “Murasame” One vessel Frigate RSS “Tenacious”
goodwill exercise
Japan-Singapore Waters and airspace around Changi Destroyers JS “Kaga” and JS
Oct. 23, 2018 Two vessels Corvette RSS “Valiant”
goodwill exercise Port (Singapore) “Inazuma”
Japan-Singapore Landing ships tank RSS
Feb. 8, 2019 Waters west of Kyushu Destroyer JS “Suzutsuki” One vessel
goodwill exercise “Endeavour”
Japan-Singapore Training ship JS “Kashima” and JS
Jun. 22, 2020 South China Sea Two vessels Frigate RSS “Stalwart”
goodwill exercise “Shimayuki”
[The Philippines]
Apr. 2018 Visit to Japan by Commanding General of the Philippine Navy
Apr. 2018 Visit to the Philippines by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
Jun. 2018 Visit to the Philippines by ASDF Chief of Staff
Jun. 2018 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Sep. 2018 Visit to the Philippines by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Philippine Undersecretary of National Defense (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel of the Philippine Department of National Defense
Nov. 2018 Visit to the Philippines by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Nov. 2018 Visit to Japan by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel of the Philippine Department of National Defense
Mar. 2019 Visit to Japan by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel of the Philippine Department of National Defense and
Commanding General of Philippine Air Force (Turnover ceremony for the parts, etc., of UH-1Hs)
Mar. 2019 Visit to the Philippines by GSDF Chief of Staff
Mar. 2019 Visit to Japan by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel of the Philippine Department of National Defense and
Commanding General of Philippine Air Force
High-level talks
Apr. 2019 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Jun. 2019 Visit to the Philippines by ASDF Chief of Staff
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Philippine Undersecretary of National Defense (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Nov. 2019 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMMPlus))
Nov. 2019 Visit to the Philippines by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs (Manila (Sixth Japan-Philippines Deputy
Secretary-level talks)
Dec. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Apr. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Air Force of the Philippines
May 2020 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Jul. 2020 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, MSDF and Chief of the Navy of the Philippines
Aug. 2020 Telephone talks between GSDF Chief of Staff and Chief of the Army of the Philippines
Oct. 2020 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Nov. 2020 Video Teleconference between ASDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Air Force of the Philippines
Jan. 2021 Seventh Japan-Philippines Deputy Secretary-level talks (VTC)
Regular discussions between defense Jun. 2019 8th Japan-Philippines Pollitico-Military Consultation (PM) (Tokyo)
authorities Jun. 2019 8th Japan-Philippines Military-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
Jul. 2018 Japan-Philippines unit-to-unit exchanges (Manila) (ASDF)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Mar. 2019 Japan-Philippines unit-to-unit exchanges (Iruma) (ASDF)
Jul. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF C-1 to the Philippines (overseas flight training and implementation of unit-to-unit exchanges)

Numbers of
(the Philippines)
(Japan)
Waters and airspace around Palawan
Goodwill exercise with 1 patrol vessel
May 8, 2018 Island (South China Sea and Sulu — P-1 × 1 or 2
the Philippine Navy C-90 × 1
Sea)
Bilateral exercise with Waters and airspace around Palawan Destroyers JS “Kaga,” JS “Inazuma,”
Sep. 7, 2018 Three vessels C-90 × 1
the Philippine Navy Island (Sulu Sea) and JS “Suzutsuki”
Jan. 27, 2019 31st Deployment Surface Force for Phase 1: C-90, patrol craft BRP
Bilateral exercise with (phase 1) Manila (the Philippines) and its Counter-Piracy Enforcement “Nestor Reinoso”
One vessel
the Philippine Navy Jan. 31, 2019 surrounding waters and airspace Destroyer JS “Ikazuchi,” Escort Phase 2: Corvette BRP “Emilio
Reference
(phase 2) Division 1 Jacinto”
Submarine chaser BRP
Bilateral exercise with May 15, Waters and airspace east of Palawan Counter-Piracy Enforcement
One vessel “Federico Martir”
the Philippine Navy 2019 Island Destroyer JS “Samidare,” Escort
Islander 312 (fixed-wing)
Division 4
Bilateral exercise with Jun. 28, Waters and airspace around Palawan Destroyers JS “Izumo,” JS Landing dock ship BRP “Davao
Three vessels
the Philippine Navy 2019 Island (Sulu Sea) “Murasame,” and JS “Akebono” del Sur”
Bilateral exercise with Sep. 26, Port of Subic (the Philippines) and its
Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Corvette BRP “Emilio Jacinto”
the Philippine Navy 2019 surrounding waters and airspace
Japan-Philippines
Jul. 18, 2020 South China Sea Destroyers JS “Teruzuki,” One vessel C-90
Bilateral Exercise
[Thailand]
May 2018 Visit to Japan by Thai Chief of Defense Forces
May 2018 Visit to Japan by Royal Thai Air Force Commander
Sep. 2018 Visit to Thailand by ASDF Chief of Staff
Apr. 2019 Visit to Thailand by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Aug. 2019 Visit to Thailand by Chief of Staff, JS
Sep. 2019 Visit to Thailand by GSDF Chief of Staff
High-level talks
Nov. 2019 Japan-Thailand Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMM-Plus))
☆Signing of the Memorandum of Arrangement between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence
of the Kingdom of Thailand on Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defense
Mar. 2020 Visit to Thailand by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Mar. 2020 Visit to Thailand by Chief of Staff, JS
Sep. 2020 Video teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army
Sep. 2018 14th Japan-Thailand Military-Military Consultation (MM) (Tokyo)
authorities
Oct. 2018 Japan-Thailand unit-to-unit exchanges (Chiang Mai) (GSDF)
Oct. 2018 Japan-Thailand unit-to-unit exchanges (Chiang Mai) (ASDF)

Numbers of
(Thailand)
(Japan)
Goodwill exercise with Jan. 6, Phuket Port (Thailand) and its Patrol craft HTMS “Songkhla”
Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel
the Royal Thai Navy 2020 surrounding waters and airspace S-76 Helicopter
[Cambodia]
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense (Vice-Ministerial level) (Nagoya (10th
Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Jul. 2019 Visit to Cambodia by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
High-level talks Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Cambodian Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense (Vice Minister) (Tokyo (11th Japan-
ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Feb. 2020 Visit to Cambodia by GSDF Chief of Staff
Sep. 2020 Telephone Talks between GSDF Chief of Staff and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Army
Regular discussions between defense Dec. 2019 5th Japan-Cambodia Politico-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
authorities 6th Japan-Cambodia Military-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
[Myanmar]
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Myanmarese Deputy Minister of Defense (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services of Myanmar
High-level talks
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Myanmarese Deputy Minister of Defense (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial
Forum))
Nov. 2019 Japan-Myanmar Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMM-Plus))
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Nov. 2019 Japan-Myanmar unit-to-unit exchanges (Mingaladon) (ASDF)

[Laos]
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defense of Laos (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-
Ministerial Forum))
Dec. 2018 Visit to Laos by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
High-level talks Oct. 2019 Japan-Laos State Minister of Defense Meeting (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
☆Signing of the Memorandum between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of National Defence of the
Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defence
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defense of Laos (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-
Ministerial Forum))
Mar. 2020 3rd Japan-Laos Security Dialogue (Vientiane)
authorities
Reference
[Malaysia]
Apr. 2018 ☆Signing of the Agreement on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technologies
Sep. 2018 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence of Malaysia (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN
Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Jun. 2019 Visit to Japan by Royal Malaysian Navy Chief
Oct. 2019 Visit to Malaysia by ASDF Chief of Staff
High-level talks
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence of Malaysia (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN
Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Dec. 2019 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Meeting (19th Doha Forum)
Feb. 2020 Visit to Malaysia by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Jul. 2020 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Sep. 2020 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and Malaysian Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Jul. 2018 Japan-Malaysia unit-to-unit exchanges (Kuala Lumpur) (ASDF)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Jan. 2019 Japan-Malaysia unit-to-unit exchanges (Butterworth) (ASDF)
Mar. 2019 Japan-Malaysia Unit-to-Unit Exchange (Australia) (ASDF)

Numbers of
(Malaysia)
(Japan)
Patrol vessel KD “Terengganu”
Goodwill exercise with Sep. 21, Kuantan Port (Malaysia) and its Counter-Piracy Enforcement
One vessel Guided missile boat KD
the Malaysian Navy 2018 surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Akebono,” Escort
“Ganiyan”
Division 5
Goodwill exercise with Apr. 18,
Iyonada Training Support Ship JS “Kurobe” One vessel Frigate KD “LEKIU”
the Malaysian Navy 2019
Goodwill exercise with May 29, Waters and airspace off the coast of Destroyers JS “Izumo,” and JS
Two vessels Frigate KD “LEKIU”
the Malaysian Navy 2019 Port Klang (Malaysia) “Murasame”
33rd Deployment Surface Force for Guided missile boats KD
Goodwill exercise with Sep. 20, Kuantan Port (Malaysia) and its
Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel “Handaran,” KD “Ganyang,” and
the Malaysian Navy 2019 surrounding waters
Destroyer JS “Asagiri” KD “Perdana”
[Brunei]
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Brunei (Nagoya (10th Japan-ASEAN Defense
Vice-Ministerial Forum))
Jan.-Feb. 2019 Visit to Brunei by MSDF Chief of Staff
High-level talks Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Brunei (Tokyo (11th Japan-ASEAN Defense
Vice-Ministerial Meeting))
Mar. 2020 Visit to Brunei by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Jul. 2020 Japan-Brunei Deputy Secretary-level Consultation (telephone)
Unit-to-unit exchange, Apr. 2019 Japan-Brunei unit-to-unit exchanges (MSDF)
etc. Jan. 2020 Japan-Brunei unit-to-unit exchanges (MSDF)

Numbers of
(Brunei)
(Japan)
Bilateral exercise with
Waters and airspace off the 1 aircraft (helicopter) (Air Force)
the Royal Brunei Armed Apr. 26, 2019 Air Patrol Squadron 5 P-3C × 1
coast of Brunei One vessel (Navy)
Forces
Goodwill exercise with Waters and airspace off the Destroyers JS “Izumo,” JS
Jun. 26, 2019 Three vessels Patrol vessel KDB “Daruttaqwa”
the Royal Brunei Navy coast of Muara “Murasame,” and JS “Akebono”

Reference 34 Recent Japan-ROK Defense Cooperation and Exchanges (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
Apr. 2018 Visit to Japan by Chief of ROK Army
Jun. 2018 Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Sep. 2018 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and ROK Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff
High-level talks
Oct. 2018 Visit to ROK by MSDF Chief of Staff (participation in Western Paciﬁc Naval Symposium)
Oct. 2018 Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (5th ADMM-Plus))
Nov. 2019 Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMM-Plus))
Unit-to-unit exchange, Sep. 2018 Visit to the ROK by Western Army Commanding General (GSDF)
Reference
etc. Nov. 2018 Port visit to Japan by the training squadron of the Korean navy (Sasebo) (MSDF)
May 2018 Japan-U.S.-ROK Chief of Staff Meeting (Hawaii)
Jun. 2018 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Oct. 2018 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (5th ADMM-Plus))
Oct. 2018 Japan-U.S.-ROK Chief of Staff Meeting (Washington D.C.)
Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral May 2019 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense working level meeting (Seoul)
cooperation
Jun. 2019 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (18th Shangri-La Dialogue))
(See reference 46 for training
and exercise) Oct. 2019 Japan-U.S.-ROK Chief of Staff Meeting (Washington D.C.)
Nov. 2019 Japan-U.S.-ROK Chief of Staff Meeting (VTC)
Nov. 2019 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMM-Plus))
May 2020 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense working level meeting (VTC)
Nov. 2020 Japan-U.S.-ROK Chief of Staff Meeting (VTC)
Reference 35 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with European Countries, Canada and New Zealand (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[United Kingdom]
Jun. 2018 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Jul. 2018 Visit to the U.K. by ASDF Chief of Staff
Sep. 2018 Visit to the U.K. by State Minister of Defense
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by U.K. Secretary of State for Defence
Feb. 2019 Visit to Japan by U.K. Chief of the General Staff, British Army
Jul. 2018 Visit to the U.K. by ASDF Chief of Staff
Sep. 2018 Visit to Japan by U.K. Parliamentary Under Secretary
Nov. 2019 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
High-level talks Jan. 2020 Visit to the U.K. by ASDF Chief of Staff
Apr. 2020 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
May 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and U.K. Air Chief
Jul. 2020 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and U.K. Chief of the Defence Staff
Sep. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the U.K.
Jan. 2021 Japan-UK Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Feb. 2021 Fourth Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting (“2+2”) (VTC)
Mar. 2021 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the U.K.
Mar. 2021 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Feb. 2019 17th Japan-U.K. Politico-Military Consultation,
Regular discussions between defense 13th Japan-U.K. Military-Military Consultation (London)
authorities Sep. 2020 18th Japan-U.K. Politico-Military Consultation (VTC)
Oct. 2020 14th Japan-U.K. Military-Military Consultation (VTC)
Jul. 2018 Dispatch of ASDF C-2 to the United Kingdom (participation in RIAT and unit-to-unit exchange)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Nov. 2018 Japan-U.K. Unit-to-Unit Exchange (Chitose) (ASDF)
Dec. 2019 Japan-U.K. Unit-to-Unit Exchange (Coningsby) (ASDF)
Joint Staff
Numbers of Numbers of
Training Designation Date Location Participating Units personnel, etc. personnel, etc.
(Japan) (U.K.)
Japan-U.K. Joint Training Aug. 29, Western waters of the northern
Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel Frigate HMS “Argyll”
Against Piracy 2020 Arabian Sea
JS “Onami”

Numbers of
(U.K.)
(Japan)
[JSDF]
Major units of Reconnaissance School
Field exercise with the Unit, Fuji School Brigade Totaling
Sep. 30-Oct. Fuji School, Kita Fuji Maneuver Totaling approximately 50
U.K. Army in Japan [British Armed Forces] approximately 60
12, 2018 Area, Ojojihara Maneuver Area personnel
(Vigilant Isles) Major units of Honourable Artillery personnel
Company, 1st Intelligence, Surveillance
and Reconnaissance Brigade
[JSDF]
Reference
Field exercise with the Fuji School, etc.

Garelochhead Training Camp, Totaling
U.K. Army in the United Sep. 29-Oct. [British Armed Forces] Totaling approximately 30
Strone Camp and area around approximately 20
Kingdom 24, 2019 Honourable Artillery Company, personnel
the Loch Ewe (the U.K.) personnel
(Vigilant Isles 19) 1st Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance Brigade

Numbers of
(U.K.)
(Japan)
Destroyer JS “Suzunami,” Underway
Japan-U.K. bilateral Apr. 27-28, Replenishment Ship JS “Tokiwa,” 3 vessels
Waters south of Kanto Frigate HMS “Sutherland”
exercise 2018 Submarine P-1 × 1
Patrol aircraft
Japan-U.K. bilateral Aug. 25, Amphibious assault ship HMS
Waters south of Honshu Landing Ship JS “Shimokita” One vessel
exercise 2018 “Albion”
Japan-U.K. bilateral Sep. 26, Waters and Airspace west of Destroyers JS “Kaga,” and JS
Two vessels Frigate HMS “Argyll”
exercise 2018 Sumatra (Indian Ocean) “Inazuma”
Japan-U.K. bilateral Oct. 18,
Waters and airspace south of Kanto Destroyer JS “Teruzuki” One vessel Survey vessel HMS “Enterprise”
exercise 2019
[France]
May 2018 Visit to France by MSDF Chief of Staff
Jun. 2018 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Jul. 2018 ☆Japan-France Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed; entered into force in June 2019
Jan. 2019 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Brest (Fifth Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting
(“2+2”)))
Apr. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of Staff of the French Army
Nov. 2019 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Manama (15th (Manama Dialogue))
Jan. 2020 Visit to France by ASDF Chief of Staff
High-level talks
Feb. 2020 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich (56th Munich Security Conference))
Apr. 2020 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Jun. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force
Jul. 2020 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and French Chief of the Defence Staff
Oct. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff of the French Navy
Nov. 2020 Visit to Japan by Chief of Staff of the French Navy
Dec. 2020 Video Teleconference between GSDF Chief of Staff and Chief of the French Army Staff
Jan. 2021 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Regular discussions between defense Dec. 2018 21st Japan-France Politico-Military Consultation (Paris)
authorities Jul. 2020 22nd Japan-France Politico-Military Consultation (VTC)
Jun. 2019 Dispatch of MSDF P-1 to France (participation in International Paris Air Show)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Jun. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF C-2 to France (overseas flight training and implementation of unit-to-unit exchanges, and
participation in Paris Air Show)
Joint Staff
Numbers of
(France)
(Japan)
Bilateral counter-piracy 35th Deployment Surface Force for
Jan. 27,
exercise with the French Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel Aircraft “PUMA”
2020
Air Force JS “Harusame”
Feb. 21,
exercise with the French Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel Frigate FS “FORBIN”
2020
Navy JS “Harusame”
Mar. 18, Amphibious Assault Ship FS
exercise with the French Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel
2020 “Mistral”
Navy JS “Harusame”

Numbers of
(France)
(Japan)
Bilateral exercise with Apr. 14,
Waters and airspace west of Kyushu Destroyer JS “Kirisame” One vessel Frigate FS “Vendémiaire”
the French Navy 2019

[Germany]
Apr. 2018 Visit to Germany by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense (Berlin International Aerospace Show)
May 2018 Visit to Germany by MSDF Chief of Staff
Jun. 2018 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (17th Shangri-La Dialogue))
Feb. 2019 Visit to Germany by State Minister of Defense (55th Munich Security Conference)
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by German Parliamentary State Secretary
Nov. 2019 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Feb. 2020 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich (56th Munich Security Conference))
High-level talks Apr. 2020 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Oct. 2020 Telephone Conversation between GSDF Chief of Staff and German Inspector of the Army
Nov. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and German Inspector of the Navy
Reference
Nov. 2020 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Dec. 2020 Japan-Germany Ministerial Forum (VTC)
Feb. 2021 Video Teleconference between Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs and German Parliamentary State
Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defence
Mar. 2021 ☆ Signing of Japanese-German Agreement on the Security of Information
Dec. 2018 16th Japan-Germany Political Director Level Politico-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
Nov. 2019 17th Japan-Germany Political Director Level Politico-Military Consultation, 14th Japan-Germany Defense Authorities
authorities
Talks (Berlin)
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Apr. 2018 Dispatch of MSDF P-1 patrol aircraft to Germany (participation in Berlin International Aerospace Show)
[Canada]
Apr. 2018 ☆ Japan-Canada Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed
Dec. 2018 Visit to Japan by Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence of Canada (Tokyo (4th Japan-Canada Foreign and
Defense Vice-Ministerial Meeting (“2+2”)))
Jun. 2019 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Oct. 2019 Visit to Canada by GSDF Chief of Staff
Feb. 2020 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich (56th Munich Security Conference))
High-level talks
Feb. 2020 Visit to Japan by Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force
May 2020 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Jun. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces
Nov. 2020 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Nov. 2020 Video Teleconference between MSDF Chief of Staff and Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
Jan. 2021 Video Teleconference between ASDF Chief of Staff and Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force
Dec. 2019 11th Japan-Canada Politico-Military Consultation, 12th Japan-Canada Military-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
authorities
May 2018 Visit to CFB Bagotville by ASDF B-747 and unit-to-unit exchange
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Jul. 2018 Visit to CFB Greenwood by ASDF C-2 and unit-to-unit exchange
Jul. 2019 Visit to Komaki Air Base by Canadian CC-177 and exchanges between inflight refueling and airlift troops

Numbers of
(Canada)
(Japan)
Nov. 24-29, Sasebo Port and waters and airspace Frigate HMCS “Calgary”
the Royal Canadian Navy Destroyer JS “Kirisame” One vessel
2018 west of Kyushu Supply Ship HMCS “Asterix”
(KAEDEX2018)
Japan-Canada bilateral
Jun. 13-15, Waters and airspace off the coast of Destroyers JS “Izumo,” JS Frigate HMCS “Regina”
exercise Three vessels
2019 Vietnam (South China Sea) “Murasame,” and JS “Akebono” Supply Ship HMCS “Asterix”
(KAEDEX19-1)
Japan-Canada bilateral Aug. 13, Frigate HMCS “Regina,” HMCS
Waters and airspace around Hawaii Destroyers JS “Ashigara” One vessel
exercise 2019 “Winnipeg”
Japan-Canada bilateral
Oct. 16-17, Destroyers JS “Shimakaze,” and JS
exercise Waters and airspace south of Kanto Two vessels Frigate HMCS “Ottawa”
2019 “Chokai”
(KAEDEX19-2)
Japan-Canada bilateral Nov. 17,
Waters and airspace west of Kyusyu Destroyers JS “Shimakaze” One vessel Frigate HMCS “Winnipeg”
exercise (KAEDEX20) 2020
[New Zealand]
May 2018 Visit to Japan by New Zealand Air Force Commander
Feb. 2019 Visit to New Zealand by Chief of Staff, JS
Mar. 2019 Meeting between ASDF Chief of Staff and New Zealand Air Force Commander (Tokyo)
Jun. 2019 Visit to New Zealand by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
Sep. 2019 Visit to Japan by New Zealand Army Commander
Nov. 2019 Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok (6th ADMM-Plus))
High-level talks
Nov. 2019 Visit to Japan by New Zealand Air Force Commander
May 2020 Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Sep. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs and Secretary of Defence, New
Zealand Ministry of Defence
Dec. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs and Secretary of Defence, New
Zealand Ministry of Defence
Dec. 2018 11th Japan-New Zealand Bilateral Defence Talks (Tokyo)
Sep. 2019 12th Japan-New Zealand Bilateral Defence Talks (Wellington)
authorities
Dec. 2020 13th Japan-New Zealand Bilateral Defence Talks (VTC)

[NATO]
Sep. 2018 Visit to NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples by Minister of Defense
Jun. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
High-level exchanges between heads Feb. 2020 Meeting between Minister of Defense and NATO Secretary General (Munich (the 56th Munich Security Conference))
of defense and others Apr. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
Jul. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Minister of Defense and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
Nov. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee
Oct. 2020 16th Japan-NATO High-Level Consultation (VTC)
authorities
Reference
Joint Staff
Numbers of
(Japan)
Japan (Internal Bureau, Joint Staff,
Command Control Communication
NATO cyber defense exercise Approximately 20
Dec. 2019 Estonia, Japan Computers Systems Command), NATO
(Cyber Coalition 2019) personnel
member countries, partner countries,
and EU
[Italy]
May 2018 Visit to Japan by Chief of Staff of the Italian Army
Jul. 2018 Visit to Japan by Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy
Sep. 2018 Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Meeting (Rome)
Jan. 2019 Visit to Italy by Commissioner of ATLA
Feb. 2019 Visit to Italy by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
High-level talks
Oct. 2019 Visit to Italy by MSDF Chief of Staff
Jan. 2020 Visit to Italy by ASDF Chief of Staff
May 2020 Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Aug. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force
Oct. 2020 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force
Regular discussions between defense Jan. 2019 5th Japan-Italy Military-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
authorities Feb. 2020 6th Japan-Italy Military-Military Consultation (Rome)
[Spain]
High-level talks Jul. 2018 1st Japan-Spain vice-ministerial consultation (Barcelona)
Jun. 2019 3rd Japan-Spain Military-Military Consultation (Madrid)
authorities

Numbers of
(Spain)
(Japan)
Japan-Spain Goodwill Training vessel “Juan Sebastián
Feb. 26, 2021 Around Guam Destroyers JS “Yugiri” One vessel
training de Elcano”
[The Netherlands]
High-level talks Sep. 2018 Japan-Netherlands Defense Ministerial Meeting (Amsterdam)
[Estonia]
May 2018 Japan-Estonia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tallinn)
High-level talks
Sep. 2018 Japan-Estonia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
[Ukraine]
Oct. 2018 Visit to Japan by Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine
☆ Signing of Japan-Ukraine Memorandum of Defense Cooperation and Exchange
High-level talks
Feb. 2020 Japan-Ukraine Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich (56th Munich Security Conference))
Mar. 2021 Japan-Ukraine Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Regular discussions between defense Oct. 2018 1st Japan-Ukraine Politico-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
authorities Sep. 2019 1st Japan-Ukraine Military-Military Consultation (Kiev)

[Finland]
May 2018 Japan-Finland Defense Ministerial Meeting (Helsinki)
Oct. 2018 Visit to Finland by Chief of Staff, JS
High-level talks Feb. 2019 Japan-Finland Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
☆Signing of Japan-Finland Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation and Exchange
Aug. 2020 Japan-Finland Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Sep. 2019 3rd Japan-Finland Military-Military Consultation (Helsinki)
authorities
[Denmark]
Reference
High-level talks Oct. 2019 Japan-Denmark Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
[Greece]
High-level talks Jul. 2018 Visit to Greece by Commissioner of ATLA
[Sweden]
Meeting between Deputy Defense Minister and Swedish Minister of Defence (Munich (56th Munich Security
High-level talks Feb. 2019
Conference))
Feb. 2019 5th Japan-Sweden Military-Military Consultation (Stockholm)
authorities
[Norway]
Apr. 2018 Visit to Japan by State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Norway
High-level talks
Apr. 2018 Visit to Japan by Chief of the Navy of Norway
[EU]
Feb. 2020 Meeting between Minister of Defense and EU High Representative (Munich (56th Munich Security Conference)
High-level talks
Jun. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Chairman of EU Military Committee
Jan. 2020 2nd Japan-EU Security and Defense Talk (Tokyo)
authorities
Joint Staff
Numbers of
Training Designation Date Location Participating Units personnel, etc. Numbers of personnel, etc. (EU)
(Japan)
Joint exercise with the 30th Deployment Surface Force for
Jul. 11, Frigate ITS “CARLO
EU Naval Force (EU Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel
2018 MARGOTTINI”
NAVFOR) (Italy) “Akebono,” Escort Division 5
Joint exercise with the Aug. 29, Landing platform dock SPS
Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel
EU NAVFOR (Spain) 2018 “CASTILLA”
“Akebono,” Escort Division 5
Joint counter-piracy 32nd Deployment Surface Force for
Feb. 2, Patrol vessel ESPS
exercise with the EU Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel
2019 “RELAMPAGO”
NAVFOR (Spain) “Samidare,” Escort Division 4
Joint counter-piracy 32nd Deployment Surface Force for
Mar. 24,
exercise with the EU Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel Frigate SPS “NAVARRA”
2019
NAVFOR (Spain) “Samidare,” Escort Division 4
Joint counter-piracy 35th Deployment Surface Force for
Jan. 18,
exercise with the EU Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel Frigate SPS “VICTORIA”
2020
NAVFOR (Spain) “Harusame”
Feb. 7-8
exercise with the EU Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel Frigate SPS “VICTORIA”
2020
NAVFOR (Spain) “Harusame”
Jun. 12,
exercise with the EU Waters west of the Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel Frigate SPS “NUMANCIA”
2020
NAVFOR (Spain) “Onami”
Jun. 21,
exercise with the EU Waters west of the Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel Frigate SPS “SANTA MARI”
2020
NAVFOR (Spain) “Onami”
Feb. 19, Western waters of the northern Landing platform dock SPS
exercise with the EU Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel
2021 Arabian Sea “CASTILLA”
NAVFOR (Spain) “Ariake”

Reference 36 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with China (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
Oct. 2018 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (5th ADMM-Plus))
Jun. 2019 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore (18th Shangri-La Dialogue))
High-level talks
Dec. 2019 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Beijing)
Dec. 2020 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Apr. 2018 7th Joint Working Group meeting on the Maritime and Air Communication Mechanism between Japan and China’s
defense authorities (Beijing)
May 2018 ☆Signing of the “Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism between the defense authorities of Japan and
China” (Memorandum)
Regular discussions between defense Oct. 2018
Reference
3rd Japan-China defense director-general-level consultations (Beijing)

authorities
Dec. 2018 1st Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism Annual and Experts Meeting (Beijing)
Feb. 2019 16th Japan-China Security Dialogue (Beijing (Foreign Affairs and Defense Vice-Ministerial Meeting))
Jan. 2020 2nd Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism Annual and Experts Meeting (Tokyo)
Mar. 2021 3rd Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism Annual and Experts Meeting (VTC)
Nov. 2018 Visit to Japan by delegate of the Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army
Visit to China by MSDF Chief of Staff and MSDF vessels (Qingdao (attend the International Fleet Review to
Apr. 2019
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army Navy))
Oct. 2019 Visit to Japan by a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel
Nov. 2019 Visit to the Eastern Theater Command, etc., by delegate of the SDF (head: Western Army Commanding General)

Numbers of
(China)
(Japan)
Japan-China
Oct. 16, 2019 Waters and airspace south of Kanto Destroyer JS “Samidare” One vessel Destroyer CNS “Taiyuan”
goodwill exercise
Reference 37 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with Russia (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
Jul. 2018 Japan-Russia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Moscow (3rd Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue))
Oct. 2018 Visit to Russia by Chief of Staff, JS
High-level talks May 2019 Japan-Russia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo (4th Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue))
May 2019 Visit to Russia by GSDF Chief of Staff
Nov. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of Staff, Russian Navy
Joint Staff
Numbers of
(Russia)
(Japan)
31st Deployment Surface Force for
Bilateral counter-piracy Counter-Piracy Enforcement
Nov. 10, 2018 Gulf of Aden One vessel Frigate RFS “SEVEROMORSK”
exercise with the Russian Navy Destroyer JS “Ikazuchi,” Escort
Division 1
Frigate RFS “YAROSLAV MUDRY”
35th Deployment Surface Force for Replenishment ship RFS
Bilateral counter-piracy Jan. 20-21,
Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer JS One vessel “YELNYA”
exercise with the Russian Navy 2020
“Harusame” Tug boat RFS “VICTOR
KONETSKY”

Numbers of
(Russia)
(Japan)
Destroyers RFS “Admiral
Japan-Russia bilateral Destroyer JS “Asagiri” Tributs,” and RFS “Admiral
Jul. 5-10, Maizuru Port and waters north of
search and rescue Auxiliary Multipurpose Ship JS Two vessels Vinogradov”
2018 Wakasa Bay
exercise “Hiuchi” Replenishment Ship RFS
“Pechenga”
Japan-Russia bilateral Destroyer RFS “Admiral
Jun. 10-15, Port of Vladivostok and waters and
search and rescue Destroyer JS “Suzunami” One vessel Panteleyev”
2019 airspace around Vladivostok
exercise Several vessels
Notes: 1 High-level talks in this document refers to meetings between the Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Defense, Administrative Vice-Minister,
2. The numbers of personnel, etc. are based on those at the time of release.

Reference 38 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with Pacific Island Countries (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[Papua New Guinea]
Mar. 2019 Visit to Papua New Guinea by GSDF Chief of Staff
High-level talks Feb. 2020 Visit to Papua New Guinea by State Minister of Defense
Jun. 2020 Japan-Papua New Guinea Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
[Tonga]
Feb. 2020 Visit to Tonga by State Minister of Defense
High-level talks
Reference
Aug. 2020 Japan-Tonga Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
[Fiji]
Mar. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of the Fijian Navy
Sep. 2019 Visit to Japan by Chief of the Fijian Navy
High-level talks
Jan. 2020 Visit to Fiji by State Minister of Defense
Aug. 2020 Japan-Fiji Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Mar. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF C-2 to Fiji (overseas flight training and implementation of unit-to-unit exchanges)
Aug. 2019 Port call by the MSDF Training Squadron (implementation of unit-to-unit exchanges)
[Palau]
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Oct. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF U-4 to Palau (overseas flight training)
[Federated States of Micronesia]

Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Oct. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF U-4 to the Federated States of Micronesia (overseas flight training)
Note: High-level talks in this document refers to meetings between the Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Defense, Administrative Vice-Minister, Vice-Minister
of Defense for International Affairs, and each Chief of Staff with their respective counterparts.
Reference 39 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with Middle Eastern Countries (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[UAE]
May 2018 Visit to Japan by UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs (signing ceremony for memorandum of understanding on
defense cooperation and exchange, Vice-Ministerial Meeting)
Jul. 2018 Visit to UAE by Commissioner of ATLA
Jun. 2019 Visit to UAE by Chief of Joint Staff
Oct. 2019 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Nov. 2019 Visit to UAE by ASDF Chief of Staff (Dubai Air and Space Show)
High-level talks
Mar. 2020 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Jun. 2020 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Jul. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Chief of Staff, UAE Armed Forces
Mar. 2021 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and Chief of Staff, UAE Armed Forces
Mar. 2021 Japan-United Arab Emirates Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Mar. 2021 Telephone Conversation between ASDF Chief of Staff and UAE Chief of the Naval Staff
Dec. 2018 2nd Japan-UAE Military-Military Consultation (Tokyo)
authorities
Jun. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF C-2 transport aircraft to France (unit-to-unit exchange)
Nov. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF C-2 transport aircraft to UAE (participation in Dubai International Air and Space Show)
[Israel]
Jun. 2019 Visit to Israel by Chief of Joint Staff
High-level talks
Jun. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Commander-in-Chief of the Israel Defense Forces
Regular discussions between defense Oct. 2018 1st Japan-Israel Security Dialogue (Tel Aviv)
authorities Jan. 2021 2nd Japan-Israel Security Dialogue (VTC)
[Iran]
Oct. 2019 Japan-Iran Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
High-level talks Jan. 2020 Japan-Iran Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Feb. 2021 Japan-Iran Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
[Egypt]
Mar. 2019 Visit to Egypt by Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
High-level talks Jun. 2019 Visit to Egypt by Chief of Joint Staff
Jun. 2020 Telephone Conversation between Chief of Staff, JS and Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces

[Oman]
Mar. 2019 Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
☆Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Military Cooperation between the Japanese Ministry of Defense
High-level talks and the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Defense
Oct. 2019 Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Dec. 2019 Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Meeting (Muscat)
Joint Staff
Numbers of
(Oman)
(Japan)
Reference
Bilateral counter-piracy 33rd Deployment Surface Force for

Patrol ship SNV “AL
exercise with the Royal May 2, 2019 Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement Destroyer One vessel
MABRUKAH”
Navy of Oman JS “Asagiri”

Numbers of
(Oman)
(Japan)
Goodwill exercise with Waters around Duqm Port Counter-Piracy Enforcement
May 2, 2018 One vessel Frigate SNV “AL MUA’ZZAR”
the Royal Navy of Oman (Oman) Destroyer JS “Setogiri,” Escort
Division 7
Goodwill exercise with Muscat Port (Oman) and its
Sep. 1, 2019 Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Patrol Vessel SNV “Al Seeb”
the Royal Navy of Oman surrounding waters
Goodwill exercise with Waters and airspace around
Dec. 21, 2019 Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Corvet SNV “Al Shamikh”
the Royal Navy of Oman Duqm Port (Oman)
[Qatar]
May 2019 Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
High-level talks Oct. 2019 Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Dec. 2019 Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Meeting (Doha (19th Doha Forum))
[Saudi Arabia]
Oct. 2019 Japan-Saudi Arabia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Dec. 2019 Japan-Saudi Arabia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
High-level talks
Sep. 2020 Japan-Saudi Arabia Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Feb. 2021 Telephone Conversation between Minister of Defense and Deputy Minister of Defence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
[Turkey]
High-level talks Jun. 2019 Visit to Japan by Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey
[Bahrain]
Jun. 2018 Visit to Bahrain by MSDF Chief of Staff
Oct. 2019 Telephone conversation between Minister of Defense and Commander in Chief of Bahrain Defense Force
High-level talks Nov. 2019 Meeting between Minister of Defense and Commander in Chief of Bahrain
Defense Force (Manama (15th Manama Dialogue))
Aug. 2020 Video Teleconference between Chief of Staff, JS and Chief of Staff, Bahrain Defence Force
Oct. 2020 4th Japan-Bahrain Security Dialogue (VTC)
authorities
[Jordan]
Visit to Jordan by Minister of Defense (meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lieutenant General Yousef
High-level talks Dec. 2019
Huneiti)
Regular discussions between defense Jul. 2019 1st Japan-Jordan Politico-Military Consultation (Anman)
authorities Oct. 2020 2nd Japan-Jordan Politico-Military Consultation (VTC)
Notes: 1.1 H
igh-level talks in this document refers to meetings between the Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Defense, Administrative Vice-Minister,
2.1 Video teleconference (VTC) refers to video conference or web-based conference.
3.1 The numbers of personnel, etc., are based on those at the time of release.

Reference 40 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with Asian Countries (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[Sri Lanka]
Aug. 2018 Japan-Sri Lanka Defense Ministerial Meeting (Colombo)
High-level talks
Jul. 2019 Visit to Sri Lanka by State Minister of Defense
Unit-to-unit exchange, etc. Mar. 2019 Dispatch of ASDF U-4 to Sri Lanka (overseas flight training and implementation of unit-to-unit exchanges)

Numbers of
Reference
(Sri Lanka)
(Japan)
Goodwill exercise with
Aug. 5, 2018 Waters east of Sri Lanka Air Patrol Squadron 2 P-3C × 1 One aircraft
Sri Lanka Air Force
Goodwill exercise with Trincomalee Port (Sri Lanka) and Counter-Piracy Enforcement Fast Missile Vessel SLNS
Aug. 22, 2018 One vessel
the Sri Lanka Navy its surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Ikazuchi,” Escort “Suranimila”
Division 1
Indo Southeast Asia Deployment 2018
Goodwill exercise with Colombo Port (Sri Lanka) and its
Oct. 4, 2018 Destroyers JS “Kaga,” and JS Two vessels Offshore Patrol Vessel “Sagara”
the Sri Lanka Navy surrounding waters and airspace
“Inazuma,” Escort Flotilla 4
Waters and airspace off the Two Navy’s vessels
the Sri Lanka Armed Jan. 27, 2019 Air Patrol Squadron 2 P-3C × 2
coast of Hambantota (Sri Lanka) One Air Force’s aircraft
Forces
Fast Missile Vessel SLNS
Bilateral exercise with Waters and airspace west of Sri
Jan. 21, 2020 Air Patrol Squadron 2 P-3C × 2 “Suranimila”
the Sri Lanka Navy Lanka
High-Speed Patrol Boat “FAC-21”
Bilateral Exercise with
Colombo Port and its surrounding Destroyer JS “Kaga,” and JS
the Sri Lanka Armed Sep. 24, 2020 Two vessels Patrol Vessel SLNS “Gajabahu”
waters and airspace “Ikazuchi”
Forces (JA-LAN EX)
[Pakistan]
High-level talks Aug. 2020 Video Teleconference between Defense Minister and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan
Apr. 2018 6th Japan-Pakistan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation
Jun. 2019 7th Japan-Pakistan Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultation
Joint Staff
Numbers of
(Pakistan)
(Japan)
exercise with the Oct. 3, 2020 Gulf of Aden Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Frigate PNS “Zulfiquar”
Pakistan Navy Destroyer JS “Onami”
Feb. 26 and Western waters of the northern
exercise with the Counter-Piracy Enforcement One vessel Frigate PNS “Alamgir”
Mar. 1, 2021 Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden
Pakistan Navy Destroyer JS “Ariake”

Numbers of
(Pakistan)
(Japan)
Karachi Port (Pakistan) and its Counter-Piracy Enforcement
the Pakistan Navy Jan. 10, 2019 One vessel Destroyer PNS “Tariq”
surrounding waters and airspace Destroyer JS “Ikazuchi,” Escort
(Pre-AMAN)
Division 1
Waters and airspace off the Two vessels
the Pakistan Navy Jan. 25, 2019 Air Patrol Squadron 2 P-3C × 2
coast of Karachi (Pakistani) P-3C × 1
(Pre-AMAN)
[Mongolia]
Dec. 2019 Japan-Mongolia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
High-level talks
Jun. 2020 Japan-Mongolia Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Regular discussions between defense Apr. 2019 5th Japan-Mongolia Consultation between foreign affairs, defense and security authorities (Tokyo)
authorities Apr. 2019 5th Japan-Mongolia Military-Military Consultation (Tokyo)

Reference 41 Recent Defense Cooperation and Exchanges with Other Countries (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
[Kazakhstan]
Jul. 2018 1st Japan-Kazakhstan Military-Military Consultation
authorities
[Brazil]
Apr. 2018 Visit to Brazil by State Minister of Defense
Jul. 2019 Visit to Japan by Brazilian Army Commander
High-level talks
Dec. 2020 Japan-Brazil Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Reference
☆Signing of the Japan-Brazil Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges
[Others]
Dec. 2018 Visit to South Sudan and Djibouti by State Minister of Defense
Dec. 2018 Visit to Japan by Deputy Chief of Staff (equivalent to commander of Army) of Djibouti
High-level talks Sep. 2019 Visit to Djibouti by Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Dec. 2019 Japan-Jamaica Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. 2019 Japan-Djibouti Defense Ministerial Meeting (Djibouti)

Numbers of
(Maldive)
(Japan)
Port of Male (Maldives) and its Counter-Piracy Enforcement Maldivian Coast Guard ship
the Maldives National Apr. 25, 2019 One vessel
surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Samidare,” Escort “Huravee”
Defence Force
Division 4
Waters and Airspace east of Maldivian Coast Guard ship
the Maldives National Jul. 22, 2019 Air Patrol Squadron 2 P-3C × 1
Maldives “Shaheed Ali”
Defence Force
Chattogram (People’s Republic of Minesweeper Tender JS “Bungo,”
Goodwill exercise with Corvette BNS “Prottoy”
Oct. 8, 2019 Bangladesh) and its surrounding Minesweeper Coastal JS Two vessels
the Bangladesh Navy Patrol Craft BNS “Durjoy”
waters “Takashima,” Minesweeper Division 3
Reference 42 Record of Major Multinational Security Dialogues (Indo-Pacific Region, Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
Dialogue Date
○ ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus)
・Ministerial Meeting (Oct. 2018, Nov. 2019, Dec. 2020)
・ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM-Plus) (Jul. 2018, Apr. 2019, Jul. 2020, Nov. 2020)
Participation in Security Dialogues in the Indo-Pacific Region
・ASEAN Defence Senior Officials’ Meeting Working Group (Mar. 2019, Jan. 2020, Jun. 2020, Nov. 2020, Feb. 2021)
(ADSOM-Plus WG)
・Experts’ Working Group (EWG)
Intergovernmental
Counter-Terrorism EWG (Aug. 2018, Jan. 2019, Apr. 2019, Sep. 2019, Oct. 2019, Dec. 2019)
HA/DR-EWG (Apr. 2018, Jul. 2018, Sep. 2018, Mar. 2019, Apr. 2019, Jul. 2019, Oct. 2019)
Maritime Security EWG (May 2018, Nov. 2018, Feb. 2019, May 2019, Sep. 2019, Mar. 2021)
Military Medicine EWG (Dec. 2018, Feb. 2019, Mar. 2019, Oct. 2019, Mar. 2021)
Peacekeeping Operations EWG (Apr. 2018, Nov. 2018, Mar. 2019, Sep. 2019)
Humanitarian Mine Action EWG (Apr. 2018, Oct. 2018, Mar. 2019, Sep. 2019, Dec. 2019)
Cyber EWG (May 2018, Nov. 2018, May 2019, Aug. 2019, Mar. 2021)
○ ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting (Oct. 2018, Nov. 2019, Dec. 2020)
○ ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
・Meeting among defense authorities (May 2018, Jun. 2018, May 2019, Jul. 2020)
Hosted by the ○ IISS Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) (Jun. 2018, May 2019)
private sector ○ ISSS Regional Security Summit (Manama Dialogue) (Nov. 2019)
Hosted by the
○ Doha Forum (Dec. 2019)
Government
Ministry of Defense
○ Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum

Security Dialogue
(Sep. 2018, Oct. 2019)

hosted by the
○
Forum for Defense Authorities in the Asia-Pacific Region (Tokyo Defense (Mar. 2019)
Forum)
○ International Conference of Cadets (Feb. 2019)

Reference 43 Multilateral Security Dialogues Hosted by the Ministry of Defense
Security Dialogue Outline Recent Situations

In October 2019, the MOD held the eleventh Japan-ASEAN Defense
Vice-Ministerial Forum in Tokyo, in which vice-ministerial level officials
Hosted by the Ministry of Defense since 2009. Vice-ministerial
from all ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat participated
level officials from the defense authorities of ASEAN countries
Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice- to exchange their frank and constructive views on three themes:
Hosted by Ministry of Defense
are invited to Japan to hold candid dialogues on regional

Internal Bureau and others
Ministerial Forum Regional Security Situation; Visions for the Indo-Pacific: Towards the
security issues. The objective is to strengthen multilateral and
Free and Open Regional Order; and ASEAN’s Initiatives for Regional
bilateral relations by building close interpersonal relationships.
Defense Cooperation.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the dialogue was cancelled in 2020.
The 23rd Forum, held in March 2019, was attended by 27 countries
Reference
Hosted by the Ministry of Defense, this forum has been held
(25 Asia-Pacific countries, France and the United Kingdom) as well as
annually since 1996 with Director-General-level officials in
Forum for Defense the ASEAN Secretariat, the EU and International Committee of the Red
charge of defense policy and defense exchanges, all of who
Authorities in the Asia-Pacific Cross (ICRC). The participants discussed a wide range of matters in the
are from the Asia-Pacific region, participating. The forum is
Region (Tokyo Defense context of the themes of the Forum, “security issues in the Indo-Pacific
designed to provide defense officials with opportunities to
Forum) region” and “changing security challenges and prospects.”
exchange views on ways to promote confidence building
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the forum was cancelled in 2020 and
focusing on the defense field.
2021.
In February 2018, with the participation of five service branches
Hosted by the GSDF for the first time in 2017, this dialogue
from four countries to include the U.S. (including the Marines),
provides a platform for the army and other services of like-
Australia, the U.K. and France, group discussions under the theme
G5 Dialogue (G5D) minded countries that has close ties with the GSDF to exchanges
of “Direction of defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region the
views on multilateral engagement in the Asia-Pacific region for
army should aim for” and field trip to the GSDF Chemical School
the armies to actively contribute to regional peace and stability.
were carried out.
GSDF
The 23rd Multilateral Logistics Staff Talks (MLST) meeting was held
Hosted by the GSDF, these talks have been held annually since in November 2019. The participants were working-level officers in
Multilateral Logistics Staff 1997, inviting officers in charge of logistics support from major charge of logistics sent from armies in 25 countries in the Indo-
Talks (MLST) countries in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe to provide them Pacific region and Europe. Views were exchanged under the theme
with opportunities to exchange views on logistic system. “Logistic in Urban Disaster Response (including Measures for the
Olympic Games).”
Hosted by the MSDF, this seminar has been held annually since The 24th seminar was held online in February 2021 with the
1998 with the participation of naval college staff from the Asia- participation of navy military personnel from 19 countries and
Pacific region. The seminar is designed to provide them with Sasagawa Peace Foundation. Presentations by the participants
Asia Pacific Naval College
opportunities to exchange views on the roles of naval forces and active opinion exchanges were conducted on the theme of
Seminar (APNCS)
with a view to encouraging school education/research and “Collaboration between Navies for Maritime Security in the Free
contributing to the promotion of defense exchange and mutual and Open Indo-Pacific.” In addition, remote training was also held
MSDF
understanding between participating countries. to deepen mutual understanding.

Hosted by the MSDF, this program has been held annually since With the participation of naval officers and other personnel from
Western Pacific Naval 2011, with the participation of junior naval officers from the 27 countries, the 9th WPNS STEP was held in October 2019.
Symposium Short Term WPNS countries. The program is designed to provide them Presentations and exchange of candid views were carried out with
Exchange Program (WPNS with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Japan’s regard to new initiatives by each navy and future equipment under
STEP) security environment, defense policy and buildup, and culture the theme of “Cooperation among Navies in a Free and Open Indo-
and history. Pacific.”
Hosted by the ASDF, this seminar has been held annually since
Air staff college personnel and researchers from each country
2015, with the participation of officials related to air staff
were invited in December 2020 to provide keynote speeches
Japan Air Self-Defense Force colleges mainly from the Asia-Pacific region. The seminar is
and presentations and to exchange their views on the theme of
Air Staff College Seminar designed to provide them with opportunities to exchange views
“Changes in Operational Modality of the Future and Their Response”
on officer’s education. (From 1996 to 2014, this seminar was
via an online video teleconference.
ASDF
held as International Air Force Education Seminar.)

Hosted by the ASDF, this seminar has been held annually since
With the participation of air staff college students from 15 countries,
2001 with the participation of students of air staff college
International Air Command the 20th seminar was held in February 2021. Opinions were
students from the Asia-Pacific region. This program is designed
and Staff Seminar exchanged on the theme of “Future Directions Based on the Current
to provide them with opportunities to exchange views on
Status and Challenges of Air Forces.”
security and roles of nations.
Hosted by the National Defense Academy since 1996, this The 21st International Seminar on Defense Science was held in July
National Defense Academy
International Seminar on seminar provides opportunities to discuss international affairs 2016, inviting 10 countries. Opinions were exchanged on the theme
Defense Science and security by inviting military academy representatives from of “Commitment to national cybersecurity by military academy and
the Asia-Pacific regions. services in education and research.” This seminar ended in 2016.
Hosted by the National Defense Academy, this conference has
been held annually since 1998 with the participation of cadets In March 2019, the 22nd conference was held, and opinions were
International Cadets’
from each country. The conference is designed to provide them exchanged on the theme of “The Changing World and Consistent
Conference
with opportunities to exchange views on militaries in the 21st Belief.”
century.
Hosted by National Institute for Defense Studies, this seminar
In March 2021, the 22nd International Symposium on Security
has been held annually since 1999 with officials at home and
Affairs was held online, by inviting scholars from the United States,
International Security abroad knowledgeable about defense being invited. The seminar
National Institute for Defense Studies
Russia and China. The participants held discussions under the

Colloquium is designed to provide them with opportunities for advanced and
theme of “Nuclear and Missile Issues in East Asia and Japan’s
professional reports and discussions on security issues in addition
Response.”
to enhancing public awareness of security issues.
Hosted by National Institute for Defense Studies, this forum has
In March 2021, the 18th International Forum on War History was
been held annually since 2002 with participation by military
International Forum on War held online, by inviting prominent scholars and practitioners in
historians. The forum is designed to deepen the mutual
History Japan and from Singapore. The participants held discussions under
understanding of its participants by making comparative
the theme of “International Relations in the Modern East Asia.”
studies of military history.
Hosted by National Institute for Defense Studies, this workshop- In March 2021, the ASEAN Workshop was held online, by inviting
style group study session has been held annually since 2010 to scholars from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and
ASEAN Workshop discuss emerging security issues that the Asia-Pacific region Vietnam. The participants held discussions under the theme
faces in common. Since 2018, participating regions are limited of “ASEAN Countries’ Responses to the Changing Strategic
to ASEAN countries. Environment.”

Reference 44 Other Multilateral Security Dialogues
Other Multilateral Security Dialogue Overview

Started in October 2010. It is the only defense ministerial meeting in the Asia-Pacific region hosted by governments,
ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus
including Japan, which provides opportunities to exchange views on issues related to regional security. It was decided
(ADMM-Plus)
in the 4th ADMM-Plus held in October 2017 that this meeting will take place annually instead of biennially.
First held in 2014. It is a platform for defense ministers of all of the ASEAN nations and Japan to discuss a wide
ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’
spectrum of security related issues, and to exchange views on concrete action plans to develop future Japan-ASEAN
Informal Meeting
defense cooperation.
A forum that started in 1994, designed to improve the security environment of the Asia-Pacific region through political
and security dialogue and cooperation. Currently 26 countries (10 ASEAN nations (Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Internal Bureau and others
Reference
the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia (since 1995), Myanmar (since 1996)), Japan, Australia,
ARF: ASEAN Regional Forum Canada, China, India (since 1996), New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the ROK, Russia, the U.S., Mongolia (since
1998), North Korea (since 2000), Pakistan (since 2004), Timor-Leste (since 2005), Bangladesh (since 2006), Sri Lanka
(since 2007)), and 1 organization (EU) are members of the forum. Authorities in charge of diplomacy and defense meet
through various government-to-government meetings to discuss the current regional situation and security area.
Asia-Pacific Military Operations Research AMORS is a forum held by Asia-Pacific countries on a rotational basis to exchange views on defense operations and
Symposium (AMORS) research technology. Japan has participated in the forum since the second meeting in 1993.
This event, hosted by the Ministry of National Defense of the ROK and participated in by the defense vice ministers of
Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) Asia-Pacific and Western countries, is a forum for exchanging opinions regarding regional security issues, including
the issues of the Korean Peninsula. Japan has participated since the first meeting in 2012.
Doha Forum is an international conference hosted by the Government of Qatar and participated in by ministers and
government officials, intellectuals and personnel from international organizations specialized in diplomacy, security,
Doha Forum global issues (climate change and emergence of global powers, etc.), and energy-related problems. Participants have
unrestricted discussions. The Forum has been held every year since 2001, and Japan participated in this forum for
the first time in 2019.
CHOD is an annual conference hosted either by the United States or jointly with other participating countries on a
Asia-Pacific Chief of Defense Conference
rotational basis. Senior defense officials and others of Asia-Pacific countries meet to exchange views on security
Hosted by the Government
(CHOD)
issues. Japan has participated in the conference since the first meeting in 1998.
PASOLS is a seminar hosted jointly by the United States and a member country on a rotational basis mainly to
Pacific Area Senior Officer Logistics exchange information on logistic-support activities. Japan’s participation in the seminar as an official member started
Joint Staff
Seminar (PASOLS) in 1995 when the 24th session was held. The 47th Seminar was held in Japan with participation of nearly 30
countries and organizations in 2018.
Raisina Dialogue is an international conference co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and
the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and participated in by Foreign Ministers, Defense Ministers, Chiefs of Staff,
etc., from over 100 countries worldwide. Participants discuss matters in diverse fields including the field of security.
Raisina Dialogue
The MOD has participated in the Dialogue since its third session in 2018 (1st: Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs;
2nd: Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs; 3rd: Chief of Joint Staff and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister;
4th and 5th: Chief of Joint Staff).
PACC is a conference hosted jointly by the United States and a member country on a rotational basis every other year
Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (PACC) when PAMS is held. Army chiefs of Asia-Pacific countries and others meet to exchange views. Japan has participated
in the conference since the first meeting in 1999. The conference was held in Japan for the first time in 2009.
PAMS is a forum held jointly by the U.S. and the participating countries in rotation. It provides opportunities for
Pacific Armies Management Seminars exchanging information about efficient and economical management techniques so that armies in the Asia-Pacific
(PAMS) region can develop their ground troops. The GSDF has participated in PAMS since the 17th meeting in 1993. The 33rd
seminar was held in Japan in 2009 at the same time as PACC.
LANPAC is a symposium hosted by AUSA annually in Hawaii. Through panel discussions and consultations, high-level
Land Forces Pacific (LANPAC)
land force officials from the Indo-Asia-Pacific region exchange opinions on strategic issue in the region.
GSDF
This seminar was called “Chief of Army’s Exercise (CAEX)” until 2016. It is an exercise hosted by the Australian Army
every other year. Senior officers of the Australian Army as well as the heads of land forces in the Asia-Pacific region
Chief of Army Land Forces Seminar and experts attend and exchange a wide range of views on the issues facing the land forces in the region. The GSDF
participated in CAEX for the first time in 2012. In September 2014, the GSDF Chief of Staff attended for the first time
and delivered an address.
This symposium was held for the first time in May 2015, hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, from the perspective
Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium of contributing to the amphibious operations capacities of friendly countries in the Asia-Pacific region and contributing
(PALS) to regional stability through strengthening relations with the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, and enhancing interoperability.
It has been held annually since then. Japan has participated from the first meeting.
Annual Meeting of the Association of U.S. Hosted annually by AUSA in Washington, D.C., the Chief and Vice-Chief of Staff of the GSDF participate in the meeting,
Army (AUSA) exchange opinions among the General-class officers from the U.S. Army, and deliver speeches.

ISS is a symposium hosted by the United States every other year. Navy Chief of Staff of member countries and others
International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) meet to exchange views on common issues for their navies. Japan has participated in the symposium since the first
meeting in 1969.
WPNS is a symposium hosted by a member country on a rotational basis every other year when ISS in not held.
Western Pacific Naval Symposium
Senior navy officials and others of Western Pacific countries meet to exchange views. Japan has participated in the
(WPNS)
symposium since the second meeting in 1990.
This seminar is hosted by a WPNS member country on a rotation basis to exchange views on minesweeping in a year
International MCM Seminar when minesweeping exercises are not conducted in the Western Pacific. Japan has participated in the seminar since
the first meeting in 2000. Japan’s MSDF hosted this seminar in Yokosuka in October 2007.
Hosted either by the United States or jointly with other participating countries in the Asia-Pacific region on a rotational
Asia Pacific Submarine Conference basis to exchange views on issues centering around submarine rescue. Japan has participated in the conference
Reference
MSDF
since the first meeting in 2001. The MSDF hosted the conference in October 2006.
This symposium is held every two years hosted by a different participating country on a rotational basis. It is a
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) platform for the Navy Chief of Staff from the Indian Ocean coastal countries to exchange their opinions concerning the
maritime security of the Indian Ocean. Japan has participated since the third event in 2012.
Held biennially as part of the Pacific International Maritime Exposition. As many navies send their Chief of Staff or
RAN Sea Power Conference (SPC)
Admirals to this conference, the conference serves as a platform for bilateral and multilateral exchange.
Biennially hosted by the Italian Navy. Mostly attended by Chief of Staff of Navy from NATO nations who gather to
Regional Seapower Symposium (RSS)
exchange views on common naval challenges. Japan has participated since the 7th symposium in 2008.
International Maritime Security Hosted by the Indonesian Navy every other year. Navy Chief of Staff from mostly western Pacific nations exchange
Symposium (IMSS) opinions on maritime security issues. Japan has participated since the 1st meeting in 2013.
Hosted by the Sri Lankan Navy annually. Navy Chief of Staff from nations around the Indian Ocean exchange views on
Galle Dialogue
maritime security challenges. Japan has participated since the 1st meeting in 2010.
PACS is a conference hosted by the United States every other year with senior air force officials such as Air Chiefs and
Pacific Air Chiefs Symposium (PACS) others of member countries exchanging views on common issues. Japan has participated in the conference since
the first meeting in 1989.
Space Symposium is hosted by the United States every year with senior air force officials such as Air Chiefs and
Space Symposium others of member countries exchanging views on common issues. Japan has participated in the symposium since
the 35th meeting in 2019.
This symposium is held every year and hosted jointly by the U.S. and other participating countries on a rotational basis
PACRIM Airpower Symposium (it was held twice in 1996 and 1997). It is a platform for the Chiefs of Air Operations in the Pacific Rim to exchange
their opinions. Japan has participated in this symposium since the first event held in 1995
Air and Space Power Conference hosted by the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom is held every year and Chiefs
Air and Space Power Conference of Staff of Air Forces exchange views on issues in the aerospace field in line with themes set up for each year. Japan
has participated in this conference eight times since 2009.
APC is an international conference hosted by Australia every other year to exchange views on air power. Japan has
Air Power Conference (APC)
ASDF
participated in this conference six times since 2000.

Air Force Symposium is hosted by the Philippine Air Force annually to exchange opinions under the themes concerning
Air Force Symposium
security. Japan has participated in this symposium four times since 2015.
Aerospace Medicine Conference is hosted by the Indian Air Force annually to exchange opinions concerning aerospace
Aerospace Medicine Conference
medicine. Japan participated in this conference for the first time in 2019.
Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference is hosted by the UAE Air Force biennially. Chiefs of Staff of Air Forces gather
Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference and exchange opinions on issues in line with themes set up for each year. Japan has participated in this conference
four times since 2013.
Colombo Air Symposium is hosted by the Sri Lankan Air Force annually to exchange opinions concerning air power
Colombo Air Symposium
and air strategy. Japan has participated in this symposium three times since 2016.
Military Flight Training International Military Flight Training International Conference is hosted by the PLA Air Force biennially to exchange opinions
Conference concerning flight training, etc. Japan has participated in this conference twice since 2016
Symposium hosted by the Air University’s The symposium is hosted by the Air University’s CASI to exchange opinions concerning China’s aerospace activities.
China Aerospace Studies Institute Japan participated in the symposium for the first time in 2018.
Defense Intelligence
Hosted in turn by the United States Pacific Command and participating countries, the Conference serves as a place
Headquarters
for the exchange of opinions among intelligence chiefs and other officials from the defense ministries of countries in
Asia-Pacific Intelligence Chiefs the Asia Pacific region and other areas. Alongside exchanges of opinions on issues pertaining to regional security, the
Conference (APICC) Conference is also aimed at contributing to the nurturing of relationships of trust between the respective countries, as
well as at the sharing of information. It was hosted for the first time in February 2011 by the Department of Current
and Crisis Intelligence, and was attended by 28 countries.
Defense universities and other educational institutions from the ARF member countries take turns and hold a meeting
once a year. The host plays the central role in making a decision on the themes with respect to global security issues
in the Asia-Pacific region and the role of defense educational and research institutions, and the meeting takes place
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Heads
in the form of presentations and question and-answer sessions based on certain themes. From Japan, National
of Defence Universities, Colleges and
Institute for Defense Studies has been attending all of the meetings since the first meeting in 1997, and hosted the
Institutions Meeting
National Institute for
fifth meeting in Tokyo in 2001. In September 2018, the 22nd meeting was held in Tokyo for the first time in 17 years.
Defense Studies
Japan participated in the conference held in Singapore in November 2019. This was cancelled in 2020 due to the
impact of COVID-19.
CoC is an annual international conference hosted by the NATO Defense College, defense educational institutions
from NATO member countries and NATO partner countries in turns. During the meeting, the heads of participating
educational institutions exchange opinions from the perspective of improving advanced defense education, while at
NATO Defense College Conference of the same time the meeting focuses on the promotion of educational exchange among the heads of the educational
Commandants (CoC) institutions, NATO member countries, and the dialogue partners in the Central and Eastern Europe as well as the
Mediterranean region. From Japan, National Institute for Defense Studies has been attending most of the conferences
since FY2009 (no invitation in FY2013). Japan participated in the conference held in Italy in May 2019. This was
cancelled in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19.

Hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in the United Kingdom, this conference has been held
since 2002 with defense ministers and others of the Asia-Pacific region participating to exchange views on issues
IISS Asia Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue) centering around regional security. From Japan, the Minister of Defense has participated in the conference since the
first meeting in 2002 (except for the 3rd and 11th conferences in 2004 and 2012; and the State Minister of Defence
participated in the 11th conference).
A Sherpa meeting (preparation meeting) for the Shangri-La Dialogue hosted by the IISS. Defense authorities (director/
IISS Fullerton Forum vice chief level) of the countries that attend the Shangri-La Dialogue exchange opinions on regional security issues.
Japan has participated since the 1st meeting in 2013.
Hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in the United Kingdom, this conference has been held since
2004. Foreign and defense ministers, national security advisors and chiefs of intelligence from the Gulf countries
ISSS Regional Security Summit (Manama participated to exchange views on issues centering around regional security. Japan participated at the senior official’s
Reference
Hosted by the Private Sector
Dialogue) level for the first time in the 6th conference in 2009, sending the State Minister of Defense. The Parliamentary Vice-
Minister of the Defense participated in the 7th, 12th and 13th Conferences in 2010, 2016, and 2017. The Defense
Minister participated in the 15th Conference for the first time.
This Conference was established in 1962. It is one of the most prestigious international conferences on security
in Western countries. Foreign dignitaries such as Cabinet members, Diet/Parliament members, officers of defense
authorities from Germany, which is the host country, NATO member countries (the United States, the United Kingdom,
Munich Security Conference France, etc.), Russia, and central and eastern Europe countries attended. Japan participated for the first time in the
45th Conference in 2009, sending the Minister of Defense. The State Minister of Defense participated in the 52nd,
53rd, 54th and 55th Conferences in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The Defense Minister participated in the 56th
Conference in February 2020.
Hosted by Halifax International Security Forum with the support of the Canadian Department of National Defense, the
Forum is attended by many government officials from the United States and Europe (including NATO Ministers and
Halifax International Security Forum
Defense Ministers from each EU country), who exchange opinions on security at the Forum. Japan has participated
since the first Conference in 2009.
Organized mainly by the Institute of Global Conflict and Cooperation (IGCC) of the University of California, San Diego,
this dialogue is designed for participants — private-sector researchers and government officials from member
The Northeast Asia Cooperation Dialogue (NEACD) countries (China, North Korea, Japan, the ROK, Russia and the United States) — to freely exchange their views on
security situations and confidence-building measures in the region. Japan has participated in the dialogue since the
first meeting in 1993 (except in 2018).

Reference 45 Vientiane Vision 2.0
Key Elements
○ Reviewing our efforts over the past three years on defense cooperation with ASEAN under the Vientiane Vision announced in November 2016
○ Redefining the vision in line with the concept of the “Indo-Pacific”
○ Presenting three principles for our defense cooperation with ASEAN and including enhancement of resilience as one of the ends
Contents
1. Review of our efforts under the Vientiane Vision
Reference
(1) Multilateral efforts: Ship Rider Cooperation Program, HA/DR Invitation Program and Professional Airmanship Program
○ Heart-to-heart cooperation: Japan has contributed not only to enhancing participants’ abilities by offering various practical programs, but also to
creating a sense of unity among all ASEAN member state participants by offering opportunities to work together on common issues.
(2) Bilateral efforts: Defense cooperation programs (e.g. maritime security, HA/DR and engineering), defense equipment and technology cooperation, human
resource development and academic exchanges, etc.
○ Tailored and lasting cooperation: Aiming to establish a self-standing system in partner countries, Japan has implemented various projects based on
elaborate multi-year plans with special emphasis on the transparency of process.
(3) Having contributed to the enhancement of ASEAN’s capabilities as a whole, especially in
(i) Ensuring the rule of law, (ii) Strengthening maritime security, and (iii) Assisting ASEAN’s autonomous responses to regional challenges, such as
natural disasters and non-traditional threats.
In so doing, we have also reaffirmed the importance of continuing and developing our efforts to uphold ASEAN’s resilience, which is a basis for
ASEAN centrality and unity.
⇒ Pursuing further practical cooperation to support ASEAN’s resilience, and in turn, its centrality and unity
2. Redefining the Vientiane Vision in line with the concept of the “Indo-Pacific”
(1) As the hinge connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ASEAN is the key to regional cooperation.
(2) ASEAN’s principles outlined in the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” such as openness, transparency, inclusivity and a rules-based framework, share
the same bases with those of Japan’s vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
(3) Under its vision for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” and with full respect for the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” Japan will promote equal and open
cooperation through partnership with ASEAN member states and all other countries that share the principles outlined above.
3. Three Principles for Japan’s Defense Cooperation with ASEAN

(1) Heart-to-heart Cooperation: Upholding ASEAN’s principles, valuing people-to-people connections and listening sincerely to partners’ needs
(2) Tailored and Lasting Cooperation: Pursuing sustainable outcomes through well-planned, transparent and ongoing engagement
(3) Equal and Open Cooperation: Pursuing wide-ranging international collaboration that supports ASEAN centrality, unity and resilience
I. Ends: With a view to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific that holds Southeast Asia as its hinge, the Japan Ministry of Defense aims to
(i) enhance the Japan-ASEAN Strategic Partnership and (ii) contribute to ASEAN centrality and unity by supporting its resilience.
II. Ways: On the basis of the above three principles, Japan aims to support ASEAN centrality, unity and resilience by taking the following
approaches with special emphasis on the three key areas of cooperation.
(i) Approaches based on the principles of ASEAN centrality and unity
○ Japan promotes international collaboration between ASEAN member states and countries outside ASEAN, with a central emphasis on ASEAN-led
frameworks
○ Japan promotes confidence-building and interoperability among ASEAN member states by enhancing connectivity and promoting shared norms and
practices among defense authorities
(ii) Key areas of cooperation with a view to upholding ASEAN’s resilience
○ Ensuring the rule of law: Promoting the development and sharing of universal norms regarding the sea and air space
○ Strengthening maritime security: Promoting ASEAN’s efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness capabilities, and supporting individual states’
efforts to enhance their national security, and in turn, regional peace and stability
○ Assisting ASEAN’s organizational responses to regional challenges: Promoting ASEAN’s efforts to enhance its capacity to deal with natural disasters
and non-traditional threats
III. Means: As part of a concerted whole of government effort, JMOD conducts practical cooperation by combining the following diverse
measures.
(i) Promoting Shared Understanding of International Norms: Holding programs such as seminars with a view to share knowledge on international norms
and practices
(ii) Defense Cooperation Program: Assisting ASEAN’s proactive efforts for enhancing its collective capabilities by sending JSDF personnel to Southeast
Asia, and inviting ASEAN practitioners to Japan
(iii) Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation: Transferring equipment and technology, developing human resources, holding seminars on defense
industries, etc.
(iv) Joint Training and Exercises: Conducting bilateral and multilateral joint exercises, expanding forms of participation and inviting ASEAN observers to
JSDF training
(v) Human Resource Development and Academic Exchanges: Reinforcing human networks among students and trainees, inviting opinion leaders to
Japan, etc.

Reference 46 Participation in Multilateral Exercises (Past Three Years)
(Apr. 1, 2018 - Mar. 31, 2021)
Joint Staff
Numbers of
Exercise Period Location Participating countries Participating SDF units personnel, etc.
(partner country)
(Japan)
Internal Bureau,
Proliferation Security Yokosuka Port;
Joint Staff, Ground
Initiative (PSI) waters and airspace The U.S., Australia, New 2 vessels
Component Command,
Maritime Interdiction off the coast of Boso Zealand, the ROK, Singapore 2 aircraft
Jul. 24-26, 2018 Eastern Army, GSDF －
Exercise hosted by Peninsula; airspace and others (19 observer Approximately
Reference
Chemical School,
Japan off the coast of Izu countries) 280 personnel
Self-Defense Fleet,
(Pacific Shield 18) Peninsula
Yokosuka District
Thailand, the U.S., Indonesia, C-130H × 1
Multilateral exercise Jan. 14-Feb.23, Joint Staff, etc., GSDF,
Thailand Singapore, the ROK, Malaysia, Approximately －
Cobra Gold 19 2019 MSDF, ASDF
India, China 170 personnel
India, Myanmar, Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia,
ADMM-Plus Military
Malaysia, Laos, the Joint Staff, Western
Medicine Field Lucknow, Uttar Approximately 15
Mar. 8-18, 2019 Philippines, Singapore, Army and GSDF －
Training Exercise Pradesh (India) personnel
Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Chemical School
(MEDEX-2019)
China, New Zealand, the ROK,
Russia, the U.S.
The U.S., Australia, New
PSI Exercise hosted by
Zealand, the ROK, Singapore Joint Staff, GSDF
the ROK Jul. 10-11, 2019 Busan 3 personnel －
and others (observer Chemical School
(Eastern Endeavor 19)
countries)
Malaysia, the U.S., Australia,
Staff training:
ADMM-Plus HA/DR Brunei, Cambodia, China,
Malaysia (Kuala Joint Staff, Defense
Exercise (staff training Jul. 30-Aug. 1, India, Indonesia, Laos, Approximately 5
Lumpur) Intelligence －
and communication 2019 Myanmar, New Zealand, the personnel
Communication Headquarters
training) Philippines, the ROK, Russia,
training: Ichigaya
Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Multilateral Exercise France, Australia, Canada,
hosted by French Fiji, Indonesia, New Zealand,
Sep. 21-Oct.5, Joint Staff, Joint Staff
Forces in New New Caledonia Papua New Genia, Solomon 3 personnel －
2019 College
Caledonia (Exercise Islands, Tonga, the U.K., the
Equateur 2019) U.S., Vanuatu
Internal Bureau, Joint
NATO cyber defense Staff, Command
NATO member countries, Approximately 20
exercise Dec. 2-6, 2019 Estonia, Japan Control Communication －
NATO partner countries, EU personnel
(Cyber Coalition 2019) Computers Systems
Command
Thailand, the U.S., Indonesia, C-130H × 1
Multilateral exercise Jan. 26-Mar. 9, Joint Staff, etc., GSDF,
Thailand Malaysia, Singapore, the ROK, Approximately －
Cobra Gold 20 2020 MSDF, ASDF
China, India 240 personnel
36th Deployment
(Spanish Navy) Frigate SPS
Japan-EU-ROK joint Surface Force for
West of the Gulf of “Santa Maria”
naval exercise against Jul. 16-17, 2020 Spain, the ROK Counter-Piracy 1 vessel
Aden (ROK Navy) Destroyer
piracy Enforcement
ROKS “Dae Jo-yeong”
Destroyer JS “Onami”
36th Deployment
(Spanish Navy) Frigate SPS
Japan-EU joint naval Surface Force for
“Santa Maria”
exercise against Oct. 5-6, 2020 Gulf of Aden Spain, Germany Counter-Piracy 1 vessel
(Spanish Air Force) P-3M
piracy Enforcement
(German Navy) P-3C
Destroyer JS “Onami”

Numbers of Numbers of
Exercise Period Location Participating countries Participating SDF units personnel, etc. personnel, etc.
(Japan) (partner country)
Ground Component
Australian Army- Puckapunyal training
Apr. 27-May 11, Command, respective Approximately 20
Hosted Shooting area (Victoria, Australia, etc. －
2018 Regional Armies, Fuji personnel
Convention Australia)
School, etc.
(Australian Army)
Approximately 720
personnel
Field Training with U.S. Townsville Field
(U.S. Army)
Reference
and Australian Forces May 7-Jun. 8, Training Area 2nd Infantry Regiment, Approximately
The U.S., Australia Approximately 50
in Australia (Southern 2018 (Queensland, 12th Brigade 130 personnel
personnel
Jackaroo) Australia)
(U.S. Marines)
Approximately 180
personnel
Australia, Bangladesh. Belarus,
Bhutan, Cambodia, Canada,
China, Czech, France, Germany,
Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy,
Multilateral Exercise Mongolia (Five Hills Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kirgiz, Ground Component Approximately 40
Jun. 14-28, 2018 －
(Khaan Quest 18) Training Area) Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Command personnel
Zealand, Norway, the Philippines,
Qatar, the ROK, Singapore,
Tajikistan, Turkey, Russia, the
U.K., the U.S.
Ground Component
Command HQs; Western
The U.S., Australia, Brazil, Brunei,
Army HQs; Western
Canada, Chile, Columbia, France,
Field Artillery Unit;
Germany, India, Indonesia,
5th Surface-to-Ship
Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the
Overseas deployment Missile Regiment; 2nd
Jun. 15-Aug. 5, Hawaii, etc., (the Netherlands, New Zealand, Approximately Approximately 780
training Amphibious Rapid
2018 U.S.) Peru, the ROK, the Philippines, 180 personnel personnel
(RIMPAC2018) Deployment Regiment,
Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
Amphibious Rapid
Tonga, the U.K., Vietnam
Deployment Brigade;
(prospective participating
International Peace
countries at the time of release)
Cooperation Activities
Training Unit, etc.
Ground Component
Command HQs,
U.S.-Philippines joint
Sep. 8-Oct. 23, Amphibious Rapid
exercise The Philippines The U.S., the Philippines 80 personnel －
2018 Deployment Brigade,
(KAMANDAG 18)
Central Readiness
Regiment
Ground Component
Australian Army- Puckapunyal training
Mar. 23-Apr. 5, Command, respective Approximately 20
Hosted Shooting area (Victoria, Australia, etc. －
2019 Regional Armies, Fuji personnel
Convention Australia)
School, etc.
(Australian Army)
Field Training with U.S. Shoalwater Bay Approximately 720
and Australian Forces May 10-Jun. 14, Training Area 13th Infantry Regiment, Approximately personnel
The U.S., Australia
in Australia (Southern 2019 (Queensland, 12th Brigade 160 personnel (U.S. Marines)
Jackaroo) Australia) Approximately 250
personnel
Australia, Bangladesh, Benin,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina
Faso, Cambodia, Canada, China,
El Salvador, Fiji, France, Germany,
Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel,
Multilateral Exercise Mongolia (Five Hills Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Moldova, Ground Component Approximately 60
Jun. 14-28, 2019 －
(Khaan Quest 19) Training Area) Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Command, etc. personnel
Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, the
ROK, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Togo, Turkey, the U.K.,
Ukraine, Uruguay, the U.S.,
Vietnam, Zambia
Field Training Exercise
Indonesian National
ADMM-Plus Expert 10 ASEAN countries, the U.S.,
Armed Forces Ground Component Approximately 20
Working Group Sep. 8-22, 2019 Australia, China, India, New －
Peacekeeping Command, etc. personnel
on Peacekeeping Zealand, the ROK, Russia
Mission Center
Operations
U.S.-Philippines joint
Amphibious Rapid Approximately 80
exercise Oct. 6-23, 2019 The Philippines The U.S., the Philippines －
Deployment Brigade, etc. personnel
(KAMANDAG 19)

Numbers of
Participating Numbers of personnel, etc.
Exercise Period Location Participating SDF units personnel, etc.
countries (partner country)
(Japan)
Multilateral Naval
Indonesia, the U.S., Landing Ship JS 1 vessel
Exercise hosted by Waters around Lombok
May 5-9, 2018 Australia, China, “Osumi,” Landing Ship Approximately －
the Indonesian Navy (Indonesia)
France, etc. Division 1 190 personnel
(KOMODO 2018)
Western Pacific Mine HMAS Creswell of the
Countermeasures May 7-18, 2018 Royal Australian Navy Australia, etc. Diver 7 personnel －
Exercise and waters around it
Anchor phase: the U.S.
Reference
Destroyers JS “Ise,” 4 vessels

Japan-U.S.-India (Guam)
JS “Fuyuzuki,” and JS P-1 × 2
Trilateral Exercise Jun. 8-16, 2018 On-the-sea phase: The U.S., India －
“Suzunami” Approximately
(Malabar 2018) waters and airspace
Submarine JS “Soryu” 870 personnel
around Guam
The U.S., Australia,
Brazil, Brunei,
Canada, Chile,
Columbia, France,
Germany, India,
47 vessels, 5 submarines,
Indonesia, Israel, 1 vessel
Rim of the Pacific Hawaiian Islands and approximately 200 aircraft
Jun. 27-Aug. 2, Malaysia, Mexico, P-3C × 2
Exercise hosted by its surrounding waters Destroyer JS “Ise” Approximately 25,000 or more
2018 the Netherlands, Approximately
the U.S. (RIMPAC 2018) and airspace personnel (total participating
New Zealand, Peru, 460 personnel
strength at the time of release)
the Philippines, the
ROK, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Thailand,
Tonga, the U.K.,
Vietnam
(U.S.) 1 Minesweeper Ocean,
Mine warfare training Minesweeper Tender,
19 vessels MH-53E × 2, approximately 10
(Mutsu Bay) and Minesweeper Ocean,
MCH-101 × 3 Explosive Ordnance Disposal
minesweeping special Jul. 18-30, 2018 Mutsu Bay The U.S., India Minesweeper Coastal,
P-3C × 4 personnel
training (Japan-U.S.- Minesweeping
P-1 × 1 (India) approximately 4 Explosive
India trilateral exercise) Controller, diving tender
Ordnance Disposal personnel
1 vessel
Australian Navy-Hosted Waters and airspace
Aug. 16-Oct. 10, The U.S., Australia, Destroyer JS “Sazanami” P-3C × 1
Multinational Maritime around Darwin －
2018 etc. Air Patrol Squadron 2 Approximately
Exercise (Kakadu 2018) (Australia)
210 personnel
Waters and airspace Australian Navy: HMAS
Japan-Australia-Canada-
of Guam (the U.S.) Australia, Canada, Destroyer JS “Melbourne;” Canadian Navy:
Singapore multilateral Aug. 24-31, 2018 1 vessel
through Darwin New Zealand “Sazanami” HMCS “Calgary,” MV “Asterix;” NZ
cruise exercise
(Australia) Navy: HMNZS “Te Mana”
Mine warfare training
(Hyuga-nada Sea) and Minesweeper Tender,
22 vessels MH-53E × 2 , approximately 10
minesweeping special Minesweeper Ocean,
Nov. 18-28, 2018 Hyuga-nada Sea The U.S., Australia MCH-101 × Explosive Ordnance Disposal
training (Japan-U.S.- Minesweeper Coastal,
2 or 3 personnel
Australia trilateral Minesweeping Controller
(Australia) 2 Minesweeper Coastal
exercise)
Japan-U.S.-U.K trilateral Waters and airspace 1 vessel (U.S.) P-8A, vessel
Dec. 22, 2018 The U.S., the U.K. Destroyer JS “Izumo”
exercise south of Honshu P-1 × 1 (U.K.) Frigate HMS “Argyll”
Destroyer JS
Japan-U.S.-U.K trilateral Waters and airspace 2 vessels (U.S.) P-8A
Mar. 14-15, 2019 The U.S., the U.K. “Murasame”
exercise south of Honshu P-1× 1 (U.K.) Frigate HMS “Montrose”
Submarine
Malaysian Navy-Hosted Langkawi (Malaysia) 1 vessel
Destroyer JS “Akagiri,”
Multinational Maritime Mar. 31, 2019 and its surrounding Malaysia, etc. Approximately －
Escort Division 14
Exercise waters and airspace 200 personnel
(U.S) Guided-missile destroyer
USS “William P. Lawrence”
Japan-U.S.-India- Waters west of Kyushu (India) Guided-missile destroyer
The U.S., India, the Destroyers JS “Izumo,”
Philippines Four-Country May 3-9, 2019 through the East China 2 vessels INS “Kolkata,” Replenishment
Philippines and JS “Murasame”
Exercise Sea tanker INS “Shakti”
(The Philippines) Frigate BRP
“Andres Bonifacio”
(France) Aircraft Carrier FS
“Charles de Gaulle,” Guided-missile
destroyer FS “Forbin,” Frigates
Japan-France-Australia- FS “Provence,” and FS “Latouche
Waters and Airspace
U.S. Four-Country France, Australia, Destroyers JS “Izumo,” Treville,” Replenishment tanker FS
May 19-22, 2019 west of Sumatra 2 vessels
Exercise the U.S. and JS “Murasame” “Marne”
(Indian Ocean)
(La Perouse) (Australia) Frigate HMAS
“Toowoomba,” submarine
(U.S.) Guided-missile destroyer USS
“William P. Lawrence”

Numbers of
(Japan)
(U.S.) Amphibious command
ship USS “Blue Ridge,” Guided-
missile cruiser USS “Antietam,”
Destroyer USS “Curtis Wilbur,”
Replenishment oilers USNS
Japan-U.S.-Australia-
“Rappahannock,” and USNS
ROK Four-Country Waters and airspace The U.S., Australia, Destroyers JS “Ariake,”
May 23-28, 2019 2 vessels “Richard E. Byrd,” P-8A, EA-18G
Exercise around Guam the ROK and JS “Asahi”
(Australia) Frigates HMAS
(Pacific Vanguard 19-1)
“Melbourne,” and HMAS
Reference
“Parramatta,” Submarine HMAS
“Farncomb”
(ROK) Destroyer ROKS “Wang
Geon”
(U.S.) Destroyer USS “Curtis
Japan-U.S.-Australia Waters and airspace Destroyers JS “Ariake,” Wilbur”
May 29, 2019 The U.S., Australia 2 vessels
Trilateral Training around Guam and JS “Asahi” (Australia) Submarine HMAS
“Farncomb”
Mine warfare training
Minesweeper Tender, 18 vessels MH-53E × 2, approximately 10
(Mutsu Bay) and
Minesweeper Ocean, MCH-101 × 3 Explosive Ordnance Disposal
minesweeping special Jul. 18-30, 2019 Mutsu Bay The U.S., India
Minesweeper Coastal, P-3C × 4 personnel
training (Japan-U.S.-
Minesweeping Controller P-1 × 1 (India) Approximately 4 Explosive
India trilateral exercise)
Ordnance Disposal personnel
Anchor phase: Sasebo Destroyers JS
(U.S.) Destroyer USS
Japan-U.S.-India On-the-sea phase: “Samidare,” JS “Chokai,”
Sep. 26-Oct. 4, 4 vessels “McCampbell,” P-8A, submarine
Trilateral Exercise waters and airspace of The U.S., India and JS “Kaga”
2019 P-1 × 1 (India) Frigate INS “Sahyadri,”
(Malabar 2019) Sasebo through south Underway Replenishment
Corvette INS “Kiltan,” P-8I
of Kanto Ship JS “Omi”
countries in the
Minesweeper Tender JS
Middle East, 2 vessels
U.S.-Hosted International Oct. 28-Nov. 14, “Bungo,” Minesweeper
Waters around Bahrain Europe, South Asia, Approximately －
Maritime Exercise 2019 Division 3, Minesweeper
Southeast Asia, 180 personnel
Coastal JS “Takashima”
Africa and South
America, etc.
U.S.-Philippines joint (U.S.) P-8A × 1, 2 vessels, etc.
Waters and airspace The U.S., the
exercise Oct. 14-19, 2019 Air Patrol Squadron 5 P-3C × 2 (The Philippines) C-90 × 1, 1
east of Palawan Island Philippines
(MTA Sama Sama 2019) vessel, etc.
On-the-sea exercise: The U.S.,
8th Western Pacific waters west of Perth Australia, the
1 vessel
Submarine Rescue Land training and ROK, Singapore, Submarine Rescue Ship
Nov. 4-15, 2019 Approximately －
Exercise events: HMAS Stirling Malaysia JS “Chiyoda”
150 personnel
(Pacific Reach 2019) of Royal Australian (approximately 20
Navy observer countries)
MSDF training (field Approximately
(U.S.) Approximately 5 vessels
training [Japan-U.S.- Waters and airspace The U.S., Australia, 20 vessels
Nov. 4-21, 2019 － (Australia) 2 vessels, 2 aircraft
Australia-Canada around Japan Canada Approximately
(Canada) 1 vessel
multilateral training]) 40 aircraft
17 vessels (U.S.) 1 mine countermeasures
Minesweeper Tender,
Minesweeping special MCH-101 × ship, MH-53E × 2, approximately
Minesweeper Ocean,
training (Japan-U.S.- 2 or 3 10 Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Nov. 18-28, 2019 Hyuga-nada Sea The U.S., Australia Minesweeper Coastal,
Australia trilateral Approximately personnel
Minesweeping
training) 1,000 (Australia) 2 mine
Controller,
personnel countermeasures ships
FY2019 multilateral
exercise for fixed-wing The U.S., Australia, P-3C × 1
Waters and airspace Air Development
aircraft hosted by U.S. Jan. 20-31, 2020 New Zealand, the Approximately －
around Guam Squadron 51
Navy ROK 30 personnel
(Sea Dragon 2020)
Andersen Air Force
Japan-U.S.-Australia US-2 × 1
Jan. 31-Mar. 6, Base (Guam, the U.S.)
trilateral exercise (Cope The U.S., Australia 71st Fighter Squadron Approximately －
2020 and its surrounding
North 20) 30 personnel
waters and airspace
(U.S.) Aircraft carrier USS “Ronald
Regan,” Guided-missile cruiser
Waters and airspace of USS “Antietam,” guided-missile
South China Sea and destroyer USS “Mustin”
Jul. 19-23, 2020 the eastern offshore of The U.S., Australia Destroyer JS “Teruzuki” 1 vessel (Australia) Amphibious assault
Trilateral Training
the Philippines through ship HMAS “Canberra,” destroyer
Guam HMAS “Hobart,” frigate HMAS
“Arunta,” “Stuart,” replenishment
ship HMAS “Sirius”

Numbers of
(Japan)
Multilateral Training
Hosted by the U.S. Navy Jul. 21-23, 2020 － The U.S., etc. Maritime Staff Office －－
(SEACAT 2020)
2 vessels
Rim of the Pacific Waters and airspace
Destroyer JS “Ise,” and Approximately
Exercise hosted by Aug. 17-31, 2020 around Hawaiian －－
JS “Ashigara” 550
the U.S. (RIMPAC 2020) Islands
personnel
(U.S.) Destroyer USS “Barry,”
replenishment ship USS “John
Reference
Japan-U.S.-Australia- Ericsson,” submarine, aircraft

ROK Multilateral Waters and airspace The U.S., Australia, Destroyer JS “Ise,” and (Australia) Frigate HMAS “Arunta,”
Sep. 12-13, 2020 2 vessels
Exercise around Guam the ROK JS “Ashigara” “Stuart”
(Pacific Vanguard 20) (ROK) Destroyer ROKS
“Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin,” ROKS
“Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong”
(U.S.) Destroyer USS “John S.
Oct. 19-20, 2020 South China Sea The U.S., Australia Destroyer JS “Kirisame” 1 vessel McCain”
Trilateral Training
(Australia) Frigate HMAS “Arunta”
Japan-U.S.-Australia McCain”
Nov. 6-7, 2020 Bay of Bengal The U.S., Australia Destroyer JS “Onami” 1 vessel
Trilateral Training (Australia) Frigate HMAS
“Ballarat”
McCain”
(India) Destroyer INS “Ranvijay,”
Waters and airspace frigate INS “Shivalik,”
The U.S., India,
Nov. 3-6, 2020 east of Indian Ocean Destroyer JS “Onami” 1 vessel replenishment ship INS “Shakti,”
Australia
(Bay of Bengal) submarine INS “Sindhuraj,” P-8I,
etc.
(Australia) Frigate HMAS
“Ballarat”
Japan-U.S.-India-
Australia (U.S.) Aircraft carrier USS
Multilateral Exercise “Nimitz,” cruiser USS “Princeton,”
(Malabar 2020) destroyer USS “Sterett,” P-8A
(India) Aircraft carrier INS
Destroyer JS “Vikramaditya,” destroyer INS
Waters and airspace The U.S., India, “Murasame,” 1 vessel “Kolkata,” “Chennai,” frigate
Nov. 17-20, 2020
north of Arabial Sea Australia Air Development 2 personnel INS “Talwar,” submarine INS
Squadron 51 “Khanderi,” replenishment ship
INS “Deepak,” P-8I, MIG-29K,
DORNIER, etc.
(Australia) Frigate HMAS
“Ballarat”
Waters and airspace
Japan-U.S.-France McCain,” P-8A
Dec. 15-17, 2020 around Okinotorishima The U.S., France Destroyer JS “Hyuga” 1 vessel
Trilateral Exercise (France) Submarine FS
Island
“Émeraude”
FY2020 Multilateral
P-1 × 2
Exercise for Fixed-wing
Waters and airspace Approximately
Aircraft hosted by U.S. Jan. 14-28, 2021 The U.S., etc. Air Division 12 －
around Guam 40
Navy
personnel
(Sea Dragon 2021)
Multilateral Navy
Waters and airspace Destroyer JS 1 vessel
Exercise hosted by Feb. 11-16, 2021 Pakistan, etc. －
north of Arabian Sea “Suzunami” 2 personnel
Pakistan (AMAN21)
Underway (U.S.) Destroyer USS “Curtis
Japan-U.S.-France Waters and airspace
Feb. 19, 2021 The U.S., France Replenishment Ship JS 1 vessel Wilbur”
Trilateral Exercise west of Kyusyu
“Hamana” (France) Frigate FS “Priarial”
(France) Aircraft carrier FS
“Charles de Gaulle,” destroyer FS
Japan-France-Belgium
Mar. 17-18, 2021 Gulf of Aden France, Belgium Destroyer JS “Ariake” 1 vessel “Provence,” replenishment ship
Trilateral Exercise
FS “Var”
(Belgium) Frigate BNS “Leopold I”
(U.S.) Guided missile cruiser USS
“Port Royal,” amphibious assault
Japan-U.S.-France- ship USS “Makin Island”
The U.S., France,
Belgium Multilateral Mar. 19-20, 2021 Arabian Sea Destroyer JS “Ariake” 1 vessel (France) Aircraft carrier FS
Belgium
Exercise “Charles de Gaulle,” destroyer FS
“Provence,” “Chevalier Paul”
(Belgium) Frigate BNS “Leopold I”

Participating Numbers of personnel,
Exercise Period Location Participating SDF units etc.
countries etc. (Japan)
(partner country)
Japan-U.S.-Australia Andersen Air Force
trilateral HA/DR Base (Guam, the U.S.),
1 aircraft
exercise in the Micronesia, Palau and 1st Tactical Airlift Wing, (U.S.) C-130J × 3
Dec. 5-17, 2018 The U.S., Australia Approximately 30
Federated States Northern Mariana Islands, Air Support Command (Australia) C-130J × 1
personnel
of Micronesia, etc. and their surrounding
(Christmas Drop) airspace
Andersen Air Force Base
8th Air Wing, 9th Air Wing,
(Guam, the U.S.), Northern
Reference
Air Rescue Wing, Airborne Approximately 20
Japan-U.S.-Australia Mariana Islands, Saipan,
Feb. 7-Mar. 19, Early Warning Group, Air aircraft
Trilateral Training Tinian Island, Rota and The U.S., Australia －
2019 Defense Command Totaling approximately
(Cope North Guam) Farallon de Medinilla
1st Tactical Airlift Wing, 450 personnel
Target Range, and their
Air Support Command
trilateral HA/DR
(Guam, the U.S.), Northern 1 aircraft (U.S.) C-130J × 3
exercise in the The U.S., Australia, 1st Tactical Airlift Wing,
Dec.4-16, 2019 Mariana Islands (the U.S.), Approximately 30 (Australia) C-130J × 1
Federated States New Zealand Air Support Command
Palau and Micronesia, and personnel (NZ) C-130J × 1
of Micronesia, etc.
their surrounding airspace
(Christmas Drop)
8th Air Wing, 9th Air Wing, F-15J/DJ × 8
Air Rescue Wing, Airborne F-2A/B × 6
Japan-U.S.- (Guam, the U.S.), Northern
Early Warning Group, Air U-125A × 2
Australia Mariana Islands, Tinian
Defense Command E-2C × 2
Trilateral Exercise: Island The U.S., Australia －
1st Tactical Airlift Wing, C-2 × 1
Jan. 31-Mar. 8, and Farallon de Medinilla
Japan-U.S.-Australia 2020 3rd Tactical Airlift Wing, KC-767 × 1
Target Range, and their
Trilateral Exercise and Air Approximately 450
Japan-U.S.-Australia Support Command personnel
Trilateral HA/DR
Exercise Air Rescue Wing, Air
(Cope North 20) Japan-U.S.- Tactics Development
(Guam, the U.S.), Northern U-125A × 2
Australia Wing, 3rd Tactical
Mariana Islands, Saipan, C-2 × 1
Trilateral HA/DR The U.S., Australia Airlift Wing, Air Support ー
Tinian Island and Rota, (Approximately 70
Exercise: Command, Aero Medical
and their surrounding personnel)
Feb. 12-26, 2020 Evacuation Squadron,
airspace
etc.
Multilateral Virtual
Exercise hosted by Internal Bureau, Joint
Canada, France,
U.S. Space Force Nov. 4-5, 2020 Ichigaya (Online) Staff Office, Air Staff 18 personnel －
Germany, New
(Schriever Wargame Office
Zealand, the U.K.
2020)

(Guam, the U.S.), Farallon F-15J/DJ×6
Japan-U.S.- 2nd Air Wing, 8th Air
de Medinilla Target Range F‐2A×3
Australia Wing, Airborne Early
and their surrounding E-767×1
Trilateral Exercise: The U.S., Australia Warning Group, 3rd －
airspace, Palau Babeldaob C-2×1
Japan-U.S.-Australia Jan. 18-Feb. 28, Island Roman Tometuchel
tactical Airlift Wing, Air
Approximately 250
Trilateral Exercise and 2021 International Airport and
Support Command
personnel
Japan-U.S.-Australia- Angaur Island
France
Multilateral HA/DR
Exercise (Note 2) Japan-U.S.-
Andersen Air Force Base Base Defense
(Cope North 21) Australia-France
(Guam, the U.S.), Farallon Development & Training C-2 x 1
Multilateral HA/DR
de Medinilla Target Range The U.S., Australia Squadron, 3rd Tactical Approximately 110 －
Exercise:
and their surrounding Airlift Wing, Air Support personnel
Jan. 18-Feb. 28,
airspace, Palau Command
2021
Notes: 1. The numbers of personnel, etc., are based on those at the time of release. The total number of personnel may not match the actual number if it is the sum of approximate numbers.
2. Changes are made to participating countries, etc., due to the impact of COVID-19.

Reference 47 Dispatch of Ministry of Defense Personnel to International Organizations
(1) Dispatch of Personnel to United Nations Agencies
Period of Dispatch Position in the Dispatched Organization Dispatched Personnel
Jun. 9, 1997–Jun. 30, 2002, Inspectorate Division Director, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
1 GSDF personnel (Major General)1
Aug. 1, 2004–Jul. 31, 2007 (The Hague, the Netherlands)
Jun. 23, 1997–Jun. 23, 2000 Inspector, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (The Hague, the Netherlands) 1 GSDF officer (Captain)
Head, Operations and Planning Branch, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
Oct. 1, 2002–Jun. 30, 2007 1 GSDF personnel (Colonel)
(The Hague, the Netherlands)
Jul. 11, 2005–Jul. 10, 2009 Inspector, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (The Hague, the Netherlands) 1 GSDF personnel (Major)
Reference
Jan. 9, 2009–Jan. 8, 2013 Inspector, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (The Hague, the Netherlands) 1 GSDF personnel (Major)
Aug. 27, 2013–Aug. 31, 2016 Inspector, Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (The Hague, the Netherlands) 1 GSDF officer (Captain)
Military Planning Service, Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) 1 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Dec. 2, 2002–Jun. 1, 2005
(New York) Colonel)
Nov. 28, 2005–Nov. 27, 2008
(New York) Colonel)
Jan. 16, 2011–Jan. 15, 2014
(New York) Colonel)
Force Generation Service, Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) 1 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Sep. 18, 2013–Sep. 17, 2016
(New York) Colonel)
Senior Military Liaison Officer, Africa I Division, Office of Operations, Department of Peacekeeping
Jun. 1, 2015–Nov. 30, 2017 1 GSDF personnel (Colonel)
Operations (UNDPKO) (New York)
Strategic Support Service, Logistics Support Division, Department of Field Support, United Nations
Mar. 1–Aug. 31, 2016 1 GSDF personnel (Colonel)2
(New York)
Military Planning Service, Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO) 1 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Aug. 29, 2016–Aug. 26, 2019
(New York)3 Colonel)
Strategic Support Service, Logistics Division, Department of Operational Support, United Nations
Feb. 11, 2017–Feb. 18, 2020 1 administrative official
(New York)4
Apr. 1, 2018–Dec. 31, 2020 Group of Experts, Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (New York) 1 instructor
Military Planning Service, Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations (UNDPO) 1 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Oct. 19, 2019–
(New York) Colonel)
Support Partnerships Service, Division for Special Activities, United Nations Department of Operational 1 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Aug. 8, 2020–
Support (New York) Colonel)
Support Partnerships Service, Division for Special Activities, United Nations Department of Operational
Mar. 15, 2021 1 administrative official
Support (New York)
Notes: 1. The OPCW Inspectorate Division Director served in office until July 2009 after his retirement from the SDF on August 1, 2007.
2. Dispatched as an official of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3. Due to the organizational change on January 1, 2019, the name changed from “Department of Peacekeeping Operations” to “Department of Peace Operations.”
4. Due to the organizational change on January 1, 2019, the name changed from “Department of Field Support” to “Department of Operational Support.”

(2) Dispatch of Instructors and Others to PKO Centers, etc.
Period of Dispatch Position in the Dispatched Organization Dispatched Personnel
2 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Nov. 21–30, 2008 Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA) (Egypt)
Colonel)
May 22–Jun. 6, 2009 Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA) (Egypt) 1 GSDF personnel (Major General)
Aug. 28–Sep. 5, 2009 Peacekeeping School in Bamako (Mali)
Colonel)
Apr. 10–17, 2010 Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA) (Egypt)
Colonel) *1
Aug. 14–30, 2010 Peacekeeping School in Bamako (Mali) 1 GSDF personnel (Colonel)
Reference
Nov. 15–20, 2011 Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (Ghana) 1 GSDF personnel (Colonel)
Jul. 31–Aug. 5, 2012 International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) (Kenya) 1 GSDF personnel (Colonel)
1 ASDF personnel (Lieutenant
Dec. 15–19, 2012 Cairo Regional Center for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA) (Egypt)
Colonel)
Mar. 9–14, 2013 South African National Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) (South Africa) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
Aug. 28–Sep. 1, 2013 International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) (Kenya)
Colonel)
Oct. 5–9, 2013 International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) (Kenya) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
Mar. 8–13, 2014 South African National Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) (South Africa) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
Mar. 23–May 25, 2014 Ethiopian International Peace Keeping Training Centre (EIPKTC) (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) (Kenya) (dispatched to give lecture in South 1 GSDF personnel (Lieutenant
Aug. 12, 2014
Sudan) Colonel)
Oct. 5–9, 2014 International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) (Kenya) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
Oct. 6–23, 2014 Ethiopian International Peace Keeping Training Centre (EIPKTC) (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Mar. 19–Apr. 1, 2015 UN Peacekeeping Centre (India) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
Jun. 4–Jul. 1, 2015 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia) *2
Colonel)
Sep. 5–20, 2015 South African National Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) (South Africa) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
Oct. 22–Nov. 7, 2015 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Mar. 21–Apr. 1, 2016 UN Peacekeeping Centre (India) 1 MSDF personnel (Captain)
May 31–Jun. 17, 2016 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Nov. 4–19, 2016 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Mar. 6–19, 2017 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Jun. 2-18, 2017 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Dec. 1-15, 2017 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Jun. 30-Jul. 15, 2018 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Aug. 22-28, 2018 Indonesian National Defense Forces Peacekeeping Centre (Indonesia)
Colonel)
Nov. 2–18, 2018 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Mar. 3–15, 2019 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Jun. 28–Jul. 12, 2019 Peace Support Training Centre (Ethiopia)
Colonel)
Nov. 8-22, 2019 International Peace Support Training Institute (Ethiopia) *3
Colonel)
Mar. 6-15, 2020 International Peace Support Training Institute (Ethiopia) 1 GSDF personnel (Major)
*1 First dispatch of female SDF personnel.
*2 In June 2015, the name changed from “International Peace Keeping Training Centre” to “Peace Support Training Centre.”
*3 In October 2019, the name changed from “Peace Support Training Center” to “International Peace Support Training Institute.”

Reference 48 Summary Comparison of Laws Concerning International Peace Cooperation Activities
Law Concerning Special
Replenishment Support
Measures on Humanitarian
International Peace Support International Peace Japan Disaster Relief Team Special Measures Law
Item and Reconstruction
Act Cooperation Act Law (Expired on January 15,
Assistance in Iraq (Expired on
2010)
July 31, 2009)
○Contribution to ensuring ○Proactive contribution ○Contribution to promotion ○Proactive contribution ○Proactive contribution
peace and security of the to U.N.-centered efforts of international to the efforts by the to the international
international community towards international cooperation international community to community to prevent and
peace support and encourage the eradicate international
self-reliant efforts by the terrorism
Reference
Iraqi people towards the ○Contribution to ensuring

Purpose prompt reconstruction of peace and security of the
the State of Iraq international community
○Contribution to ensuring including Japan
peace and security of the
international community
including Japan through
the reconstruction of Iraq
○Provision under Article ○Provision under Article ○Provision under Article ○Supplementary provisions ○Supplementary provisions
Provisions in
84-5 (Chapter 6) of the 84-5 (Chapter 6) of the 84-5 (Chapter 6) of the of the SDF Law of the SDF Law
the SDF Law
SDF Law SDF Law SDF Law
○Cooperation and support ○International peacekeeping ○Rescue activities ○Humanitarian and ○Replenishment support
activities1 activities ○Medical treatment reconstruction assistance activities
○Search and rescue ○Internationally coordinated (including prevention of activities
activities1 operations for peace and epidemics) ○Support activities for
○Ship inspection operations3 security ○Activities for disaster ensuring security
Major ○International humanitarian emergency response and
Activities assistance disaster recovery
○International election ○Transportation of
monitoring activities personnel or equipment/
○Supplies cooperation goods for the
for the abovementioned abovementioned activities
activities
○Territories of Japan ○Areas excluding Japan ○Regions overseas, ○Territories of Japan ○Territories of Japan
○Territories of foreign (including the high seas) especially in less- ○Territories of foreign ○Territories of foreign
countries (consent of (A ceasefire agreement developed regions countries (consent of countries (limited to the
the agency in charge of between the parties of the the agency in charge of Indian Ocean States)
Areas of
administration (in such dispute and an agreement administration is required (consent of such countries
Operation
countries) is required. by the receiving country in such countries and is required)2
○High seas and the airspace are required) in Iraq)2 ○High seas (limited to the
above ○High seas and the airspace Indian Ocean, etc.) and the
above2 airspace above2
○Prior approval required ○To be discussed in N/A ○To be discussed in the Diet (Note 5)
without exception advance in the Diet within 20 days from the
in principle, only for day since the SDF initiates
cases where SDF units, such measures4
Diet Approval
etc. conduct so-called
ceasefire monitoring
and safety-ensuring
operations4
○Report on the details of ○Report about the details of N/A ○Report on the details of ○Report about the details of
Diet Report operation plan is required operation plan is required operation plan is required operation plan is required
without delay without delay without delay without delay
Notes: 1. Limited to sites where combat is not taking place.
2. Limited to areas where combat is not taking place or not expected to take place while Japan’s activities are being implemented.
3. Operations shall be conducted in waters where the activities can be clearly distinguished from ship inspection operations carried out by foreign countries.
4. In cases where the Diet is in recess, etc., an approval shall be promptly requested in the Diet at the earliest session.
5. As prescribed by Law, (1) the category and nature of operations shall be limited to supply. (2) As the area of operations is prescribed, including foreign territories, it is not considered necessary
to re-obtain the approval of the Diet. Therefore there are no provisions relating to Diet approval.

Reference 49 The SDF Record in International Peace Cooperation Activities
(1) Dispatch to the Persian Gulf for minesweeping (As of March 31, 2021)
Period of Number of Total Number of
Place of Dispatch Description of Principal Tasks
Dispatch Personnel Personnel
Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf, etc. Minesweeping Dispatch Apr.-Oct. 1991 Approx. 510 Approx. 510 - Minesweeping and disposal in the Persian Gulf
Unit
(2) International Peace Cooperation Activities

Total
Reference
Period of Dispatch Number of Personnel Number of Description of Principal Tasks
Personnel
- Monitor custody of weapons collected
Ceasefire Monitors Sep. 1992 - Sep. 1993 8 16
United Nations Transitional - Monitor observance of ceasefire
Authority in Cambodia - Repair roads, bridges and other infrastructure
(UNTAC) - Supply fuel and water
(PKO) Engineer unit Sep. 1992 - Sep. 1993 600 1,200
- Supply food and accommodation, provide facilities for work and
medical care
May 1993 - -
Draft mid-and long-term plans, plan and coordinate transport
United Nations operation in Headquarters staff 5 10
Jan. 1995 operations
Mozambique (ONUMOZ)
(PKO) Transport May 1993 - - Support customs clearance work and provide other transport related
48 144
coordination unit Jan. 1995 technical coordination in the allocation of transport
Rwandan refugee
Sep. - Dec. 1994 260 260 - Medical care, prevention of epidemics, water supplies
Humanitarian Relief Operation relief unit
for Rwandan Refugees - Air transport of Rwandan refugee relief unit personnel and supplies
(Humanitarian aid) Air transport unit Sep. - Dec. 1994 118 118 - Air transport of personnel of international organizations, etc., and
materials
Feb. 1996 - Feb. 2009 1st-13th personnel: 2 - Create PR and budgets, plan and coordinate transport, maintenance
Headquarters staff 38
Feb. 2009 - Jan. 2013 14th-17th personnel: 3 and other operations
United Nations
Disengagement Observer - Transport food and other supplies
Force (UNDOF) Feb. 1996 - Aug. 2012 1st-33rd personnel: 43
-Store goods at supply warehouses, repair roads and other
(PKO) Transport unit 1,463
infrastructure, maintain heavy machinery, conduct firefighting and
Aug. 2012 - Jan. 2013 34th personnel: 44 snow clearance
Humanitarian Relief
Air transport unit Nov. 1999 - Feb. 2000 113 113 - Air transport of relief supplies and UNHCR related personnel
Operations in Timor-Leste
Humanitarian Relief
Operations for Afghanistan Air transport unit Oct. 2001 138 138 - Air transport of relief supplies
Refugees
United Nations Transitional 1st rotation: 10
Administration in Timor-Leste Headquarters staff Feb. 2002 - Jun. 2004 17 - Plan and coordinate engineering and logistics operations
(UNTAET) 2nd rotation: 7
(United Nations Mission in 1st and 2nd rotation: 680 - Maintain and repair roads and bridges
Timor-Leste (UNMISET) from -Maintain reservoirs used by units of other nations and local
Engineer unit Mar. 2002 - Jun. 2004 3rd rotation: 522 2,287
May 20, 2002) inhabitants that are in Dili and other locations
(PKO) 4th rotation: 405 - Public welfare support operations
Humanitarian Relief
Operations for Iraqi Refugees Air transport unit Mar. - Apr. 2003 50 50 - Air transport of relief supplies
(Humanitarian aid)
Humanitarian Relief
Operations for Iraqi Victims Air transport unit Jul. - Aug. 2003 98 98 - Air transport of materials
(Humanitarian aid)
United Nations Mission in
- Monitor management of weapons of Maoist soldiers and those of the
Nepal (UNMIN) Arms monitors Mar. 2007 - Jan. 2011 6 24
Nepalese government force
(PKO)
United Nations Mission in - Coordination in UNMISS concerning overall logistics of the military
Sudan (UNMIS) Headquarters staff Oct. 2008 - Sep. 2011 2 12 sector
(PKO) - Database management
Headquarters staff Feb. 2010 - Jan. 2013 2 12 - Coordination of facility-related duties and overall military logistics
1st rotation: 203
United Nations Stabilization 2nd rotation: 346
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) 3rd and 4th rotation: 330
(PKO) Engineer unit Feb. 2010 - Jan. 2013 5th and 6th rotation: 317 2,184 - Remove rubble, repair roads, construct simple facilities, etc.
7th rotation: 297
Withdrawal support
unit: 44
United Nations Integrated
Mission in Timor-Leste Military liaison
Sep. 2010 - Sep. 2012 2 8 - Intelligence gathering on the security situation across Timor-Leste
(UNMIT) officer
(PKO)

Total
Period of Dispatch Number of Personnel Number of Description of Principal Tasks
Personnel
- Coordination regarding the demand of overall military logistics
- Management of database
Headquarters staff Nov. 2011 - 4 43
- Planning and coordination of engineering duties
- Planning and coordination of aircraft operation supports
1st rotation: 239

- Development of infrastructure
2nd - 4th rotation: 349
United Nations Mission in (The following duties were added after 5th personnel)
5th and 6th rotation: 401
the Republic of South Sudan Engineer Unit Jan. 2012 - May 2017 - Consultation and coordination with UNMISS regarding engineer unit
7th - 10th rotation: 353
(UNMISS) activities
11th rotation: 354
(PKO) - Coordination regarding logistics
Withdrawal support
Reference
3,912
unit: 58
(Number of personnel
for 1st to 4th rotations - Consultation and coordination with UNMISS regarding engineer unit
Local support includes personnel
Jan. 2012 - Dec. 2013 activities
coordination center at the local support - Coordination regarding logistics
coordination center)
International Peace
Cooperation Assignment in
Sinai Peninsula Headquarters staff Apr. 2019 - 2 4 - Liaison and coordination between Egypt and Israel and the MFO
(Internationally coordinated
operation)
Notes: 1. Other operations have included support activities in the areas of transport and supply carried out by units of the MSDF (in Cambodia and Timor-Leste) and the ASDF (in Cambodia, Mozambique,
the Golan Heights, Timor-Leste, and Afghanistan).
2. An advance unit of 23 people was additionally sent as part of the Rwandan refugee relief effort.
(3) International Disaster Relief Activities by the SDF

Number of Total Number of
Period of Dispatch Description of Principal Tasks
Personnel Personnel
International Disaster Relief Medical unit 80 - Medical treatment and prevention of epidemics
Activities in Honduras Nov.–Dec. 1998 185
(hurricane disaster) Air transport unit 105 - Transportation of equipment for medical units, etc.
Transportation of materials
required for International
- Marine transportation of materials required for international disaster
Disaster Relief Activities Maritime transport unit Sep.–Nov. 1999 426 426
relief activities (e.g., temporary dwellings)
in Iran
(earthquake disaster)
International Disaster Relief Material support unit 16 - Delivery of aid materials and technical instruction on aid materials
Activities in India Feb. 2001 94
(earthquake disaster) Air transport unit 78 - Air transport of aid materials and support units, etc.
required for International
Dec. 2003–Jan. - Air transport of materials required for international disaster relief
Disaster Relief Activities Air transport unit 31 31
2004 activities (tents, etc.)
in Iran
International Disaster Relief
Dispatched maritime Dec. 2004–Jan.
Activities in Thailand 590 590 - Search and rescue activities for the disaster struck victims
unit 2005
(earthquake/tsunami disaster)
Joint liaison office 22 - Joint arrangements for the international disaster relief activities
- Air transport of aid materials
International Disaster Relief Medical/Air support unit 228
- Medical treatment and prevention of epidemics
Activities in Indonesia Jan.–Mar. 2005 925
(earthquake, tsunami) - Marine transportation of GSDF International Disaster Relief Teams
Maritime transport unit 593
- Marine transportation of aid materials
Air transport unit 82 - Air transport of aid materials
Activities off Kamchatka
Maritime transport unit Aug. 2005 346 346 - Rescue of a Russian submarine
Peninsula, Russia
(submarine accident)
International Disaster Relief Air support unit 147 - Air transport in connection with relief activities
Activities in response to an
Oct.-Dec. 2005 261
earthquake in Pakistan, etc. Air transport unit 114 - Air transport of GSDF International Disaster Relief Team
International Disaster Relief Medical support unit 149 - Medical treatment and prevention of epidemics
Activities in Indonesia May-Jun. 2006 234
(earthquake disaster) Air transport unit 85 - Air transport of GSDF International Disaster Relief Teams
International Disaster Relief Joint liaison office 21 - Joint arrangements for the international disaster relief activities
Activities in Indonesia Oct. 2009 33
(earthquake) Medical support unit 12 - Medical treatment
Joint liaison office 33 - Coordination with relevant Haitian organizations and others
International Disaster Relief - Air transportation of International Disaster Relief Teams
Activities in Haiti (earthquake Air transport unit Jan.–Feb. 2010 97 234 - Air transportation of victims from Haiti to the United States as part of
disaster) international disaster relief activities on the return trips of said unit
Medical support unit 104 - Medical treatment

Number of Total Number of
Period of Dispatch Description of Principal Tasks
Personnel Personnel
Joint operations
27 - Joint arrangements for the international disaster relief activities
coordination center
Activities in response to floods Air support unit Aug.–Nov. 2010 184 514 - Air transport of materials, etc.
in Pakistan (flood disaster) Marine convoy 154 - Marine transportation of GSDF International Disaster Relief Teams
Air transport unit 149 - Air Transport of GSDF International Disaster Relief Teams
and personnel required
for the implementation of - Air transport of personnel engaging in international disaster relief
Air transport unit Feb.–Mar. 2011 40 40
International Disaster Relief activities and materials
Activities in New Zealand
Reference
Joint Operations
Approx. 10 -Joint arrangements for the international disaster relief activities
International Disaster Relief Coordination Center
Activities in the Philippines Nov.–Dec. 2013 Approx. 1,100 - Medical treatment (examination/vaccination)
(typhoon disaster) Joint Task Force Approx. 1,080 - Prevention of epidemics
- Transport of relief supplies, etc.
International Disaster Relief Local operation support
Approx. 10 - Coordination with relevant Malaysian organizations and others
Activities for the missing center
Mar.–Apr. 2014 Approx. 140
Malaysian airplane International disaster
(searching) Approx. 130 - Rescue operations including searching
relief squadron
Transport of materials - Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA, UNMEER, and
Local coordination
necessary for International 4 other relevant organizations engaged in international disaster relief
center
Disaster Relief Activities activities
Nov.-Dec. 2014 14
in response to Ebola virus
disease outbreak in West Air transport unit 10 - Air transport
Africa (infectious disease)
- Information gathering related to rescue operations including search of
Local support
International Disaster Relief 3 missing AirAsia Flight 8501, coordination with relevant organizations
coordination center Dec. 2014 - Jan.
Activities in Indonesia Approx. 350 and countries
2015
(airplane accident) International disaster
Approx. 350 - Rescue operations including search of missing AirAsia Flight 8501
relief surface force
Activities in response to
Epidemiological study - Support for WHO’s epidemiological study and other activities in Sierra
Ebola virus disease outbreak Apr.– May 2015 1 1
support Leone
in West Africa (infectious
disease)
Joint operations - Coordination with relevant organizations of the Federal Democratic
International Disaster Relief 4
coordination center Republic of Nepal and relevant countries
Activities in Nepal Apr.– May 2015 Approx. 140
Medical support unit Approx. 110 - Medical treatment
Air transport unit Approx. 30 - Air transport of equipment and materials required for medical treatment
Activities in New Zealand Air patrol unit Nov. 2016 Approx. 30 Approx. 30 - Evaluation of damages
- Information gathering concerning damages and operations in the
International Disaster Relief Local coordination affected areas
Activities in Indonesia Approx. 10
center Oct. 2018 Approx. 60 - Coordination with relevant organizations of Indonesia and relevant
(earthquake and tsunami countries
disaster)
Air transport unit Approx. 50 - Transportation of personnel/materials
International Disaster Relief Part of the Deployment - Drainage work and function recovery of public facilities (elementary
Activities in Djibouti Air Force for Counter Nov.-Dec. 2019 Approx. 230 Approx. 230 and junior high schools), transport and distribution of emergency relief
(heavy rain/flood disaster) Piracy Enforcement * supplies
Local coordination - Coordination with relevant organizations of the Commonwealth of
International Disaster Relief Approx. 10
center Australia and relevant countries
Activities in Australia Jan.-Feb. 2020 Approx. 80
(bush fire disaster) - Air transport of materials and personnel required for firefighting and
Air transport unit Approx. 70
relief activities
* Units dispatched for a counter-piracy mission (see (7) Counter-Piracy Operations) carried out the activities
(4) Cooperative activities based on the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law

Units carrying out
Nov. 2001 -
Indian Ocean replenishment support Approx. 320 Approx. 10,900 - Materials supplies for foreign vessels
Nov. 2007
activities
Units carrying out
U.S. Forces in Japan, etc. replenishment support － Approx. 2,900 - Transportation of materials
activities
(5) Replenishment activities based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law
Replenishment support Jan. 2008 -
Indian Ocean Approx. 330 Approx. 2,400 - Materials supplies for foreign vessels
unit Feb. 2010

(6) Activities based on the Special Measures Law for Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance in Iraq
Reconstruction
assistance group (1st
Jan. 2004 - - Medical treatment, water supply, reconstruction and maintenance of
Southeast Iraq, etc. to 10th) Approx. 600 Approx. 5,600
Jul. 2006 public facilities, etc.
Operation assistance
unit (1st to 5th)
Evacuation operation Jun.– Sep.
Kuwait, etc. Approx. 100 Approx. 100 - Operations required for evacuation of vehicles, equipment and others
unit 2006
- Maritime transport of vehicles and other equipment required for the
Persian Gulf, etc. Maritime transport unit Feb.- Apr. 2004 Approx. 330 Approx. 330
GSDF’s activities
Reference
Air transportation unit Dec. 2003 - - Air transportation of materials for humanitarian and reconstruction
Kuwait, etc. Approx. 210 Approx. 3,500
(1st to 16th term) Dec. 2008 assistance
Withdrawal operation Dec. 2008 –
Kuwait, etc. Approx. 130 Approx. 130 - Operation related to withdrawal
unit Feb. 2009
(7) Counter-Piracy Operations (including dispatches as Maritime Security Operations)

Mar. 2009 -
Off the coast of Somalia / Approx. 400 Approx. 10,000 Escort of vessels, zone defense, etc.
Maritime Force Dec. 2016
Gulf of Aden
Dec. 2016 - Approx. 200 Approx. 2,600 Escort of vessels, zone defense, etc.
May 2009 -
Approx.100
Feb. 2011
Off the coast of Somalia /
Feb. 2011 - Surveillance activities in the Gulf of Aden and tasks related to general
Gulf of Aden Approx.120 Approx. 1,640
Jun. 2012 affairs, accounting, public relations, health, etc.
Djibouti
Jun. 2012 - Jul.
Approx.110
2014
Air Unit (MSDF) Jul. 2014 - Jul.
Gulf of Aden Approx. 70 Approx. 210 Surveillance activities in the Gulf of Aden, etc.
2015
Djibouti
Surveillance activities in the Gulf of Aden, etc.
(Conduct information gathering activities in the Gulf of Aden, especially
in the airspace of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor
Gulf of Aden Jul. 2015 - Approx. 60* Approx. 1,480*
where counter-piracy operations are carried out, and within the area
Djibouti
of the high seas to the west of the northern Arabian sea since January
2020)
Communication and coordination with the relevant authorities of the
Djibouti Support Unit (MSDF) Jul. 2014 - Approx. 30 Approx. 450 Republic of Djibouti and other authorities and supports necessary for Air
Unit to conduct counter-piracy operation, etc.
Combined Task Force Communication and coordination with units of various countries
Bahrain, etc. Aug. 2014 - Under 20 Approx. 70
151 Command Unit participating in CTF151
Local Coordination Jul. 2012 - Jul.
Djibouti 3 Approx. 12 Republic of Djibouti and other authorities necessary for Maritime Force
Center 2014
and Air Unit to conduct counter-piracy operation
May 2009 -
Approx. 50
Feb. 2011
Feb. 2011 -
Djibouti Air Unit (GSDF) Approx. 60 Approx. 970 Security of activity base and P-3C
Jun. 2012
Jun. 2012 - Jul.
Approx. 80
2014
Djibouti Support Unit (GSDF) Jul. 2014 - Approx. 80 Approx. 1,200 Republic of Djibouti and other authorities and supports necessary for Air
Unit to conduct counter-piracy operation, etc.
(8) Information Gathering Activities in the Middle East

Gulf of Oman, the northern
Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Information gathering activities for ensuring the safety of Japan-related
Maritime Force Feb. 2020 - Approx. 200 Approx. 800
Aden to the east of the Bab vessels
el-Mandeb Strait
Air Unit (MSDF)
(Conduct by the counter- Conduct information gathering activities in the Gulf of Aden, especially in
piracy unit to the extent the airspace of the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor, where
Gulf of Aden Jan. 2020 - Approx. 60 Approx. 340
that it does not interfere counter-piracy operations are carried out, and within the area of the
Djibouti
with the counter-piracy high seas to the west of the northern Arabian sea since January 2020.
operation)
* Activities by the Air Unit are those by utilizing the counter-piracy unit. The number and the total number of personnel are included in the respective number, with an asterisk, of (7) Counter-Piracy Operations.

Reference 50 Authorized and Actual Strength of Uniformed SDF Personnel and Changes in Them
Category GSDF MSDF ASDF Joint Staff etc. Total
Authorized 150,695 45,329 46,943 4,187 247,154
Actual 141,443 43,419 43,830 3,817 232,509
Staffing Rate (%) 93.9 95.8 93.4 91.2 94.1
Non-Fixed-Term Personnel Fixed-Term Personnel

Category
Reference
Officer Warrant Officer Enlisted (upper) Enlisted (lower)
Authorized 46,205 4,931 140,349 55,669
Actual 43,039 (2,532) 4,712 (102) 139,809 (8,997) 24,197 (3,052) 20,752 (3,576)
Staffing Rate (%) 93.1 95.6 99.6 80.7
Notes: 1. Figures in parentheses denote the number of females included in the preceding value.
2. The number of authorized personnel is determined based on the budget.
(Number of personnel) Changes in Authorized and Actual Strength of Uniformed SDF Personnel
260,000
247,746 247,446 247,172 247,172 247,160 247,154 247,154 247,154 247,154 247,154 247,154
240,000
232,509
227,950 227,848 227,339 227,442
225,712 226,742 226,789 226,547
224,526 224,422
220,000
200,000
FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020
The number of authorized and actual
Actual Authorized personnel is as of the end of each fiscal year.

Reference 51 Status of Application and Recruitment of Uniformed SDF Personnel (FY2020)
Classification Number Applied Number Recruited Competition Ratios
GSDF 2,238 ( 317 ) 215 ( 28 ) 10.4 ( 11.3 )
MSDF 1,252 ( 203 ) 81 ( 12 ) 15.5 ( 16.9 )
Officer candidates
ASDF 1,649 ( 355 ) 80 ( 21 ) 20.6 ( 16.9 )
Total 5,139 ( 875 ) 376 ( 61 ) 13.7 ( 14.3 )
Non-commissioned Technical Petty Officer MSDF 105 ( 35 ) 12 ( 1 ) 8.8 ( 35 )
officers Technical Sergeant ASDF 4 ( 2 ) 0 ( 0 ) ― ( ― )
MSDF 699 ( 77 ) 73 ( 5 ) 9.6 ( 15.4 )
Reference
Aviation Cadet ASDF 1,583 ( 182 ) 73 ( 4 ) 21.7 ( 45.5 )

Total 2,282 ( 259 ) 146 ( 9 ) 15.6 ( 28.8 )
GSDF 17,937 ( 3,384 ) 4,179 ( 362 ) 4.3 ( 9.3 )
Non-commissioned MSDF 4,725 ( 996 ) 1,494 ( 248 ) 3.2 ( 4.0 )
officer candidates ASDF 7,186 ( 1,624 ) 1,071 ( 378 ) 6.7 ( 4.3 )
Total 29,848 ( 6,004 ) 6,744 ( 988 ) 4.4 ( 6.1 )
GSDF 18,635 ( 3,578 ) 4,171 ( 1,072 ) 4.5 ( 3.3 )
Uniformed SDF MSDF 4,237 ( 845 ) 639 ( 105 ) 6.6 ( 8.0 )
personnel candidates
(Privates) ASDF 6,031 ( 1,421 ) 1,854 ( 236 ) 3.3 ( 6.0 )
Total 28,903 ( 5,844 ) 6,664 ( 1,413 ) 4.3 ( 4.1 )
Humanity and social
142 ( 44 ) 30 ( 5 ) 4.7 ( 8.8 )
science
Recommended Science and
284 ( 49 ) 125 ( 20 ) 2.3 ( 2.5 )
engineering
Total 426 ( 93 ) 155 ( 25 ) 2.7 ( 3.7 )
Humanity and social
123 ( 26 ) 14 ( 2 ) 8.8 ( 13 )
science
National Defense
Selective exam Science and
Academy Students 153 ( 14 ) 41 ( 3 ) 3.7 ( 4.7 )
engineering
Total 276 ( 40 ) 55 ( 5 ) 5.0 ( 8.0 )
Humanity and social
5,082 ( 2,205 ) 67 ( 19 ) 75.9 ( 116.1 )
science
General exam Science and
6,783 ( 1,528 ) 225 ( 23 ) 30.1 ( 66.4 )
engineering
Total 11,865 ( 3,733 ) 292 ( 42 ) 40.6 ( 88.9 )
National Defense Medical College students 5,287 ( 1,771 ) 84 ( 20 ) 62.9 ( 88.6 )
National Defense Medical College nursing students
1,775 ( 1,422 ) 75 ( 71 ) 23.7 ( 20.0 )
(SDF regular personnel candidate and nursing school students)
Recommended 241 93 2.6
GSDF High Technical
General exam 1,603 251 6.4
School Students
Total 1,844 344 5.4
Notes: 1. Figures in parentheses indicate numbers of females.
2. The numbers are for SDF regular personnel recruited in FY2020.

Reference 52 Breakdown of Ministry of Defense Personnel, etc.
Special Service Regular Service
Non-Authorized
Authorized Strength Non-Authorized Strength Authorized Strength
Strength
Private Secretary of the Minister of
Defense
SDF Personnel
Minister of Defense Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense Candidates for SDF Personnel
Reference
State Minister of Defense Vice-Minister of Defense for International Reserve Personnel
Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Affairs 47,900
Defense (2)
Director, Director General, and others Ready Reserve Personnel
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Administrative
751 7,981 Part-Time Officials
Defense Officials, and others 26
Special Advisers to the Minister of Administrative Officials, and others Candidates for Reserve Personnel
Defense (up to 3) 20,144 4,621
Uniformed SDF Personnel 247,154 National Defense Academy students
National Defense Medical College
students
GSDF High Technical School students
Part-Time Officials
Notes: 1. Number of personnel refers to the numbers specified in the laws and regulations (as for uniformed SDF Personnel, the number is the authorized number specified in the laws and regulations)
2. “Others” in the title includes Minister of Defense, State Minister of Defense, Parliamentary Vice-Ministers of Defense, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defense, and Private Secretary of the Minister
of Defense
Reference 53 Main Measures for Re-employment Support

Measures for
Classification Description
re-employment support
Occupational aptitude testing Testing aimed to provide retiring uniformed SDF personnel with guidance based on individual aptitudes
Provide retiring uniformed SDF personnel with knowhow to choose new occupation and right mindset toward
Career guidance
reemployment
Business management Support uniformed SDF personnel retiring at an early age to cultivate social adaptability, as well as provide
training necessary knowledge to lead a stable life after reemployment and retirement
Provide retiring uniformed SDF personnel with skills usable in society after retirement and eligible for
qualifications (large-sized vehicle operation, forklift operation, electrician, hazardous material engineer, boiler
engineer, heavy-duty vehicle operation, regular-sized vehicle operation, crane operators, first-level training for
Technical training nursing care workers, large-sized special vehicle operation, registered seller [new for FY2021], financial planner
[new for FY2021], pharmacy work [new for FY2021], electrical work construction management engineer [new
for FY2021], qualified firefighting equipment inspector [new for FY2021], gas welding work supervisor [new for
Measures for retiring Vocational FY2021], etc.)
uniformed SDF training Disaster prevention Provide uniformed SDF officer retiring at an early age with technical knowledge on disaster prevention
personnel and risk management administration and the Civil Protection Plan (attending lectures in this area are a prerequisite for receiving the
training Cabinet Office’s Regional Disaster Prevention Manager license)
Provide retiring uniformed SDF personnel with skills usable in society after retirement and eligible for
Correspondence qualifications (hazardous materials engineer, electrician, financial planner, real estate transaction specialist,
courses property administrator, health manager, boiler engineer, certified administrative procedures legal specialist, fire
defense equipment officer, support to personnel who wish to go to university, etc.)
Implement internship programs for uniformed SDF personnel who plan to retire in order to prevent early
Internship program
retirement due to reemployment mismatches as well as to expand places of re-employment
Outsourcing career
Outsource career counseling, etc., to external experts to meet the needs of each retiring uniformed SDF personnel
counseling, etc.
Implement internship programs for uniformed SDF personnel who plan to retire in order to prevent early
Internship program
retirement due to re-employment mismatches as well as to expand places of re-employment
Measures for internal
Training for support personnel Training of labor administration, support activities, etc. to improve quality of support personnel
support personnel
Support for publicity aimed at to
Measures for Publicizing to business owners, etc., the effectiveness of uniformed SDF personnel who plan to retire
business owners
promotion outside
of SDF Inviting business owners on unit Invite business owners to SDF units, etc., and provide them with tours, explanations of the re-employment
tours support situation, etc.

Reference 54 Employment Situation of Retired Uniformed SDF Personnel in Disaster Prevention-related Bureaus in Local Government
(As of March 31, 2021 612 personnel)
Prefectural
Government employment situation
Government
Hokkaido Prefectural Government (five persons), Sapporo City Government (two persons), Hakodate City Government (two persons), Otaru City Government, Asahikawa City
Government, Muroran City Government, Kushiro City Government, Obihiro City Government (two persons), Iwamizawa City Government, Rumoi City Government, Tomakomai City
Government, Wakkanai City Government, Bibai City Government, Ashibetsu City Government (two persons), Akabira City Government, Mombetsu City Government, Shibetsu City
Government, Nayoro City Government, Chitose City Government (three persons), Takikawa City Government, Sunagawa City Government, Furano City Government, Noboribetsu
City Government, Eniwa City Government (two persons), Date City Government, Kitahiroshima City Government (two persons), Hokuto City Government, Matsumae Town Office,
Hokkaido
Nanae Town Office, Shikabe Town Office, Shimamaki Village Office, Kuromatsunai Town Office, Rankoshi Town Office, Niseko Town Office, Kutchan Town Office, Yoichi Town
Office, Kamisunagawa Town Office, Naganuma Town Office, Tsukigata Town Office, Shintotsukawa Town Office, Kamifurano Town Office, Nakafurano Town Office (two persons),
Minamifurano Town Office, Shimokawa Town Office, Toyotomi Town Office, Rebun Town Office, Rishiri Town Office, Bihoro Town Office, Engaru Town Office (two persons), Atsuma
Reference
Town Office, Abira Town Office, Shinhidaka Town Office, Otofuke Town Office (two persons), Kamishihoro Town Office, Memuro Town Office, Makubetsu Town Office, Ashoro Town
Office, Kushiro Town Office, Shibecha Town Office, Teshikaga Town Office
Aomori Prefectural Government (two persons), Aomori City Government (five persons), Hirosaki City Government, Hachinohe City Government (four persons), Towada City
Aomori
Government, Misawa City Government, Ajigasawa Town Office, Fukaura Town Office, Oirase Town Office
Iwate Prefectural Government, Morioka City Government, Miyako City Government, Hanamaki City Government, Kamaishi City Government, Hachimantai City Government,
Iwate
Takizawa City Government, Shizukuishi Town Office, Yahaba Town Office, Otsuchi Town Office, Yamada Town Office (two persons), Noda Village Office
Miyagi Prefectural Government, Sendai City Government (two persons), Ishinomaki City Government, Natori City Government, Kakuda City Government, Tagajo City Government,
Miyagi Iwanuma City Government, Tome City Government, Kurihara City Government, Higashi Matsushima City Government, Shibata Town Office, Marumori Town Office, Watari Town
Office, Yamamoto Town Office, Rifu Town Office, Taiwa Town Office, Ohira Village Office, Minamisanriku Town Office
Akita Prefectural Government (three persons), Akita City Government, Odate City Government, Oga City Government, Yuzawa City Government, Yurihonjo City Government,
Akita
Katagami City Government, Daisen City Government
Yamagata Prefectural Government, Yamagata City Government, Sakata City Government, Kaminoyama City Government, Murayama City Government, Nagai City Government,
Yamagata
Tendo City Government, Higashine City Government
Fukushima Fukushima Prefectural Government, Fukushima City Government (two persons), Koriyama City Government, Iwaki City Government, Date City Government
Ibaraki Prefectural Government, Koga City Government, Ryugasaki City Government, Shimotsuma City Government, Joso City Government, Takahagi City Government, Moriya
Ibaraki
City Government, Hitachi Omiya City Government, Kasumigaura City Government, Sakai Town Office (two persons)
Tochigi Tochigi Prefectural Government, Utsunomiya City Government, Sano City Government
Gunma Gunma Prefectural Government (two persons), Yoshioka Town Office, Nakanojo Town Office
Saitama Prefectural Government, Saitama City Government (two persons), Fukaya City Government, Asaka City Government, Wako City Government, Okegawa City Government,
Saitama
Fujimi City Government, Yoshikawa City Government, Ranzan Town Office, Kawajima Town Office
Chiba Prefectural Government, Chiba City Government, Ichikawa City Government, Funabashi City Government, Tateyama City Government (two persons), Kisarazu City
Government, Matsudo City Government (two persons), Mobara City Government, Narita City Government, Narashino City Government, Kashiwa City Government, Katsuura City
Chiba Government, Ichihara City Government, Nagareyama City Government, Yachiyo City Government, Kimitsu City Government, Futtsu City Government, Urayasu City Government,
Yotsukaido City Government, Yachimata City Government, Inzai City Government, Tomisato City Government, Katori City Government, Sammu City Government, Isumi City
Government, Oamishirasato City Government, Shisui Town Office
Tokyo Metropolitan Government (seven persons), Sumida Ward Office, Koto Ward Office, Shinagawa Ward Office (three persons), Ota Ward Office (two persons), Shibuya Ward
Tokyo
Office (two persons), Arakawa Ward Office, Itabashi Ward Office (two persons), Adachi Ward Office, Katsushika Ward Office, Hino City Government, Mizuho Town Office
Kanagawa Prefectural Government (four persons), Yokohama City Government (nine persons), Kawasaki City Government (two persons), Sagamihara City Government, Yokosuka
City Government, Hiratsuka City Government, Kamakura City Government, Fujisawa City Government (four persons), Odawara City Government, Chigasaki City Government,
Kanagawa Zushi City Government, Miura City Government, Ebina City Government (three persons), Zama City Government (two persons), Minamiashigara City Government, Oiso Town
Office, Matsuda Town Office, Yamakita Town Office, Ayase City Government, Hayama Town Office, Matsuda Town Office, Kaisei Town Office, Hakone Town Office (two persons),
Yugawara Town Office
Niigata Prefectural Government, Niigata City Government, Murakami City Government, Tsubame City Government, Jouetsu City Government, Tainai City Government (two
Niigata
persons), Yahiko Village Office, Sekikawa Village Office
Toyama Toyama Prefectural Government, Toyama City Government, Tonami City Government
Ishikawa Ishikawa Prefectural Government, Kanazawa City Government, Wajima City Government, Nomi City Government
Fukui Fukui Prefectural Government (three persons), Awara City Government
Yamanashi Prefectural Government (three persons), Fujiyoshida City Government, Minami-Alps City Government, Minobu Town Office (two persons), Oshino Village Office,
Yamanashi
Yamanakako Village Office, Fujikawaguchiko Town Office,
Nagano Prefectural Government, Nagano City Government, Matsumoto City Government, Chino City Government, Shiojiri City Government, Saku City Government, Azumino City
Nagano
Government
Gifu Prefectural Government (four persons), Gifu City Government, Mizunami City Government, Kakamigahara City Government, Hida City Government, Kaizu City Government,
Gifu
Ginan Town Office, Sakahogi Town Office
Shizuoka Prefectural Government (six persons), Shizuoka City Government, Hamamatsu City Government, Atami City Government, Ito City Government, Shimada City Government,
Shizuoka Gotenba City Government (three persons), Shimoda City Government, Susono City Government, Izu City Government, Omaezaki City Government, Makinohara City Government,
Kannami Town Office, Oyama Town Office
Aichi Prefectural Government, Nagoya City Government, Toyohashi City Government (two persons), Okazaki City Government, Handa City Government, Kasugai City Government,
Hekinan City Government, Kariya City Government, Toyota City Government, Nishio City Government, Gamagori City Government, Tokoname City Government, Komaki City
Aichi Government, Inazawa City Government, Tokai City Government, Obu City Government, Chita City Government, Takahama City Government, Toyoake City Government, Kiyosu City
Government, Kitanagoya City Government (two persons), Yatomi City Government, Miyoshi City Government (two persons), Ama City Government, Nagakute City Government,
Toyoyama Town Office, Oharu Town Office, Kanie Town Office, Tobishima Village Office, Mihama Town Office, Taketoyo Town Office
Mie Prefectural Government, Tsu City Government, Yokkaichi City Government, Kuwana City Government, Nabari City Government, Kameyama City Government, Toba City
Mie
Government, Shima City Government
Shiga Shiga Prefectural Government, Konan City Government (two persons)
Kyoto Prefectural Government (two persons), Maizuru City Government, Yawata City Government (two persons), Kyotanabe City Government, Kizugawa City Government (two
Kyoto
persons), Seika Town Office (three persons)
Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka City Government (three persons), Sakai City Government, Kishiwada City Government, Ikeda City Government, Izumiotsu City Government,
Osaka Kaizuka City Government, Hirakata City Government, Ibaraki City Government, Izumisano City Government, Tondabayashi City Government, Kawachinagano City Government,
Daito City Government, Takaishi City Government, Shijonawate City Government, Osakasayama City Government, Toyono Town Office
Hyogo Hyogo Prefectural Government, Kobe City Government (two persons), Himeji City Government, Akashi City Government, Kawanishi City Government
Nara Prefectural Government (three persons), Nara City Government (four persons), Yamato Takada City Government, Gojo City Government (three persons), Gosho City
Nara
Government, Ikoma City Government, Tawaramoto Town Office
Wakayama Wakayama Prefectural Government, Shirahama Town Office
Tottori Tottori Prefectural Government (four persons), Tottori City Government, Yonago City Government, Sakaiminato City Government, Nanbu Town Office
Shimane Shimane Prefectural Government, Matsue City Government, Hamada City Government
Okayama Okayama Prefectural Government, Kurashiki City Government, Asakuchi City Government, Nagi Town Office

Prefectural
Government employment situation
Government
Hiroshima Prefectural Government (three persons), Hiroshima City Government, Kure City Government, Fukuyama City Government, Mihara City Government, Fuchu City
Hiroshima Government, Miyoshi City Government, Otake City Government, Higashihiroshima City Government, Hatsukaichi City Government, Kaita Town Office, Kumano Town Office, Saka
Town Office
Yamaguchi Prefectural Government, Shimonoseki City Government, Yamaguchi City Government, Hagi City Government, Hofu City Government, Iwakuni City Government, Hikari
Yamaguchi
City Government, Nagato City Government, Waki Town Office, Tabuse Town Office
Tokushima Prefectural Government (six persons), Tokushima City Government, Anan City Government, Yoshinogawa City Government (two persons), Awa City Government, Mima
Tokushima
City Government, Miyoshi City Government
Kagawa Prefectural Government, Marugame City Government, Sakaide City Government, Zentsuji City Government, Sanuki City Government, Kotohira Town Office, Manno Town
Kagawa
Office
Ehime Ehime Prefectural Government, Matsuyama City Government, Imabari City Government, Saijo City Government, AinanTown Office
Reference
Kochi Kochi Prefectural Government, Kochi City Government, Susaki City Government, Konan City Government
Fukuoka Prefectural Government, Kitakyushu City Government, Fukuoka City Government (two persons), Kurume City Government (two persons), Iizuka City Government (two
persons), Chikugo City Government, Yukuhashi City Government, Nakama City Government, Ogori City Government, Kasuga City Government, Onojo City Government (two
Fukuoka
persons), Munakata City Government, Dazaifu City Government, Asakura City Government, Miyama City Government, Itoshima City Government, Nakagawa City Government
(two persons), Kasuya Town Office, Ashiya Town Office, Tachiarai Town Office
Saga Prefectural Government (four persons), Karatsu City Government, Takeo City Government, Ureshino City Government, Yoshinogari Town Office, Kamimine Town Office,
Saga
Genkai Town Office
Nagasaki Prefectural Government (five persons), Nagasaki City Government, Sasebo City Government (three persons), Shimabara City Government, Omura City Government,
Nagasaki
Matsuura City Government, Tsushima City Government, Iki City Government, Saikai City Government, Unzen City Government
Kumamoto Prefectural Government (four persons), Kumamoto City Government, Yashiro City Government, Arao City Government, Minamata City Government, Kikuchi City
Kumamoto
Government, Kamiamakusa City Government, Koshi City Government, Ozu Town Office, Yamato Town Office, Kuma Village Office
Oita Oita Prefectural Government (two persons), Oita City Government, Beppu City Government (two persons), Kitsuki City Government, Hiji Town Office
Miyazaki Prefectural Government (five persons), Miyazaki City Government, Miyakonojo City Government (three persons), Nobeoka City Government, Nichinan City Government,
Miyazaki Kobayashi City Government (two persons), Kushima City Government, Saito City Government, Ebino City Government (two persons), Takaharu Town Office, Takanabe Town Office,
Shintomi Town Office, Tsuno Town Office, Kadogawa Town Office
Kagoshima Prefectural Government (four persons), Kagoshima City Government, Kanoya City Government, Izumi City Government, Tarumizu City Government, Satsuma-Sendai
Kagoshima City Government, Soo City Government, Kirishima City Government (two persons), Aira City Government, Toshima Village Office, Yusui Town Office, Kinko Town Office, Minami
Okuma Town Office
Okinawa Tomigusuku City Government, Tarama Village Office
Notes: Provided by the Ministry of Defense as of March 31, 2021 (part-time personnel included).
peace, stability and prosperity of the international community,

Reference 55 Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment while achieving its own security as well as peace and stability
and Technology in the Asia-Pacific region, as a “Proactive Contributor to Peace”
(Approved by the National Security Council based on the principle of international cooperation.
and the Cabinet on April 1, 2014) From the view point of achieving the fundamental principle
The Government has made it its basic policy to deal with overseas of national security by implementing concrete policies,
transfer of defense equipment and technology in a careful manner the Government, in accordance with the National Security
in accordance with Prime Minster Eisaku Sato’s remarks at the Strategy adopted on December 17, 2013, decided to review
Diet in 1967 (hereinafter referred to as “the Three Principles on the Government’s existing policy guidelines on overseas
Arms Exports”) and the collateral policy guideline by the Miki transfer of defense equipment and technology, and set out
administration in 1976. These policy guidelines have played a clear principles which fit the new security environment while
certain role as Japan has been following the path of a peace-loving giving due consideration to the roles that the existing policy
nation. On the other hand, these policy guidelines including the guidelines have played so far and by consolidating the policy
non-permission of arms exports to communist bloc countries guidelines comprehensively with consideration on the past
have increasingly proved unsuitable for the current situation. exemption measures.
Also, the Government has repeatedly taken exemption measures An appropriate overseas transfer of defense equipment
depending on the individual necessity of each case since arms and technology contributes to further active promotion of the
exports to substantially all areas were not permitted, as a result of maintenance of international peace and security through timely and
not promoting arms exports regardless of the destinations. effective implementation of contribution to peace and international
Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving cooperation such as international peace cooperation, international
nation since the end of World War II. Japan has adhered to a disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, responses to international
basic policy of maintaining an exclusively national defense- terrorism and piracy, and capacity building of developing countries
oriented policy, not becoming a military power that poses a (hereinafter referred to as “peace contribution and international
threat to other countries, and observing the Three Non-Nuclear cooperation”). Such transfer also contributes to strengthening
Principles. At the same time, surrounded by an increasingly security and defense cooperation with Japan’s ally, the United
severe security environment and confronted by complex and States as well as other countries. Furthermore, it contributes to
grave national security challenges, it has become essential for maintaining and enhancing Japan’s defense production and
Japan to make more proactive efforts in line with the principle technological bases, thereby contributing to Japan’s enhancement
of international cooperation. Japan cannot secure its own peace of defense capability, given that international joint development
and security by itself, and the international community expects and production projects have become the international mainstream
Japan to play a more proactive role for peace and stability in the in order to improve the performance of defense equipment and to
world commensurate with its national capabilities. Against this deal with their rising costs.
backdrop, under the evolving security environment, Japan will On the other hand, since the distribution of defense equipment
continue to adhere to the course that it has taken to date as a and technology has significant security, social, economic and
peace-loving nation, and as a major player in world politics and humanitarian impact on the international community, the need for
the world economy, contribute even more proactively in securing

each government to control the transfer of defense equipment and 3. E nsuring appropriate control regarding extra-purpose use or
technology in a responsible manner while taking various factors transfer to third parties
into account is recognized. In cases satisfying 2. above, overseas transfer of defense
In light of the above, while maintaining its basic philosophy as equipment and technology will be permitted only in cases where
a peace-loving nation that conforms to the Charter of the United appropriate control is ensured. More concretely, the Government
Nations and the course it has taken as a peace-loving nation, will in principle oblige the Government of the recipient country to
Japan will control the overseas transfer of defense equipment and gain its prior consent regarding extra-purpose use and transfer to
technology based on the following three principles. The overseas third parties. However, appropriate control may be ensured with
transfer of facilities related to arms production will continue to be the confirmation of control system at the destination in such cases
treated in the same manner as defense equipment and technology. as those where the transfer is judged to be appropriate for active
Reference
promotion of peace contribution and international cooperation,

1. Clarification of cases where transfers are prohibited when the transfer involves participation in an international system
Overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology will for sharing parts etc., and when the transfer involves delivery of
not be permitted when: parts etc., to a licenser.
1) the transfer violates obligations under treaties and other Implementation guidelines for the policy described above
international agreements that Japan has concluded, will be decided by the NSC. The Minister of Economy, Trade
2) the transfer violates obligations under United Nations and Industry will implement the Foreign Exchange and Foreign
Security Council resolutions, or Trade Act (Law No.228 of 1949) appropriately in accordance
3) the defense equipment and technology is destined for a with the decision.
country party to a conflict (a country against which the For the purpose of this policy, “defense equipment and
United Nations Security Council is taking measures to technology” refers to “arms and military technologies”; “arms”
maintain or restore international peace and security in the refers to items listed in Section 1, Annexed List 1 of the Export
event of an armed attack). Trade Control Order (Cabinet Order No. 378 of 1949), and are
to be used by military forces and directly employed in combat;
and “military technologies” refers to technologies for the design,
2. Limitation to cases where transfers may be permitted as well as production or use of arms.
strict examination and information disclosure The Government will contribute actively to the peace
In cases not within 1. above, cases where transfers may be and stability of the international community as a “Proactive
permitted will be limited to the following cases. Those cases will be Contributor to Peace” based on the principle of international
examined strictly while ensuring transparency. More specifically, cooperation. Under such policy, it will play a proactive role in
overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology may the area of controlling defense equipment and technology as well
be permitted in such cases as the transfer contributes to active as sensitive dual-use goods and technologies to achieve the early
promotion of peace contribution and international cooperation, entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty and further strengthen
or to Japan’s security from the viewpoint of—implementing the international export control regimes.
international joint development and production projects with
countries cooperating with Japan in security area including its
ally, the U.S. (hereinafter referred to as “the ally and partners”),
—enhancing security and defense cooperation with the ally and
partners, as well as—supporting the activities of the Self-Defense
Forces including the maintenance of its equipment and ensuring
the safety of Japanese nationals. The Government will conduct
strict examination on the appropriateness of the destination and
end user, and the extent the overseas transfer of such equipment
and technology will raise concern for Japan’s security. Then the
Government will make a comprehensive judgment in light of
the existing guidelines of the international export control regime
and based on the information available at the time of export
examinations.
Significant cases that require especially careful consideration
from the viewpoint of Japan’s security will be examined at the
National Security Council (NSC). As for the cases that were
deliberated at the NSC, the Government will disclose their
information in accordance with the Act on Access to Information
Held by Administrative Organs (Law No. 42 of 1999).

Reference 56 The First Principle “The Cases Where Transfers Are Prohibited,” the Second Principle “Limitation to Cases Where Transfers
May Be Permitted,” and the Third Principle “Ensuring Appropriate Control”
● The First Principle “The Cases Where Transfers Are Prohibited”
Situation Specific example
(1) Violation of obligations under treaties concluded and Chemical Weapons Convention, Convention on Cluster Munitions, Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, Arms Trade
other international arrangements Treaty, etc.
(2) Violation of obligations under United Nations Security
Security Council Resolution 1718 (nuclear issue of North Korea), etc.
Council Resolutions
Countries which are the target of measures taken by the United Nations Security Council to maintain or restore
(3) Transfer to a nation which is party to a conflict
Reference
international peace and security in the event of an armed attack
● The Second Principle “Limitation to Cases Where Transfers May Be Permitted”
Situation Specific example
Overseas transfers that contribute to active promotion of peace contribution and international cooperation, only
if the transfers have a positive meaning from the viewpoint of peace contribution and international cooperation
● When the recipient is a foreign government
(1) Cases that contribute to the active promotion of
● When the recipient is: the United Nations (UN) System or organizations conducting the activities based on a
peace contribution and international cooperation
UN resolution, an organization conducting the activities based on a request from international organizations, or
an organization conducting the activities based on a request from countries to which the region in which the
activities are conducted belongs and with support from any of the main organs of the UN
Overseas transfers that contribute to Japan’s security, only if the transfers have a positive meaning from the
viewpoint of Japan’s security
● Overseas transfers that are related to international joint development and production with countries cooperating
with Japan in the security area including the U.S.
● Overseas transfers that contribute to enhancing security and defense cooperation with countries cooperating
with Japan in the security area including the U.S., and of the following:
∙ overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology included in the provision of supplies and services
implemented by the SDF in accordance with laws;
∙ provision of military technology as a part of mutual exchange of technology with the U.S.;
∙ provision of parts or services related to a licensed product of the U.S. or provision of repair services etc. to the
(2) Cases that contribute to the security of Japan U.S. armed forces; or
∙ o verseas transfer of defense equipment and technology related to cooperation concerning rescue, transportation,
vigilance, surveillance or minesweeping with countries cooperating with Japan in the security area.
● Overseas transfers that are necessary for supporting activities of the governmental agencies including the Self-
Defense Forces (hereinafter referred to as “the SDF etc.”), which include the activities of foreign governments
or private entities etc. related to the activities of the SDF etc., or for ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals,
and that are:
∙ temporary export of equipment, return of purchased equipment or provision of technical information related to
the activities of the SDF etc., including replacements of items which need repairing with non-defective items;
∙ export of equipment for the protection or self-protection of public officials or
∙ export of equipment for the self-protection of Japanese nationals operating in dangerous areas.
(3) In cases where the influence is judged to be
∙ Returning of misdirected items, export of sample items on the premise that they will be returned, re-export of
extremely limited from the perspective of the security
equipment brought in by police officers of overseas government agencies, etc.
of Japan
● The Third Principle “Ensuring Appropriate Control”
In cases satisfying 2. above, overseas transfer of defense equipment and technology will be permitted only in cases where appropriate control is ensured.

Reference 57 List of Maneuver Areas
Size
Category Name Location Administrative Properties of other Notes
Private properties Total
properties ministries
Yausubetsu Hokkaido 168,134 — 15 168,149
Hokkaido Hokkaido 95,805 143 9 95,957 Consists of 7 areas.
Ojojihara Miyagi 42,487 11 4,059 46,557
Large maneuver
Kitafuji Yamanashi 19,659 6 26,930 46,595
areas
Higashifuji Shizuoka 29,338 5,139 53,831 88,308
Reference
Hijudai Oita 49,870 — — 49,870

Total 6 405,292 5,299 84,845 495,436
Onishibetsu Hokkaido 14,925 — — 14,925
Kamifurano Hokkaido 42,851 3 14 42,867
Shikaribetsu Hokkaido 33,288 — 4 33,292
Iwatesan Iwate 22,891 — 0 22,891
Shirakawanunobikiyama Fukushima 18,108 1 1,716 19,825
Soumagahara Gunma 6,312 — 2,725 9,036
Sekiyama Niigata 15,854 — 2,994 18,848
Medium Aibano Shiga 22,555 — 2,234 24,789
maneuver areas
Aonogahara Hyogo 6,085 — — 6,085
Nihonbara Okayama 14,661 — 4,982 19,643
Onohara Nagasaki, Saga 5,992 — 83 6,075
Oyanohara Kumamoto 16,328 12 — 16,340
Jumonjibaru Oita 6,328 — 79 6,407
Miyazaki,
Kirishima 11,093 5 — 11,098
Kagoshima
Total 14 237,272 22 14,830 252,123
Small maneuver
50 62,176 106 3,393 65,675
areas
Total 70 704,740 5,426 103,067 813,233
Unit: 1,000 square meters
* Rounded to the nearest unit
* "0" indicates less than the unit, and “—” indicates there is no applicable quantity.

Reference 58 Activities in Civic Life
Items Details of Activities and Their Past Records
○The GSDF disposes of such bombs at the request of municipal governments and others.
Disposal of
○Disposal operations in FY2019: a total of 1,194 disposal operations (average of approximately 23 operations per week), weighing approximately
Unexploded Bombs
21.9 tons in total; in particular, the amount of unexploded bombs that were disposed of in Okinawa Prefecture totaled approximately 12.8 tons,
(Supplementary
(accounting for about 58% of such bombs removed across the nation). (If unexploded bombs are chemical bombs, their disposal is basically beyond
provisions of the Self-
the disposal capability of the SDF. However, the SDF is prepared to extend as much cooperation as possible in regard to disposal of such bombs by
Defense Forces Law)
identifying them and checking for attached fuses.)
○The MSDF undertakes minesweeping operations in waters designated as dangerous areas because underwater mines had been laid there during
Removal of
World War II, as well as removes and disposes of explosives after receiving reports from municipal governments and others.
Underwater Mines
○Minesweeping has been almost completed in the dangerous areas.
Reference
(Article 84-2 of the
○Disposal operations in FY2019: a total 468 units were disposed of, weighing approximately 3.6 tons in total. (If explosive hazardous materials are
Self-Defense Forces
chemical bombs, their disposal is basically beyond the disposal capability of the SDF. However, the SDF is prepared to extend as much cooperation
Law)
as possible for disposal of such bombs by identifying them and checking for attached fuses.)
○Medical services are provided to the general public at the National Defense Medical College Hospital in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, and some
hospitals affiliated with the SDF (seven out of 16 such hospitals, including the SDF Central Hospital in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo).
Medical Activities ○The National Defense Medical College Hospital serves as an advanced treatment hospital (provision of advanced medical treatment, etc.) and a
(Article 27 of the medical facility providing tertiary emergency services (acceptance of emergency patients in critical condition).
Self-Defense Forces ○In the wake of a disaster, medical units belonging to major SDF units, acting on a request from municipal governments, provide travelling clinics,
Law, Article 4-10 quarantines and so forth when a disaster occurs.
of Defense Ministry ○The GSDF Medical School (Setagaya Ward, Tokyo), MSDF Underwater Medical Center (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture), and ASDF Aviation
Establishment Law, Medicine Laboratory (Tachikawa City, Tokyo and Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture) undertake study on outdoor sanitation, underwater medicine,
and others) and aviation medicine, respectively.
○The National Defense Medical College Research Institute (Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture) undertakes study on disaster and emergency
medicine.
Cooperation in
Supporting Athletic ○At the request of concerned organizations, the SDF helps operations of the Olympics and Asian games in Japan as well as national sports meetings
Meetings (Article 100- in the fields of ceremonies, communications, transportation, music performance, medical services, and emergency medical services.
3 of the Self-Defense ○The SDF provides transportation and communication support to marathon events and ekiden road relays.
Forces Law, etc.)
○Sports facilities such as grounds, gyms and swimming pools at many of the SDF garrisons and bases are open to general citizens in response to
Exchanges with Local
requests from local communities. Participation in various events sponsored by general citizens and municipal governments or taking part as sports
Communities
referees and instructors on an individual basis.

Reference 59 List of U.S. Forces Japan Facilities/Areas (including joint use facilities)
As of January 1, 2021
Area 2-1(a) 2-4(b)

Facility/Area Purpose Location 2-4(a)
(km2) Area Area
Area
Chitose City,
Camp Chitose Communications 4,274 4,274 4,263 0
Hokkaido
Maneuver Chitose City,
Camp Higashi Chitose 81 0 0 81
area Hokkaido
Kita
Reference
Hokkaido Chitose Maneuver Eniwa City, Chitose City, Sapporo City,

Hiroshima 92,288 0 0 92,288
Maneuver Area area Hokkaido Hokkaido Hokkaido
City, Hokkaido
Erimo Town,
Chitose City, Tomakomai Horoizumi
Chitose Air Base Air base 2,584 0 0 2,584
Hokkaido City, Hokkaido County,
Hokkaido
Batsukai
Akkeshi Town, Hamanaka
Town,
Betsukai Yausubetsu Maneuver Akkeshi Town, Akkeshi
Notsuke 168,178 0 0 168,178
Large Maneuver Area area County, County,
County,
Hokkaido Hokkaido
Hokkaido
Kushiro
Town, Kushiro
Camp Kushiro Barracks 26 0 0 26
County,
Hokkaido
Shikaoi Town,
Maneuver
Camp Shikaoi Kato County, 59 0 0 59
area
Hokkaido
Kamifurano Nakafurano
Kamifurano Medium Maneuver Town, Sorachi Town, Sorachi Furano City,
34,688 0 0 34,688
Maneuver Area area County, County, Hokkaido
Hokkaido Hokkaido
Maneuver Sapporo City,
Camp Sapporo 8 0 0 8
area Hokkaido
Shikaoi Shikaribetsu Shikaoi Town,
Maneuver
Medium Maneuver Kato County, 32,832 0 0 32,832
area
Area Hokkaido
Maneuver Obihiro City,
Camp Obihiro 757 0 0 757
area Hokkaido
Asahikawa
Maneuver Asahikawa
Chikabumidai 1,416 0 0 1,416
area City, Hokkaido
Maneuver Area
Sapporo City,
Camp Okadama Other 2 0 0 2
Hokkaido
Maneuver Nayoro City,
Nayoro Maneuver Area 1,734 0 0 1,734
area Hokkaido
Shintotsukawa
Takikawa Maneuver Maneuver Takikawa City,
Town, Kabato 1,367 0 0 1,367
Area area Hokkaido
County, Hokkaido
Bihoro Town,
Maneuver Abashiri
Bihoro Training Area 2,269 0 0 2,269
area County,
Hokkaido
Kutchan
Kutchan Takamine Maneuver Town, Abuta
928 0 0 928
Maneuver Area area County,
Hokkaido
Engaru Town,
Maneuver Mombetsu
Engaru Maneuver Area 1,082 0 0 1,082
area County,
Hokkaido
Tohoku Town,
Miasawa City, Hachinohe Kamikita Mutsu City,
Misawa Air Base Air base 15,968 15,780 5,181 188
Aomori City, Aomori County, Aomori
Aomori
Oirase Town,
Hachinohe Miasawa City, Kamikita Structures
Hachinohe POL Depot Storage 173 173 1
City, Aomori Aomori County, only
Aomori
Rokkasho
Village,
Maneuver Miasawa City,
Misawa ATG Range Kamikita 7,655 7,655 7,655 0
area Aomori
County,
Aomori
Maneuver Sendai City,
Camp Sendai 51 0 0 51
area Miyagi
Hachinohe
Camp Hachinohe Barracks 53 0 0 53
City, Aomori
Iwate Iwatesan
Maneuver Takizawa City, Hachimanndaira
Medium Maneuver 23,264 0 0 23,264
area Iwate City, Iwate
Area
Shikama Taiwa Town, Ohira Village,
Taiwa Ojojihara Large Maneuver Town, Kami Kurokawa Kurokawa
45,377 0 0 45,377
Maneuver Area area County, County, County,
Miyagi Miyagi Miyagi

Area 2-1(a) 2-4(b)
(km2) Area Area
Area
Sendai City, Iwanuma City,
Kasuminome Air Field Air base 260 0 0 260
Miyagi Miyagi
Aomori Kotani Maneuver Aomori City,
3,183 0 0 3,183
Maneuver Area area Aomori
Nishimeya
Village,
Hirosaki Maneuver Maneuver Hirosaki City,
Tsugaru 4,904 0 0 4,904
Area area Aomori
County,
Aomori
Murayama Higashine
Reference
Jinmachi Otakane Maneuver
City, City, 1,308 0 0 1,308
Maneuver Area area
Yamagata Yamagata
Buildings /
Shariki Tsugaru City,
Communications 135 135 0 structures
Communication Site Aomori
only
Minato Ward,
Akasaka Press Center Office 27 27 0 0
Tokyo
Mizuho Town,
Fussa City, Musashimurayama Hamura City, Tachikawa Akishima City, Sayama City,
Yokota Air Base Air base Nishitama 7,139 7,136 138 3
Tokyo City, Tokyo Tokyo City, Tokyo Tokyo Saitama
County, Tokyo
Fuchu
Fuchu City,
Communications Communications 17 17 0 0
Tokyo
Station
Inagi City, Tama City,
Tama Service Annex Other 1,948 1,948 0 0
Tokyo Tokyo
Kisarazu City, Buildings
Kisarazu Air Field Air base 2,095 2,095 2,066
Chiba only
Wakou City,
Camp Asaka Barracks 118 118 0 0
Saitama
Tokorozawa
Tokorozawa
Communications Communications 966 966 0 0
City, Saitama
Station
Iruma City, Sayama City,
Iruma Air Base Other 4 0 0 4
Saitama Saitama
Owada Niiza City, Kiyose City,
Communications 1,198 1,198 0 0
Communication Site Saitama Tokyo
Iwo Jima Ogasawara
Communications 6,630 3,810 114 2,820
Communication Site Village, Tokyo
New Sanno U.S. Minato Ward,
Other 7 7 0 0
Forces Center Tokyo
Takada Sekiyama Maneuver Myoko City, Joetsu City,
14,080 0 0 14,080
Maneuver Area area Niigata Niigata
Omitama City,
Hyakuri Air Base Air base 1,089 0 0 1,089
Ibaraki
Shinto Village,
Soumagahara Maneuver Takasaki City, Kitagunma
5,796 0 0 5,796
Maneuver Area area Gunma County,
Gunma
Maneuver Asaka City, Wako City, Niiza City,
Camp Asaka 17 0 0 17
area Saitama Saitama Saitama
Haneda Air Mail Ota Ward, Buildings Buildings
Office 0 0
Control Activity Office Tokyo only only
Yokohama
Negishi Dependent
Housing City, 429 429 0 0
Housing Area
Kanagawa
Yokohama
Buildings
Yokohama North Dock Port facility City, 524 524 0
only
Kanagawa
Sagamihara
Zama City,
Camp Zama Office City, 2,292 2,292 170 0
Kanagawa
Kanagawa
Naval Air Facility Ayase City, Yamato City,
Air base 5,056 2,497 1,076 2,559
Atsugi Kanagawa Kanagawa
Sagamihara
Sagami General Depot Manufacturing City, 1,967 1,967 0 0
Kanagawa
Yokohama
Ikego Housing Area Zushi City,
Housing City, 2,884 2,884 0 0
and Navy Annex Kanagawa
Kanagawa
Yokosuka City,
Azuma Storage Area Storage 802 802 254 0
Kanagawa
Buildings /
U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka City,
Port facility 2,363 2,363 46 structures
Yokosuka Kanagawa
only
Sagamihara
Sagamihara Housing
Housing City, 593 593 0 0
Area
Kanagawa
Maneuver Yokosuka City,
Nagasaka Rifle Range 97 0 0 97
area Kanagawa
Urago Ammunition Yokosuka City,
Storage 194 194 0 0
Depot Kanagawa

Area 2-1(a) 2-4(b)
(km2) Area Area
Area
Gotemba City,
Fuji Barracks Area Barracks 1,177 1,177 47 0
Shizuoka
Yokohama
Tsurumi POL Depot Storage City, 184 184 0 0
Kanagawa
Maneuver Numazu City,
Numazu Training Area 28 28 28 0
area Shizuoka
Yamanakako
Fujiyoshida Village, Oyama Town,
Maneuver Gotemba City, Susono City,
Fuji Maneuver Area City, Minamitsuru Sunto County, 133,925 0 0 133,925
Reference
area Shizuoka Shizuoka

Yamanashi County, Shizuoka
Yamanashi
Maneuver Gotemba City,
Camp Takigahara 8 0 0 8
area Shizuoka
Kakamigahara
Gifu Air Base Other 1,626 0 0 1,626
City, Gifu
Komatsu City, Wajima City, Kyotanngo
Komatsu Air Base Air base 1,606 0 0 1,606
Ishikawa Ishikawa City, Kyoto
Imazu Aibano Medium Maneuver Takashima
24,085 0 0 24,085
Maneuver Area area City, Shiga
Maneuver Kawanishi Itami City,
Camp Itami 20 0 0 20
area City, Hyogo Hyogo
Kyogamisaki Kyotango City,
Communications 36 36 0 0
Communications Site Kyoto
Fukukchiyama Rifle Maneuver Fukuchiyama
55 0 0 55
Range area City, Kyoto
Akizuki Ammunition Etajima City,
Storage 559 559 0 0
Depot Hiroshima
Kawakami Higashihiroshima
Storage 2,604 2,604 0 0
Ammunition Depot City, Hiroshima
Hiro Ammunition Kure City,
Storage 359 359 0 0
Depot Hiroshima
Marine Corps Air Iwakuni City, Otake City,
Air base 8,648 8,648 5,615 0
Station Iwakuni Yamaguchi Hiroshima
Soo Communications Iwakuni City,
Site Yamaguchi
Kure City,
Kure Pier No.6 Port facility 14 14 0 0
Hiroshima
1st Setvice School Maneuver Etajima City, Buildings Buildings
0 0
training facility area Hiroshima only only
Haramura Maneuver Maneuver Higashihiroshima
1,687 0 0 1,687
Area area City, Hiroshima
Nagi Town,
Nihonbara Medium Maneuver Katsuta Tsuyama City,
18,844 0 0 18,844
Maneuver Area area County, Okayama
Okayama
Sakaiminato Yonago City,
Miho Air Base Air base 778 0 0 778
City, Tottori Tottori
Haigamine Kure City,
Communication Site Hiroshima
Fukuoka City,
Itazuke Air Base Air base 509 23 0 486
Fukuoka
U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo City,
Port facility 496 488 11 9
Sasebo Nagasaki
Sasebo City,
Sasebo Dry Dock Area Port facility 83 41 27 41
Nagasaki
Sasebo City,
Akasaki POL Depot Storage 754 754 0 0
Nagasaki
Sasebo Ammunition Sasebo City,
Storage 582 582 0 0
Supply Point Nagasaki
Sasebo City,
Iorizaki POL Depot Storage 227 227 45 0
Nagasaki
Saikai City,
Yokose POL Depot Storage 679 679 0 0
Nagasaki
Harioshima
Sasebo City,
Ammunition Storage Storage 1,297 1,297 48 0
Nagasaki
Area
Tategami Basin Port Sasebo City,
Port facility 135 135 28 0
Area Nagasaki
Shintomi
Town, Koyu
Nyutabaru Air Base Air base 1,833 0 0 1,833
County,
Miyazaki
Maneuver Sasebo City, Buildings Buildings
Sakibe Rifle Range 0 0
area Nagasaki only only
Sasebo City,
Sakibe Navy Annex Storage 129 129 0 0
Nagasaki
Hario Dependent Sasebo City,
Housing 354 354 0 0
Housing Area Nagasaki

Area 2-1(a) 2-4(b)
(km2) Area Area
Area
Kusu Town, Kokonoe Hiji Town,
Hijudai-Jumonjibaru Maneuver Beppu City, Kitsuki City,
Kusu County, Town, Kusu Yufu City, Oita Hayami Oita City, Oita 56,317 0 0 56,317
Maneuver Area area Oita Oita
Oita County, Oita County, Oita
Chikujo
Yukuhashi Town, Chikujo Kasuga City,
Tsuiki Air Base Air base 906 0 0 906
City, Fukuoka County, Fukuoka
Fukuoka
Buildings / Buildings /
Omura City,
Omura Air Base Other structures 0 0 structures
Nagasaki
only only
Reference
Yamato Town,
Yusui Town,
Oyanohara-Kirishima Maneuver Kamimashiki Ebino City,
Aira County, 26,965 0 0 26,965
Maneuver Area area County, Miyazaki
Kagoshima
Kumamoto
Kumamoto
Maneuver
Camp Kita Kumamoto City, 21 0 0 21
area
Kumamoto
Kumamoto
Maneuver
Camp Kengun City, 39 0 0 39
area
Kumamoto
Kanoya City,
Kanoya Air Base Air base 490 0 0 490
Kagoshima
Kunigami Higashi
Village, Village,
Maneuver
Northern Training Area Kunigami Kunigami 36,590 35,331 0 1,259
area
County, County,
Okinawa Okinawa
Kunigami
Village,
Okuma Rest Center Other Kunigami 546 546 0 0
County,
Okinawa
Ie Village,
Ie Jima Auxiliary Maneuver Kunigami
8,015 8,015 0 0
Airfield area County,
Okinawa
Motobu Town,
Yaedake Nago City, Kunigami
Communication Site Okinawa County,
Okinawa
Ginoza Village,
Maneuver Nago City, Kunigami
Camp Schwab 20,626 20,626 7,077 0
area Okinawa County,
Okinawa
Henoko Ordnance Nago City,
Storage 1,214 1,214 0 0
Ammunition Depot Okinawa
Kin Town, Ginoza Village, Onna Village,
Maneuver Kunigami Kunigami Kunigami Nago City,
Camp Hansen 48,728 48,114 39,383 615
area Coutny, County, County, Okinawa
Okinawa Okinawa Okinawa
Kin Town,
Kin Red Beach Maneuver Kunigami
14 14 0 0
Training Area area Coutny,
Okinawa
Kin Town,
Kin Blue Beach Maneuver Kunigami
381 381 0 0
Training Area area Coutny,
Okinawa
Yomitan
Kadena Town, Onna Village,
Village,
Kadena Ammunition Okinawa City, Nakagami Kunigami Uruma City,
Storage Nakagami 26,584 26,584 112 0
Storage Area Okinawa County, County, Okinawa
County,
Okinawa Okinawa
Okinawa
Uruma City,
Tengan Pier Port facility 31 31 0 0
Okinawa
Uruma City,
Camp Courtney Barracks 1,339 1,339 0 0
Okinawa
Uruma City,
Camp McTureous Barracks 379 379 0 0
Okinawa
Okinawa City,
Camp Shields Barracks 700 700 0 0
Okinawa
Yomitan
Village,
Torii Communication
Communications Nakagami 1,895 1,895 0 0
Station
County,
Okinawa
Kadena Town, Chatan Town,
Nakagami Okinawa City, Nakagami Naha City, Itoman City, Buildings
Kadena Air Base Air base 19,855 19,855 23
County, Okinawa County, Okinawa Okinawa only
Okinawa Okinawa
Chatan Town,
Nakagami
Camp Kuwae Barracks 675 675 0 0
County,
Okinawa

Area 2-1(a) 2-4(b)
(km2) Area Area
Area
Chatan Town,
Kitanakagusuku
Nakagami Ginowan City, Okinawa City, Uruma City,
Camp Zukeran Barracks Village, Nakagami 5,341 5,341 0 0
County, Okinawa Okinawa Okinawa
County, Okinawa
Okinawa
Awase Communication Okinawa City,
Station Okinawa
Uruma City, Structures
White Beach Area Port facility 1,568 1,568 219
Okinawa only
Ginowan City,
Futenma Air Station Air base 4,758 4,758 0 0
Okinawa
Reference
Makiminato Service Urasoe City,

Storage 2,676 2,676 0 0
Area Okinawa
Naha City,
Naha Port Port facility 559 559 3 0
Okinawa
Chatan Town, Kadena Town,
Uruma City, Nakagami Nakagami Okinawa City, Ginowan City,
Army POL Depots Storage 1,277 1,277 10 0
Okinawa County, County, Okinawa Okinawa
Okinawa Okinawa
Kumejima
Town,
Maneuver
Tori Shima Range Shimajiri 41 39 0 2
area
County,
Okinawa
Tonaki Village,
Maneuver Shimajiri
Idesuna Jima Range 245 245 245 0
area County,
Okinawa
Kumejima
Town,
Maneuver
Kume Jima Range Shimajiri 2 2 0 0
area
County,
Okinawa
Tsuken Jima Training Maneuver Uruma City,
16 16 0 0
Area　 area Okinawa
Maneuver Ishigaki City,
Kobi Sho Range 874 874 0 0
area Okinawa
Maneuver Ishigaki City,
Sekibi Sho Range 41 41 0 0
area Okinawa
Kitadaito
Village,
Maneuver
Oki Daito Jima Range Shimajiri 1,147 1,147 1,147 0
area
County,
Okinawa
Ukibaru Jima Training Maneuver Uruma City,
254 0 0 254
Area area Okinawa
Naha City,
Naha Air Base Other 7 0 0 7
Okinawa
132
National total facilities/ 980,292 263,066 75,034 717,226
areas
Mainland total 99 facilities/
793,321 78,232 26,813 715,089
(excluding Okinawa) areas
33 facilities/
Okinawa total 186,972 184,834 48,221 2,137
areas
Notes: · This table lists of the facilities and areas used by the U.S. forces based on Article 2, Paragraph 1 (a) of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (Exclusively used by the U.S., and includes those
used by the SDF based on Article 2, Paragraph 4 (a) of the Agreement) and the facilities and areas (controlled by Japan) used by the U.S. forces for a certain period of time based on Article 2,
Paragraph 4 (b) of the Agreement.
· The figures in the “Area” column are the total size of facilities and areas used by the U.S. forces based on Article 2, Paragraph 1 (a) of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and facilities/
areas used by the U.S. military for a certain period of time based on Article 2, Paragraph 4 (b) of the Agreement.
· The figures in the “2-4 (a) Area” column are the sizes of facilities and areas temporarily used by the SDF based on Article 2, Paragraph 4 (a) of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement and are
included in the “2-1(a) Area” column.
· Totals may not match because of rounding off.
· “0” indicates that there is no corresponding area.

Reference 60 Outline of Measures to Promote Harmony Between Defense Facilities and Surrounding Areas
Category Measures Description of Measures Examples of Covered Facilities and Projects
Subsidies are granted to local governments’ projects to prevent or mitigate
Subsidies to finance
disturbance caused by frequent use of armored vehicles and other heavy - Canals, reservoirs, roads, river improvement, community
disturbance prevention
vehicles, and frequent shooting, bombing and use of other explosives by reception facilities for television broadcast
projects
the SDF, etc.
- Educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior
Subsidies are granted to local governments’ projects to prevent or mitigate high schools, and kindergartens; medical facilities such
significant noise caused by frequent take-off and landing of aircraft by the as hospitals and clinics; and welfare facilities such as
noise prevention projects
SDF, etc. healthcare centers, day-service centers for the elderly,
Reference
and special nursing homes for the elderly
Subsidies are granted for soundproofing works by homeowners, etc. in
areas designated by the Defense Minister as areas where disturbance due
Act on Improvement of Living Environment of
soundproofing works for - Housing

to noise caused by frequent take-off and landing of aircraft by the SDF,
Areas Around Defense Facilities,*1 etc.
housing
etc., is serious.
In areas designated by the Defense Minister as areas where disturbance - Compensation for relocating buildings
due to noise caused by frequent take-off and landing of aircraft by the - Land purchase
Compensation for
SDF, etc., is especially serious, compensation, etc., is provided for the - Development of public facilities such as roads, water-
relocations
loss ordinarily incurred by relocating buildings, etc., to other areas or by supply systems, and sewage facilities in the area where
removing them. housing, etc., is to be relocated
Works such as the development of green zones are conducted on land
in areas designated by the Defense Minister as areas necessary for
Improving green zones preventing the occurrence of new disturbance due to noise caused by - Planting trees, installing grass fields
frequent take-off and landing of aircraft by the SDF, etc., and for improving
the living environment in their vicinities.
- Roads, radio broadcast facilities, nursing homes for the
In cases where installation or operations of a certain defense facility is
Subsidies for developing elderly, fire departments, parks, waste disposal facilities,
found to disturb daily lives or business activities of the residents of the
facilities meant to welfare centers for the elderly, public facilities for
surrounding areas, subsidies are granted for local government’s facility
stabilize people’s lives learning, etc.
development projects to mitigate such disturbance.
- Agricultural facilities, fishing facilities
In consideration of the level of the influence of the installation or operations
- Developing public facilities such as traffic facilities,
Specified Defense of a certain defense facility on the living environment and regional
recreation facilities, and social welfare facilities
Facilities Environs development of the surrounding areas, grants are provided to municipalities
- Medical expenses, operating costs of community buses,
Improvement Adjustment affected by the specified defense facilities for their projects contributing to
assessment fees for earthquake resistance of school
Grants the development of public facilities, improvement of the living environment,
buildings, etc.
or smooth implementation of regional development.
In consideration of the increase of influence that the realignment of the
U.S. Forces in Japan may exert on residents’ stable daily lives, grants
are provided to the specified neighboring municipalities affected by the
Realignment grants realignment for their projects contributing to the enhancement of residents’
convenient lives and promotion of the local industry when they are found
necessary to promote smooth and steady realignment of the U.S. Forces
in Japan.
the United States Forces in Japan,*2 etc.
Implementation of the Realignment of
Act on Special Measures for Smooth
Considering that the influence of aircraft noise, etc., on residents’ stable

- Developing public facilities such as traffic facilities,
daily lives may continue even after the provision of the realignment grants
Grants for realignment- recreation facilities, and social welfare facilities
ends in areas around the realignment-related specified defense facilities
related training - Medical expenses, operating costs of community buses,
where training relocations are conducted, grants are provided for projects
relocations assessment fees for earthquake resistance of school
contributing to the enhancement of residents’ convenient lives and
buildings, etc.
promotion of the local industry.
With the aim of promoting smooth realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan,
grants are provided to the prefectures that accommodate defense facilities,
Project to develop for which special attention needs to be paid with regard to the significant
specified areas affected increase of influence on residents’ stable daily lives due to the realignment,
by the realignment for their projects contributing to the enhancement of residents’ convenient
lives and promotion of the local industry that they implement from a
broader point of view.
Grants are provided for the development of facilities conducted by the
Realignment promotion specified neighboring municipalities affected by the realignment, in light
- Facilities similar to those meant to stabilize people’s lives
project of the significance of promoting measures for the realignment of the U.S.
Forces in Japan and properly and promptly implementing the realignment.
*1 Act on Improvement of Living Environment of Areas Around Defense Facilities (Act No. 101 of 1974)
*2 Act on Special Measures for Smooth Implementation of the Realignment of the United States Forces in Japan (Act No. 67 of 2007)

Reference 61 Achievements of Antarctic Research Expedition
Transport volume of Number of Total voyage
Expedition Duration Days of activity Days in Antarctica Wintering party
goods observers (nautical miles)
2001.11.11–
43rd 151 91 Approx. 1,100t 56 40 Approx. 22,000
2002.4.6
2002.11.11–
44th 151 99 Approx. 1,230t 57 40 Approx. 22,000
2003.4.7
2003.11.11–
2004.4.8
2004.11.11–
Reference
46th 151 99 Approx. 980t 55 40 Approx. 21,000

2005.4.9
2005.11.11–
2006.4.10
2006.11.11–
2007.4.11
2007.11.11–
2008.4.12
2009.11.10–
51st 151 99 Approx. 1,130t 48 28 Approx. 21,000
2010.4.9
2010.11.11–
52nd 146 99 Approx. 1,310t 60 28 Approx. 20,000
2011.4.5
2011.11.11–
53rd 151 98 Approx. 820t 56 30 Approx. 19,000
2012.4.9
2012.11.11–
2013.4.10
2013.11.8–
2014.4.7
2014.11.11–
2015.4.10
2015.11.16–
2016.4.14
2016.11.11–
2017.4.10
2017.11.12–
2018.4.11
2018.11.10–
2019.4.9
2019.11.12–
61st 151 99 Approx. 1,000t 57 31 Approx. 20,000
2020.4.10
2020.11.6–
62nd 109 51 Approx. 1045t 44 31 Approx. 16,000
2021.2.22
* The 50th expedition not conducted.

Reference 62 External Construction Project Achievements
Number of projects by construction
Fiscal year
Total Grading Roads Snow removal Other
Before 1988 7,987 5,152 2,208 307 320
1989 39 33 4 2 0
1990 40 33 5 2 0
1991 29 23 6 0 0
1992 27 23 4 0 0
1993 25 22 2 0 1
Reference
1994 20 19 1 0 0
1995 20 15 5 0 0
1996 10 7 3 0 0
1997 11 9 2 0 0
1998 13 11 2 0 0
1999 12 10 1 0 1
2000 10 9 1 0 0
2001 7 6 1 0 0
2002 5 5 0 0 0
2003 3 3 0 0 0
2004 2 2 0 0 0
2005 1 1 0 0 0
2006 0 0 0 0 0
2007 0 0 0 0 0
2008 2 2 0 0 0
2009 0 0 0 0 0
2010 0 0 0 0 0
2011 1 1 0 0 0
2012 0 0 0 0 0
2013 1 0 1 0 0
2014 2 0 2 0 0
2015 1 1 0 0 0
2016 1 0 1 0 0
2017 0 0 0 0 0
2018 0 0 0 0 0
2019 0 0 0 0 0
2020 1 1 0 0 0
Total 8,270 5,388 2,249 311 322

Reference 63 A List of the Defense-related Facilities Designated under the Drone Act
(1) SDF facilities

Facility Location Nyutabaru Air Base 19581, Nyuta, Shintomi-cho, Koyu-gun, Miyazaki
Ichigaya Building, Ministry Naha Air Base 301, Toma, Naha-shi, Okinawa
5-1 Honmura-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 23-26, Yamagomori, Yuwatsubakigawa, Akita-shi,
of Defense Akita Sub Base
Kokuyumubanchi, Shunko-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Akita
Camp Asahikawa Niigata Sub Base 3-135, Funae-cho, Higashi-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata
Hokkaido
10, Minami-26-jo-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Higashichitose SIGINT Site 1016, Shukubai, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
Camp Sapporo
Hokkaido Oi SIGINT Site 1696-3, Kamekubo, Fujimino-shi, Saitama
Reference
161, Okadama-cho, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Kofunato SIGINT Site 3-2-12, Kofune-cho, Shibata-shi, Niigata
Camp Okadama
Hokkaido
Miho SIGINT Site 21, Watari-cho, Sakaiminato-shi, Tottori
31, Minami 7-sen, Minami-cho Obihiro-shi,
Camp Obihiro 1376-2, Shimotakaba, Chikuzen-machi, Asakura-
Hokkaido Tachiarai SIGINT Site
gun, Fukuoka
1-1-1, Kasuminome, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai-shi,
Camp Kasuminome 2913-1, Kawamine, Kikai-cho, Oshima-gun,
Miyagi Kikaijima SIGINT Site
Kagoshima
1-1, Minaminometate, Miyagino-ku, Sendai-shi,
Camp Sendai
Miyagi
(2) U.S. Forces Japan facilities and areas
Camp Jinmachi 3-1-1, Jin-machi Minami, Higashine-shi, Yamagata
Camp Soumagahara 1017-2, Arai, Shinto-mura, Kitagunma-gun, Gunma Facility Location
Camp Asaka Oizumigakuen-cho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo Aza Hirahata, Oaza Misawa, Misawa-shi, Aomori,
Misawa Air Base
etc.
Camp Kisarazu Azumachisaki, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba
Shariki Communication
Camp Tachikawa 5, Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo Byobuzan, Toyotomi-cho, Tsugaru-shi, Aomori
Site
Camp Yao 1-81, Kuko, Yao-shi, Osaka Yokota Air Base Oaza Kumagawa, Fussa-shi, Tokyo, etc.
Camp Itami 7-1-1, Midorigaoka, Itami-shi, Hyogo Camp Zama Zama, Zama-shi, Kanagawa, etc.
Camp Metabaru 7, Tateno, Yoshinogari-cho, Kanzaki-gun, Saga Atsugi Air Base Tatekawa, Ayase-shi, Kanagawa, etc.
1-1-1, Higashi-cho, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, U.S. Fleet Activities,
Camp Kengun Honcho 1-chome, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa, etc.
Kumamoto Yokosuka
Camp Kengun 1812, Oyatsu, Mashiki-machi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kyogamisaki
Vice-Camp Takayubaru Kumamoto Sodeshi, Tango-cho, Kyotango-shi, Kyoto
Communications Site
Funakoshi Building, Misumi-machi 1 chome, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi,
Headquarters 7-73, Funakoshi-cho, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa Iwakuni Air Base
etc.
Yokosuka District
U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo Hirase-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki, etc.
Hemi Building,
Mubanchi, 1-chome, Nishihemi-cho, Yokosuka-shi, Tategami Basin Port Area Tategami-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki
Headquarters
Kanagawa Camp Schwab Aza Henoko, Nago-shi, Okinawa, etc.
Yokosuka District
Area 1, Headquarters Camp Hansen Aza Kin, Kin-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, etc.
1190, Amarubeshimo, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto
Maizuru District Aza Yara, Kadena-cho, Nakagami-gun, Okinawa,
Kadena Air Base
Headquarters Ominato etc.
4-1, Ominato-cho, Mutsu-shi, Aomori
District Camp Zukeran (Foster) Aza Aniya, Ginowan-shi, Okinawa, etc.
Headquarters Sasebo Futenma Air Station Aza Samashita, Ginowan-shi, Okinawa, etc.
18, Hirase-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki
District
Headquarters Kure District 8-1, Saiwai-cho, Kure-shi, Hiroshima
Kanoya Air Base 3-11-2, Nishihara, Kanoya-shi, Kagoshima
Hachinohe Air Base Takadate, Kawaragi, Hachinohe-shi, Aomori
Tateyama Air Base Mubanchi, Miyagi, Tateyama-shi, Chiba
Omura Air Base 10, Imadu-machi, Omura-shi, Nagasaki
Iwakuni Air Base 1-chome, Misumi-machi, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi
Maizuru Air Base 731-20, Nagahama, Maizuru-shi, Kyoto
4-3, Subana, Wadajima-cho, Komatsushima-shi,
Komatsushima Air Base
Tokushima
Ominato Air Base 2, Hayasaki, Jogasawa, Mutsu-shi, Aomori
Chitose Air Base Mubanchi, Heiwa, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
Misawa Air Base 125-7, Ushirokubo, Misawa, Misawa-shi, Aomori
Matsushima Air Base 85, Itadori, Yamoto, Higashimatsushima-shi, Miyagi
Hyakuri Air Base 170, Hyakuri, Omitama-shi, Ibaraki
Fuchu Air Base 1-5-5, Sengen-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo
Iruma Air Base 2-3, Inariyama, Sayama-shi, Saitama
Mubanchi, Nishiyama-cho, Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu-
Hamamatsu Air Base
dhi, Shizuoka
Komaki Air Base 1-1, Kasuganji, Komaki-shi, Aichi
267, Mukaimotoori-machi-Inu, Komatsu-shi,
Komatsu Air Base
Ishikawa
Miho Air Base 2258, Koshinozu-cho, Sakaiminato-shi, Tottori
Tsuiki Air Base Nishihatta, Chikujo-machi, Chikujo-gun, Fukuoka
Ashiya Air Base 1455-1, Ashiya, Ashiya-cho, Onga-gun, Fukuoka
Kasuga Air Base 3-1-1, Hara-machi, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka

Reference 64 “Public Opinion Survey on the Self Defense Forces and Defense Issues” (excerpt) (Public Relations Office of Cabinet Office)
Outline of the survey period: January 11-21, 2018

For details, refer to <https://survey.gov-online.go.jp/h29/h29-bouei/index.html>
1 Interest in the Self Defense Forces 2 Impression toward the SDF

Interested (subtotal) 67.8 Not Interested (subtotal) 31.4 Good impression Bad impression
Not that (subtotal) 89.8 (subtotal) 5.6
Very Somewhat Totally
interested interested interested uninterested Good More of a More of Bad
Reference
(Eligible number impression positive a negative impression
of people) Don’t know
impression impression
Total (Eligible number
14.9 52.9 25.9 (%) of people) Don’t know
(1,671)
Total
36.7 53.0 (%)
0.8 5.5 (1,671)
4.7 0.7
4.9
3 Defense capabilities of the SDF 6 Role expected of the Self Defense Forces (multiple responses) (%)
Should be decreased 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Should be
Disaster dispatches (relief activities, emergency patient
(Eligible number increased Current strength is sufficient Don’t know transport, and other activities during disasters) 79.2
of people)
Total Protecting national security (national security
29.1 60.1 (%)
(1,671) in surrounding sea and airspace, response to 60.9
attacks on islands, and others)
6.2
4.5
Maintaining public order in Japan 49.8
Responding to ballistic missile attacks 40.2

4 Evaluation of overseas activities by the SDF
Participating in international peace cooperation
Appreciate (Total) 87.3 Do not appreciate (Total) 7.4 activities (such as United Nations PKO and 34.8
Highly Appreciate to Do not appreciate Do not international emergency relief activities)
appreciated a certain degree very much appreciate Private-sector cooperation (civil engineering
(Eligible number at all projects and National Sports Festival assistance, 26.0
of people) Don’t know unexploded ordnance disposal, and others)
Total
36.7 50.6 (%) Rescuing Japanese people in other countries 21.0
(1,671)
5.3 1.1 Promoting defense cooperation and interaction
6.2 (implementing meetings and discussions and joint
training with defense agencies of other countries, 20.8
defense equipment assistance, and others)
Contributing to stable use of cyberspace
(response to cyber attacks and others) 18.2
5 Efforts in international peace cooperation activities
Taking actions to deal with piracy (initiatives
Should make Should maintain Should reduce Should not to protect private-sector vessels from piracy 17.3
more efforts current the amount of efforts engage in offshore near Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
in engaging engagement in engaging from such efforts
proactively level current level Cooperating with arms control and
disarmament and non-proliferation effects 14.8
(Eligible number Don’t know
of people) Assisting capability building (initiatives to
Total improve capabilities of developing countries 13.2
20.6 66.8 (%)
(1,671) in national security and defense fields)
5.3 5.6
1.7 Contributing to stable use of outer space 7.5
Others 0.1
Nothing in particular 2.2
Unsure 1.7
Total (N = 1,671 people, M.T. = 407.7%)

Reference 65 Record of Information Disclosure by the Ministry of Defense (FY2020)
Ministry of Defense Regional Defense Bureaus Acquisition, Technology and
Total
Headquarters and Branches Logistics Agency
1 Number of disclosure requests 2,930 1,623 162 4,715
2 Number of decisions regarding disclosure 3,278 1,721 171 5,170
Requests accepted 1,685 678 75 2,438
Requests partially accepted 1,472 1,031 95 2,598
Requests declined 121 12 1 134
3 Number of requests for review 12,761 0 1 12,762
4 Number of lawsuits 3 0 0 3

Defense Chronology
Year Date Major Events Year Date Major Events Year Date Major Events
1945 Aug. 15 World War II ends 1952 Jan. 19 ROK proclaims sovereignty over neighboring ocean areas 1957 Aug. 06 Japan-U.S. Security Council inaugurated
Aug. 17 Higashikuninomiya Cabinet established (Rhee Line) Aug. 26 USSR announces successful ICBM test
Aug. 17 Republic of Indonesia declares independence Feb. 28 Japan-U.S. Administrative Agreement signed Aug. 27 Trial startup of reactor at Tokaimura
Aug. 28 Provisional government of People’s Republic of Vietnam Apr. 26 Maritime Guard established within the Japan Coast Sep. 10 National Defense Council decision to produce P2V-742
established Guard aircraft domestically, Cabinet report on September 17
Sep. 02 GHQ established Apr. 28 Japan-Taiwan Peace Treaty concluded Oct. 04 USSR launches the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik
Oct. 09 Shidehara Cabinet established Apr. 28 Japan-U.S. Peace Treaty and Japan-U.S. Security Treaty 1
Oct. 15 General Staff Office and Military Command abolished enter into force Nov. 23 World Congress of Communist Parties issues the
Apr. 28 Far East Commission, Allied Council, and GHQ Abolished Moscow Declaration
Oct. 24 United Nations established
May 01 May Day riot at Imperial Palace Plaza 1958 Jan. 01 Japan becomes non-permanent member of the U.N.
Nov. 30 Army and Navy Ministries abolished Security Council
1946 Jan. 04 GHQ orders purge from public office May 26 U.S., U.K., and France sign peace agreement with
Germany Jan. 01 European Economic Community (EEC) starts
Jan. 10 First session of U.N. General Assembly (London, through
February 14) May 27 European Defense Community (EDC) Treaty signed Jan. 14 First ocean training exercises (Hawaii, through February
Jul. 21 Subversive Activities Prevention Law promulgated and 28)
Reference
Jan. 27 GHQ orders the suspension of Japanese administrative

right over Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands enters into force Jan. 31 U.S. successfully launches an artificial satellite
Feb. 26 Far East Commission formed Jul. 26 Japan-U.S. Facilities and Areas Agreement signed Feb. 17 ASDF begins scrambling against aircraft intruding into
Jul. 31 National Safety Agency Law promulgated territorial airspace
Mar. 05 Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech
Aug. 01 National Safety Agency established; Prime Minister Apr. 18 House of Representatives passes resolution to ban
Apr. 05 First meeting of Allied Council on Japan atomic and hydrogen bombs
Yoshida concurrently becomes Director-General of the
Apr. 24 Civil administration of Okinawa established National Safety Agency; Coastal Safety Force inaugurated Jun. 12 Inauguration of second Kishi Cabinet; Sato becomes
May 03 International Military Tribunal for the Far East opened Oct. 15 National Safety Force inaugurated Minister of State for Defense
May 22 Yoshida Cabinet established Aug. 23 Chinese People’s Liberation Army attack on Quemoy
Oct. 30 Inauguration of fourth Yoshida Cabinet; Kimura becomes intensifies
Oct. 01 International War Crimes Tribunal in Nuremberg renders Director-General of the National Safety Agency
Sep. 11 Fujiyama-Dulles talks (Washington, D.C.); agreement on
judgment Oct. 31 U.K. carries out its first atomic bomb test revision of the Japan-U.S. Security
Nov. 03 The Constitution of Japan promulgated Nov. 01 U.S. carries out its first hydrogen bomb test Oct. 04 Treaty Commencement of Japan-U.S. talks on the
Dec. 19 First Indochina War starts (through 1954) Nov. 12 Japan-U.S. Ship Leasing Agreement signed revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty
1947 Mar. 12 Truman Doctrine announced 1953 Jan. 01 Security Advisory Group in Japan inaugurated Oct. 23 Dulles talks with Chiang Kaishek; joint statement issued
May 03 The Constitution of Japan takes effect denying counteroffensive against mainland China
Apr. 01 National Safety Academy (predecessor of National
Defense Academy) established Dec. 17 U.S. test-launches Atlas ICBM
Jun. 01 Katayama Cabinet established
Jun. 05 Marshall Plan announced May 21 Inauguration of fifth Yoshida Cabinet 1959 Jan. 12 Ino becomes Minister of State for Defense
Jul. 27 Korean War Armistice Agreement signed Mar. 30 Tokyo District Court rules the stationing of U.S. Forces
Aug. 15 India and Pakistan gain independence unconstitutional in the Sunagawa case
Aug. 15 First India-Pakistan conflict (through 1965) Aug. 12 USSR carries out its first hydrogen bomb test
Jun. 18 Inauguration of second reshuffled Kishi Cabinet; Akagi
Oct. 05 Cominform established Sep. 27 Yoshida and Shigemitsu talk becomes Minister of State for Defense
Dec. 17 Police Law promulgated (National Rural Police and Oct. 01 U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty signed Aug. 25 China-India border dispute
municipal police forces established) Oct. 30 Ikeda-Robertson talks; joint statement issued on gradual Sep. 18 USSR General Secretary Khrushchev proposes complete
1948 Mar. 10 Ashida Cabinet established increase in self-defense strength military reductions at U.N.
Apr. 01 USSR imposes Berlin blockade (through May 12, 1949) Dec. 25 Japanese administrative rule over Amami Islands Sep. 26 Disaster relief teams dispatched after Typhoon Vera
restored
Apr. 27 Japan Coast Guard Law promulgated Sep. 27 U.S.-Soviet Summit Meeting; joint statement issued at
1954 Jan. 21 U.S. launches world’s first nuclear submarine (USS Camp David
May 14 Israel gains independence; First Middle East War starts Nautilus)
(through February 24, 1949) Nov. 06 National Defense Council decision to produce 200 F-104
Mar. 01 U.S. carries out hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll aircraft domestically, approved by Cabinet on November
Jun. 11 U.S. Senate Vandenberg resolution Mar. 01 Daigo Fukuryu maru (Lucky Dragon V) incident 10
Jun. 26 Berlin airlift starts Mar. 08 Mutual Defense Assistance (MDA) agreement signed Dec. 01 Antarctica Treaty signed
Aug. 15 Republic of Korea (ROK) declares independence May 14 Japan and U.S. sign Land Lease Agreement on naval Dec. 16 Supreme Court reverses original ruling in the Sunagawa
Sep. 09 North Korea established vessels case
Oct. 19 Inauguration of the second Yoshida Cabinet Jun. 02 House of Councillors passes resolution prohibiting 1960 Jan. 11 Defense Agency moves to Hinoki-cho
dispatch of troops overseas Jan. 19 New Japan-U.S. Security Treaty is signed (enters into
Nov. 12 International Military Tribunal for the Far East renders force June 23)
judgment Jun. 09 Promulgation of Defense Agency Establishment Law,
Self-Defense Forces Law and Protection of National Feb. 13 France conducts its first nuclear test in the Sahara
1949 Jan. 25 Council for Mutual Economic Cooperation (COMECON) Secrecy Law pertaining to the MDA
established May 01 U-2 reconnaissance plane belonging to U.S. shot down in
Jul. 01 Defense Agency established; Ground, Maritime and Air Soviet airspace
Feb. 16 Inauguration of third Yoshida Cabinet Self-Defense Forces inaugurated
Apr. 04 North Atlantic Treaty signed by 12 nations (becomes May 24 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the earthquake
Jul. 21 Geneva Agreement on armistice in Indochina signed and tsunami in Chile
effective August 24) (NATO established)
Sep. 03 Chinese People’s Liberation Army shells Quemoy and Jul. 19 Ikeda Cabinet established; Esaki becomes Minister of
Apr. 21 Nationalist-Communist talks break up; Chinese Matsu for the first time
Communist Army launches general offensive State for Defense
Sep. 08 South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) formed by Jul. 20 U.S. conducts successful underwater launch of Polaris
May 06 Federal Republic of Germany established (West Germany) signing of collective defense pact SLBM
Jul. 05 Shimoyama incident Dec. 02 U.S.-Taiwan Mutual Defense Treaty signed Dec. 08 Inauguration of second Ikeda Cabinet; Nishimura
Jul. 15 Mitaka incident Dec. 10 Hatoyama Cabinet established; Omura becomes Minister becomes Minister of State for Defense
Aug. 17 Matsukawa incident of State for Defense Dec. 20 Formation of the South Vietnam National Liberation Front
Sep. 24 USSR declares possession of atomic bomb 1955 Mar. 19 Inauguration of second Hatoyama Cabinet; Sugihara 1961 Jan. 13 National Defense Council decides to reorganize GSDF
becomes Minister of State for Defense units (into 13 divisions); presented to Cabinet January
Oct. 01 People’s Republic of China established 20
Apr. 18 Africa-Asia conference held at Bandung
Oct. 07 German Democratic Republic established (East Germany) Apr. 12 USSR successfully launches manned spacecraft
May 05 West Germany formally admitted to NATO
Dec. 07 Chinese Nationalist Party takes refuge in Taiwan May 16 Military junta seizes power in a coup in ROK
May 06 Live shell fire by U.S. forces at Kita Fuji Maneuver Area;
1950 Jan. 27 U.S. signs MSA agreement with NATO countries opposition to firing intensifies Jul. 06 Soviet-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and
Feb. 14 Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual May 08 Protests begin at Sunagawa Base Mutual Assistance signed
Assistance signed Jul. 11 Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and
May 14 Signing of Warsaw Pact (WPO starts)
Jun. 21 John Foster Dulles, adviser to the U.S. Department of Mutual Assistance signed
State, visits Japan Jul. 31 Sunada becomes Minister of State for Defense
Jul. 18 Inauguration of second reshuffled Ikeda Cabinet; Fujieda
Jun. 25 Korean War (ends July 27, 1953) Aug. 06 First World Conference Against Atomic and Hydrogen becomes Minister of State for Defense
Bombs held in Hiroshima
Jun. 28 Inauguration of third reshuffled Yoshida Cabinet Jul. 18 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
Aug. 31 Shigemitsu-Dulles meeting; joint statement issued on on Second Defense Build-up Plan
Jul. 07 United Nations Force formed for dispatch to Korea revision of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty
Aug. 13 Construction of Berlin Wall
Jul. 08 General MacArthur authorizes the establishment of the Nov. 14 Japan-U.S. Atomic Energy Agreement signed
National Police Reserve, consisting of 75,000 men, and 1962 Jul. 18 Inauguration of second reshuffled Ikeda Cabinet (second
the expansion of the Japan Coast Guard by 8,000 men Nov. 22 Inauguration of third Hatoyama Cabinet; Funada term); Shiga becomes Minister of State for Defense
becomes Minister of State for Defense
Aug. 10 National Police Reserve Ordinance promulgated and put
Dec. 19 Atomic Energy Basic Law promulgated Jul. 23 International Agreement on the Neutrality of Laos signed
into effect in Geneva International Conference
Aug. 13 Ordinary personnel recruitment for the National Police 1956 Feb. 09 House of Representatives passes resolution to ban
atomic and hydrogen bomb tests (House of Councilors, Aug. 15 GSDF completes 13 division organization
Reserve begins
February 10) Oct. 15 Type 61 tank first introduced
Aug. 14 Masuhara appointed first Director-General of the National
Police Reserve Feb. 14 Stalin criticized at the 20th Congress of Soviet Communist Oct. 20 China-India border dispute (through November 22)
Party in Moscow; Khrushchev proclaims policy of peaceful
Sep. 07 National Police Reserve headquarters moves from the co-existence with the West Oct. 24 U.S. Navy imposes sea blockade of Cuba (through
National Police Agency headquarters to Etchujima November 20)
Mar. 23 Defense Agency moved to Kasumigaseki
Sep. 15 U.N. troops land at Inchon Oct. 28 Premier of the Soviet Union Khrushchev declares
Apr. 17 USSR announces dissolution of Cominform dismantling of missile bases in Cuba
Oct. 25 Chinese Communist volunteers join Korean War
Apr. 26 First Japan-made destroyer Harukaze completed Nov. 01 Defense Facilities Administration Agency established
Nov. 24 U.S. announces the seven principles for concluding a
peace treaty with Japan Jul. 02 National Defense Council Composition Law promulgated Nov. 09 Shiga visits U.S. for first time as Minister of State for
Dec. 18 NATO Defense Commission agrees to establishment of Jul. 26 Egyptian President Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal Defense (through November 26)
NATO Forces Sep. 20 First domestically-produced F-86F fighter delivered 1963 Jun. 20 Agreement signed for U.S.-Soviet hotline
1951 Jan. 23 Minister of State Ohashi takes charge of the National Jul. 18 Inauguration of second reshuffled Ikeda Cabinet (third
Oct. 19 Joint declaration on restoration of Japanese-Soviet term); Fukuda becomes Minister of State for Defense
Police Reserve relations
Jan. 29 First Yoshida-Dulles talks (peace treaty negotiations) Aug. 08 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty signed by US.-USSR-U.K.
Oct. 23 Hungarian Revolution (enters into force on October 10)
Mar. 01 Special recruitment of Military and Naval Academy
graduates to serve as police officers 1st and 2nd class Oct. 29 Second Middle East War (Suez War; through November 6) Aug. 14 Japan joins Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
begins Dec. 18 Japan joins the U.N. Sep. 16 Malaysian Federation established
Apr. 11 MacArthur was dismissed as Supreme Commander of Dec. 23 Ishibashi Cabinet established; Prime Minister Dec. 09 Inauguration of third Ikeda Cabinet
the Allied Powers concurrently becomes Minister of State for Defense
Jul. 04 Inauguration of third reshuffled Yoshida Cabinet (second Dec. 17 ROK transits to civilian government, Park Chung-hee
1957 Jan. 31 Acting Prime Minister Kishi concurrently becomes, ad becomes President
term) interim, Minister of State for Defense
Aug. 30 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty signed Feb. 02 Kotaki becomes Minister of State for Defense 1964 Jun. 15 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty enters into force for
Japan
Sep. 01 Australia-New Zealand-U.S. sign ANZUS Treaty Feb. 25 Kishi Cabinet established
Sep. 08 49 countries sign Peace Treaty with Japan; Japan-U.S. Mar. 15 House of Councillors passes resolution to ban atomic and Jul. 18 Inauguration of third reshuffled Ikeda Cabinet; Koizumi
Security Treaty concluded hydrogen bombs becomes Minister of State for Defense
Oct. 20 Ozuki unit dispatched for the first time on a rescue relief May 15 U.K. conducts its first hydrogen bomb test Aug. 02 Gulf of Tonkin incident
operation to Kita Kawachi Village, Yamaguchi Prefecture, May 20 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted Oct. 16 China successfully carries out its first nuclear test
in the wake of Typhoon Ruth on Basic Guidelines for National Defense Nov. 09 Sato Cabinet established
Oct. 26 House of Representatives approves Peace Treaty and Jun. 14 National Defense Council decision and Cabinet Nov. 12 U.S. nuclear submarine (Sea Dragon) enters a Japanese
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (House of Councilors approval understanding adopted on First Defense Build-up Plan port (Sasebo) for the first time
given November 18)
Jun. 21 Kishi-Eisenhower talks; joint statement on the early 1965 Feb. 07 U.S. starts bombing of North Vietnam
Dec. 26 Inauguration of third reshuffled Yoshida Cabinet (third withdrawal of the USFJ issued
term) Feb. 10 Diet debate on Mitsuya study
Jul. 10 Inauguration of reshuffled Kishi Cabinet; Tsushima
becomes Minister of State for Defense Jun. 03 Inauguration of reshuffled Sato Cabinet; Matsuno

1965 Jun. 22 Japan-ROK Basic Treaty signed 1972 Sep. 29 Prime Minister Tanaka visits China; normalization of 1979 Jan. 11 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
Sep. 01 Second India-Pakistan conflict (to September 22) diplomatic relations between Japan and China on introduction of E-2C
Oct. 09 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted Feb. 11 Islamic Revolution takes place in Iran
Nov. 10 Icebreaker Fuji leaves on first mission to assist Antarctic on Situation Judgment and Defense Concepts in the
observation (through April 8, 1966) Feb. 17 Sino-Vietnamese War (through March 5)
Fourth Defense Build-up Plan, Key Matters for Inclusion
1966 May 16 Cultural Revolution starts in China in Fourth Defense Build-up Plan, and Measures to Mar. 26 Egypt-Israel peace treaty signed
Jul. 01 France withdraws from the NATO command (rejoined Enhance Civilian Control Jun. 18 SALT II signed
April 4, 2009) Dec. 21 East-West Germany Basic Treaty signed Jul. 17 Announcement of Mid-Term Defense Estimate
Aug. 01 Inauguration of reshuffled Sato Cabinet (second term); Dec. 22 Inauguration of second Tanaka Cabinet (FY1980-FY1984)
Kambayashiyama becomes Minister of State for Defense
1973 Jan. 23 14th Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee Jul. 25 Minister of State for Defense Yamashita makes first visit to
Oct. 27 China successfully carries out its first nuclear missile meeting agrees on consolidation of U.S. bases in Japan ROK as an incumbent Minister (through July 26)
test (Kanto Program) Nov. 09 Inauguration of second Ohira Cabinet; Kubota becomes
Nov. 29 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted Jan. 27 Vietnam peace agreement signed (ceasefire takes effect Minister of State for Defense
on Outline of Third Defense Build-up Plan on January 28) Dec. 27 Soviet Union invades Afghanistan
Dec. 03 Inauguration of reshuffled Sato Cabinet; Masuda Feb. 01 Defense Agency publishes Peacetime Defense Strength
becomes Minister of State for Defense 1980 Feb. 04 Hosoda becomes Minister of State for Defense
1967 Jan. 27 Outer Space Treaty signed Feb. 21 Laos Peace Treaty signed Feb. 26 Maritime Self-Defense Force takes part in RIMPAC for
the first time (through March 18)
Reference
Feb. 17 Inauguration of second Sato Cabinet Mar. 29 U.S. forces complete their withdrawal from Vietnam
May 29 Yamanaka becomes Minister of State for Defense Apr. 11 Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance and Mutual
Mar. 14 National Defense Council decision adopted on Key Assistance lapses
matters for inclusion in Third Defense Build-up Plan Jun. 22 General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union May 18 China tests an ICBM in the direction of the South Pacific
(Cabinet decision on March 14) visits U.S.; convention on the prevention of nuclear war Ocean for the first time
Mar. 29 Sapporo District Court renders judgment on Eniwa Case signed
Jul. 17 House of Councillors establishes special committee for
Jun. 05 Third Middle East War (through June 9) Jul. 01 Commencement of SDF air defense mission on Okinawa Security Treaty, Okinawa, and Northern Territories issues
Jun. 17 China successfully carries out its first hydrogen bomb Sep. 07 Sapporo District Court rules SDF unconstitutional Jul. 17 Suzuki Cabinet established; Omura becomes Minister of
test (Naganuma Judgment) State for Defense
Jul. 01 Formation of European Community (EC) Sep. 21 Japan-North Vietnam establish diplomatic relations Aug. 18 Interceptors begin to be armed with missiles
Aug. 08 Formation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations Oct. 06 Fourth Middle East War (ends October 25) Aug. 19 Arming escorts with live torpedoes announced
(ASEAN) Oct. 08 Japan-Soviet Summit Meeting (Moscow) Aug. 21 Soviet nuclear submarine has an accident off the main
Nov. 25 Inauguration of second reshuffled Sato Cabinet Oct. 17 Ten OPEC countries decide to reduce crude oil supplies island of Okinawa
1968 Jan. 16 Prime Minister Wilson announces withdrawal of U.K. Nov. 07 Pakistan formally withdraws from SEATO Sep. 03 First meeting of the Japan-U.S. Systems and Technology
troops east of Suez Forum (Washington, D.C., through September 4)
Nov. 25 Inauguration of second reshuffled Tanaka Cabinet
Sep. 22 Iran and Iraq enter into full-fledged war
Jan. 19 U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (Enterprise) enters 1974 Jan. 05 Japan-China Trade Agreement signed
a Japanese port (Sasebo) for the first time 1981 Jan. 06 February 7 decided as Northern Territories Day (Cabinet
Jan. 18 Israel and Egypt sign Egyptian-Israeli Disengagement understanding)
Jan. 23 Seizure of U.S. Navy intelligence vessel Pueblo by North Treaties
Korea Apr. 22 Defense Agency announces classification of the laws and
Apr. 20 Japan-China Aviation Agreement signed
Feb. 26 New Japan-U.S. nuclear agreement signed regulations subject to the Studies on Emergency
Apr. 25 National Defense Medical College opens Legislation
May 13 First formal Vietnamese peace talks held in Paris
May 18 India carries out its first underground nuclear test Jul. 07 Tokyo High Court renders judgment in Hyakuri Base suit
Jun. 26 Ogasawara Islands revert to Japan
Jul. 03 U.S. President Nixon visits USSR, Treaty on the Limitation Jul. 13 Hachioji branch of Tokyo District Court renders judgment
Jul. 01 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signed of Underground Nuclear Weapon Tests (Threshold Test in 1st and 2nd Yokota Air Base noise suits
Aug. 20 Soviet and Eastern European troops invade Ban Treaty) signed
Oct. 01 (GSDF) First Japan-U.S. bilateral exercises (in
Czechoslovakia Oct. 08 Eisaku Sato, former Prime Minister, receives Nobel Prize communications) staged at Higashi Fuji Maneuver Area
Aug. 24 France carries out its first hydrogen bomb test in the Nov. 11 Inauguration of second reshuffled second Tanaka Cabinet (through October 3)
South Pacific (second term); Uno becomes Minister of State for Nov. 30 Inauguration of reshuffled Suzuki Cabinet; Ito becomes
Nov. 30 Inauguration of second reshuffled Sato Cabinet (second Defense Minister of State for Defense
term); Arita becomes Minister of State for Defense Nov. 13 Japan-China Marine Transport Agreement signed Dec. 13 Poland declares martial law and establishes the Military
1969 Jan. 10 National Defense Council decision to produce 104 F-4E Nov. 15 U.N. forces in Korea discovers a North Korean infiltration Council of National Salvation
aircraft domestically, approved by Cabinet tunnel 1982 Feb. 15 (GSDF) First Japan-U.S. bilateral command post exercise
Mar. 02 Armed clashes between Chinese and Soviet forces on Nov. 23 U.S. President Ford visits USSR, makes joint statement (staged at Takigahara, through February 19)
Chenpao Island (Damansky Island) on SALT II
Apr. 02 Falklands dispute (ends June 14)
Apr. 15 North Korea shoots down U.S. EC-121 reconnaissance Dec. 09 Miki Cabinet established; Sakata becomes Minister of
plane State for Defense Apr. 25 Israel returns all of Sinai Peninsula
Jun. 10 South Vietnam announces establishment of Provisional 1975 Apr. 01 Director General instructs to create draft plan for defense May 15 Use of some sections of land within facilities and areas
Revolutionary Government forces after FY1977 (second instruction October 29) located in Okinawa starts under the Special Land Lease
Apr. 23 U.S. President Ford declares end of Vietnam War Law
Jul. 25 U.S. President Nixon announce Guam Doctrine (later the
Nixon Doctrine) Apr. 30 South Vietnamese Government surrenders Jun. 06 Israeli forces invade Lebanon
Nov. 21 Sato-Nixon joint statement (extension of Japan-U.S. unconditionally Jun. 08 BWC enters into force in Japan
Security Treaty, return of Okinawa to Japan by 1972) Aug. 01 Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) Jun. 09 Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), Protocols I,
1970 Jan. 14 Inauguration of third Sato Cabinet; Nakasone becomes adopts the Helsinki Declaration (Helsinki) II and III concluded
Minister of State for Defense Nov. 17 First summit meeting of most industrialized nations Jun. 29 Commencement of Strategic Arms Reduction Talks
Jan. 24 Formation of integrated WPO (Warsaw Pact) forces (Rambouillet, through November 17), held annually since (START-I) U.S.-Soviet Union (Geneva)
(involving seven countries) 1976 Apr. 05 Demonstrators and police clash in Tiananmen Square in Jul. 23 1981 Mid-Term Defense Estimate presented to and
Feb. 03 Japan signs Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Beijing, China (1st Tiananmen Incident) approved by National Defense Council
Feb. 11 First domestically produced artificial satellite Jun. 04 Publication of second white paper on defense, “The Aug. 17 U.S.-China Joint Statement about U.S. weapons sales to
successfully launched Defense of Japan” (henceforth published annually) Taiwan
Mar. 05 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty comes into force Jun. 08 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty comes into force for Sep. 09 Supreme Court renders judgment on Naganuma Nike
Japan Missile Base Case
Mar. 31 Yodo hijacking
Jul. 02 Socialist Republic of Vietnam (unified Vietnam) Oct. 12 China successfully tests SLBM water launch
Apr. 16 U.S. and USSR begin SALT I strategic arms limitation proclaimed
talks Oct. 20 Yokohama District Court renders judgment in 1st Atsugi
Jul. 08 Sub-Committee for Defense Cooperation (SDC) Air Base noise suit
Apr. 24 China successfully launches its first satellite established
Nov. 27 Nakasone Cabinet established; Tanikawa becomes
Jun. 23 Automatic extension of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty Aug. 05 Sapporo High Court renders judgment in Naganuma Nike Minister of State for Defense
Aug. 12 West Germany-USSR sign non-aggression pact suit
1983 Jan. 01 U.S. establishes new Unified Combatant Command
Oct. 20 Publication of “The Defense of Japan,” the first white Aug. 18 U.S. military officers slain at Panmunjom by North Korea (Central Command)
paper on defense Sep. 06 MiG-25 forced to land at Hakodate Airport Jan. 14 Government decides to pave the way for the transfer of
Nov. 25 Yukio Mishima commits suicide by ritual Sep. 15 Inauguration of reshuffled Miki Cabinet military technologies to the U.S. (Statement by the Chief
disembowelment at the GSDF Eastern Army Cabinet Secretary)
Headquarters in Ichigaya
Oct. 29 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
on Defense Plan for Defense Build-up beyond FY1977 Mar. 23 U.S. President Reagan announces Strategic Defense
1971 Feb. 11 Signing of treaty forbidding the use of the seabed for Initiative (SDI)
military purposes
Nov. 05 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
on Immediate-term Defense Build-up and Handling Jun. 12 Director Tanigawa first Minister of State for Defense to
Jun. 17 Agreement on the Return of Okinawa signed Major Items in Preparations for Defense Forces inspect Northern Islands
Jun. 29 Okinawa Defense Agreement (Kubo-Curtis Agreement) Dec. 24 Fukuda Cabinet established; Mihara becomes Minister of Sep. 01 KAL airliner shot down by Soviet fighters near Sakhalin
signed State for Defense Oct. 09 19 ROK Government officials, including cabinet ministers,
Jul. 05 Inauguration of third reshuffled Sato Cabinet; Masuhara 1977 Feb. 17 Mito District Court renders judgment in Hyakuri Base suit killed in Burma by North Korean terrorists
becomes Minister of State for Defense Jun. 30 South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) dissolved Oct. 25 U.S. and six Caribbean nations send troops to Grenada
Jul. 30 All Nippon Airways plane collides with SDF aircraft (Treaty remains effective) Nov. 08 Signing of negotiation statement for sharing military
(Shizukuishi) Jul. 01 Implementation of two maritime laws, proclaiming a technology with the U.S. based on the U.S. and Japan
Aug. 02 Nishimura becomes Minister of State for Defense 200- mile fishing zone and 12-mile territorial waters Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement
Aug. 09 India-Soviet Friendship Treaty signed Aug. 01 North Korea establishes military demarcation lines in Sea Dec. 12 (ASDF) First Japan-U.S. bilateral command post exercise
of Japan and Yellow Sea (Fuchu, through December 15)
Sep. 30 U.S. and USSR sign agreement on measures to reduce
the danger of nuclear war Aug. 10 Defense Agency starts Emergency Legislation Study Dec. 27 Inauguration of second Nakasone Cabinet; Kurihara
Oct. 25 U.N. General Assembly adopts resolution to admit China Nov. 28 Inaguruation of reshuffled Fukuda Cabinet; Kanemaru
and expel Taiwan becomes Minister of State for Defense 1984 Jan. 01 Brunei gains independence from the U.K. (joins ASEAN
on January 7)
Nov. 24 House of Representatives resolution on nonnuclear Dec. 29 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
weapons on introduction of F-15s and P-3C Jun. 11 (MSDF) First Japan-U.S. bilateral command post exercise
(Yokosuka, through June 15)
Nov. 27 ASEAN declares SEA neutrality 1978 Apr. 12 Chinese fishing fleet infringes on waters around Senkaku
Islands Oct. 16 Defense Agency announces procedures, etc., of future
Dec. 03 Third India-Pakistan conflict Studies on Emergency Legislation in Studies on
Dec. 03 Esaki becomes Minister of State for Defense Aug. 12 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and the Legislation to Deal with Emergencies
People’s Republic of China signed in Beijing
Dec. 05 ASDF first domestic supersonic aircraft ASDF XT-2 Nov. 01 Inauguration of second reshuffled Nakasone Cabinet;
Sep. 21 Defense Agency announces modality and purpose of Kato becomes Minister of State for Defense
delivered emergency legislation study
1972 Jan. 07 Sato-Nixon joint statement on the agreement of the Nov. 03 Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Agreement signed 1985 Mar. 12 U.S.-Soviet Union arms control talks begin
return of Okinawa and the reduction of bases Apr. 02 USAF begins to station F-16 fighters at Misawa
Nov. 27 (ASDF) First Japan-U.S. bilateral training exercises (east
Feb. 08 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted of Misawa and west of Akita, through December 1) Jun. 04 China announces the reduction of one million personnel
on Outline of 4th Five-Year Defense Build-up Plan Nov. 27 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee approves from the People’s Liberation Army
Feb. 27 U.S. President Nixon visits China; China-U.S. Joint Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Cooperation, presented to and Aug. 12 Disaster relief teams dispatched in response to the JAL
Communique approved by Cabinet following deliberation by the aircraft crash
Apr. 10 Japan signs Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention National Defense Council on November 28 Sep. 18 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
(BWC) Dec. 05 Afghanistan-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Good Relations on Mid-Term Defense Program; National Defense Council
and Cooperation signed decision and Cabinet understanding adopted on
Apr. 18 National Defense Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
introduction of Patriots
on SDF deployment in Okinawa Dec. 07 Ohira Cabinet established; Yamashita becomes Minister
May 15 Return of Okinawa of State for Defense Dec. 27 Detailed arrangements for the supply of military
Dec. 25 Vietnamese troops invade Cambodia (withdrawal technologies to the U.S. concluded
May 26 SALT I and agreement to limit ABM signed during the Dec. 28 Inauguration of second reshuffled Nakasone Cabinet
visit of U.S. President Nixon to USSR completed on September 26, 1989)
(second term)
Jul. 03 India-Pakistan truce signed 1979 Jan. 01 U.S. and China normalize diplomatic relations, U.S.
notifies termination of the U.S.-Taiwan Mutual Defense 1986 Feb. 24 First Japan-U.S. bilateral joint command post exercise
Jul. 04 ROK and North Korea make a Joint Statement for Treaty after one year (Hinoki-cho, headquarters of USFJ, etc., through
peaceful unification Jan. 07 Fall of Phnom Penh, establishment of Heng Samrin February 28)
Jul. 07 Tanaka Cabinet established; Masuhara becomes Minister regime announced Apr. 09 Tokyo High Court renders judgment in 1st Atsugi Air Base
of State for Defense noise suit

1986 Apr. 26 Accident at Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Soviet 1990 Jun. 19 Japan-U.S. Joint Committee confirms moves to prepare 1993 Jun. 01 Along with full operation of the private government plane
Union necessary steps to return U.S. military facilities in (B-747), Special Air Transport Squadron newly
Jul. 01 Security Council Establishment Law enacted Okinawa (23 items) established
Jul. 22 Inauguration of third Nakasone Cabinet; Kurihara Jun. 21 Japan and the U.S. reach agreement in principle on the Jun. 09 Wedding ceremony of His Imperial Highness the Crown
becomes Minister of State for Defense establishment of a ministerial conference on security Prince
Aug. 10 U.S. announces suspension of its obligations to New Aug. 02 Iraq invades Kuwait Jun. 11 North Korea reserves the right to withdraw from the NPT
Zealand under the ANZUS Treaty in treaty talks (San Aug. 02 U.S. President G.H.W. Bush gives speech at Aspen in a joint statement issued during first round of U.
Francisco, through August 11) S.-North Korea consultations
Oct. 03 German unification Jul. 12 Disaster relief teams dispatched to Hokkaido in response
Aug. 15 Japan, U.S., USSR open hotline operations
Oct. 16 Bill on Cooperation with United Nations Peacekeeping to the earthquake off southwestern Hokkaido (through
Sep. 05 Government approves the first transfer of military Operations submitted to Diet August 12)
technology to the U.S. Oct. 24 USSR conducts underground nuclear tests in the Arctic Aug. 04 Signing of peace treaty in Rwandan civil war
Sep. 22 Conference on Disarmament in Europe (CDE) adopts final
documents (Stockholm) Nov. 10 Bill on Cooperation with United Nations Peacekeeping Aug. 09 Hosokawa Cabinet established; Nakanishi becomes
Operations annulled Minister of State for Defense
Oct. 15 USSR announces partial withdrawal of its troops from
Afghanistan Nov. 12 Coronation of Emperor Sep. 01 U.S. DoD announces the Bottom Up Review
Oct. 27 First Japan-U.S. bilateral joint field training exercise Nov. 23 Great Thanksgiving Festival Sep. 13 Israel and PLO sign a declaration of the principles of
(eastern and southern part of Honshu island, etc., Dec. 20 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted provisional autonomy
Reference
through October 31) on Mid-Term Defense Program (FY1991-FY1995) Sep. 23 U.N. Security Council adopts resolution to establish the
1987 Jan. 24 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted Dec. 29 Inauguration of second reshuffled Kaifu Cabinet; Ikeda United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH)
on a program for the future build-up of defense capacity becomes Minister of State for Defense Oct. 13 Japan-Russia agreement on prevention of marine
1991 Jan. 17 Cabinet decision adopted on establishment of the Gulf accidents signed
Jan. 30 Special Measures Agreement concerning the cost
Crisis Countermeasures Headquarters Nov. 01 Maastricht Treaty comes into effect; European Union
sharing of the stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan signed established
(effective June 1) Jan. 17 Coalition forces launch air attacks against Kuwait and
Iraq, Operation Desert Storm Dec. 02 Aichi becomes Minister of State for Defense
May 27 Metropolitan Police Department arrests two employees
of Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd., in connection with unfair Jan. 24 Government pledges an additional U.S.$9 billion to 1994 Feb. 24 Okinawa branch of Naha District Court renders
exports that breach the rules of the Coordinating efforts to restore peace in the Gulf region judgement in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Kadena Air Base noise
Committee for Multilateral Strategic Export Controls Jan. 25 Cabinet decision adopted on ordinance on interim suits
(COCOM) to Communist areas measures for the airlifting of Gulf Crisis refugees Mar. 23 First female aviation students join MSDF
May 29 Director Kurihara first incumbent Director to visit China (promulgated and enacted on January 29, annulled April Mar. 24 First female aviation students join ASDF
(through June 4) 19)
Mar. 13 Kanazawa District Court renders judgment on the 1st Mar. 30 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 3rd Yokota Air
Jul. 15 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 1st and 2nd Base noise suit
Yokota Air Base noise suits and 2nd Komatsu Air Base noise suits
Mar. 31 WPO (Warsaw Pact structures) dismantled Apr. 28 Hata Cabinet established; Kanda becomes Minister of
Jul. 20 U.N. Security Council adopts Iran-Iraq Conflict Cease Fire State for Defense
resolution (Number 598) Apr. 11 Gulf War formally ended Jun. 08 U.S. DoD submits “Report on Activities and Programs for
Aug. 26 Law Concerning the Dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Apr. 24 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted Countering Proliferation” pertaining to weapons of mass
Teams enacted on “Sending minesweepers to the Persian Gulf” destruction such as nuclear weapons
Oct. 06 First Japan-U.S. Meeting on COCOM held (Tokyo, through Apr. 26 Total of six MSDF vessels, including minesweepers, Jun. 30 Murayama Cabinet established; Tamazawa becomes
October 7) depart for the Persian Gulf Minister of State for Defense
Oct. 21 Follow-on aircraft for F-1 study results decided and Jun. 03 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the eruption of Sep. 22 U.S. DoD announces “Nuclear Posture Review”
announced Fugendake on Mt. Unzen
Nov. 06 Takeshita Cabinet established; Kawara becomes Minister Oct. 21 U.S.-North Korea talks, both sides sign “Framework
Jul. 31 U.S. and Soviet leaders sign START-I in Moscow Agreement” relating to support for North Korean light
of State for Defense
Sep. 06 Soviet State Council approves independence of three water reactors, and provision of substitute energy
Nov. 29 KAL airliner blown up by North Korean terrorists over the Baltic states
Bay of Bengal Dec. 01 First Asia-Pacific Security Seminar (under the auspices of
Sep. 17 U.N. General Assembly approves 7 member nations, the National Institute for Defense Studies, through
Dec. 08 INF Treaty signed including North and South Korea, and 3 Baltic nations December 17)
Dec. 18 Security Council of Japan approves a study on the state Oct. 09 SDF personnel join U.N. teams carrying out inspections Dec. 01 Commander of U.S.-ROK Combined Forces devolves
of air defense on the high seas on Iraq chemical weapons for the first time operational control in peacetime to ROK forces
1988 Mar. 02 Revised protocol of the Special Measures Agreement Nov. 05 House of Representatives establishes the Committee on Dec. 05 START-I comes into force
concerning the cost sharing of the stationing of U.S. National Security
Forces in Japan signed (effective June 1) Dec. 18 Russia starts military operations against Chechnya
Nov. 05 Miyazawa Cabinet established; Miyashita becomes Dec. 20 First visit to Japan by the ROK’s naval training vessel
Mar. 14 Armed clashes between China and Vietnam in the waters Minister of State for Defense
around the Spratly Islands (Harumi, through December 23)
Nov. 26 Clark USAF Base formally returned to Philippines Dec. 26 Kanazawa branch of Nagoya High Court renders
Apr. 12 Signing of official documents for the transfer of military
technologies in certain areas of defense from the U.S. to Dec. 05 Ukrainian independence declared by Supreme Council of judgement in 1st and 2nd Komatsu Air Base noise suits
Japan under the Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement Ukrainian Republic 1995 Jan. 17 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the Great
between the two countries Dec. 08 CIS agreement signed by leaders of Russia, Belarus and Hanshin- Awaji Earthquake (through April 27)
May 29 U.S.-Soviet Union Summit Meeting (Moscow, through Ukraine at Summit Meeting (Brest, Belarus) Mar. 09 Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization
June 1, instruments of ratification of INF Treaty 1992 Feb. 07 Twelve EC countries sign the European Union Treaty (KEDO) established
exchanged) (Maastricht Treaty) Mar. 20 SDF personnel dispatched teams to carry out rescue
Jun. 01 Supreme Court renders judgment on an appeal against operations in the sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway
the enshrining of an SDF officer killed in an accident Feb. 25 China promulgates and enacts Territorial Waters Act, system (through March 23)
designating the Senkaku Islands as an integral part of
Jul. 23 Submarine and civilian fishing boat in collision (off China May 11 NPT extended indefinitely
Yokosuka) May 19 Enactment of “Act on Special Measures Incidental to
Apr. 01 Custody of government aircraft (B-747) transferred to
Aug. 17 First joint verification of an underground nuclear test the Defense Agency Reversion of Lands in Okinawa Prefecture Offered for
carried out by U.S. and Soviet Union (Nevada) Use by United States Forces in Japan” (effective June
Apr. 01 First female students enter National Defense Academy of
20)
Aug. 20 Ceasefire agreement reached in Iran-Iraq War Japan
Aug. 24 Tazawa becomes Minister of State for Defense Apr. 27 Tokyo District Court renders judgment in suits pertaining Jun. 05 The defense authorities of Japan and the ROK both issue
to the surrender of land for Atsugi Air Base the “letter concerning the prevention of accidents
Sep. 20 First Japan-made T-4 medium trainer introduced between aircraft of the Japan Self-defense Forces and
Oct. 17 U.S. and Philippines sign negotiated agreement on revised May 22 North Korean soldiers invade the South Korean side of military aircraft of the Republic of Korea”
Military Bases Agreement the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and fire guns
Jul. 28 Vietnam officially joins ASEAN
Nov. 29 Japanese and U.S. Governments sign memorandum and May 23 START-I Treaty signed between the U.S. and four Soviet
States including Russia Aug. 01 1st KEDO Meeting (Japan-U.S.-ROK) held (New York)
detailed arrangements relating to FS-X joint development
May 25 IAEA officials make the first designated inspection of Aug. 08 Inauguration of reshuffled Murayama Cabinet; Eto
Dec. 07 General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev delivers speech to becomes Minister of State for Defense
the U.N. on the decommissioning of 500,000 Soviet North Korea’s nuclear facilities (through June 5)
troops Jun. 19 Announcement of “International Peace Cooperation Law” Sep. 04 Japanese schoolgirl assaulted by three U.S. soldiers
(enacted August 10), announcement and enactment of based in Okinawa
Dec. 27 Inauguration of reshuffled Takeshita Cabinet
Sep. 15 Ratification of Chemical Weapons Convention
“Plan to Amend Law Concerning the Dispatch of Japan
1989 Jan. 07 Demise of Emperor Showa Disaster Relief Teams” (enacted June 29) Oct. 27 Announcement of “Law Relating to the Treatment of
Feb. 15 Soviet Union completes the withdrawal of its forces from Aug. 10 International Peace Cooperation Law comes into force Defense Agency Personnel Dispatched to International
Afghanistan Aug. 24 China and the ROK establish diplomatic relations Organizations” (effective January 1, 1996)
Feb. 24 Emperor Showa’s funeral Nov. 17 Cabinet decision adopted on establishment of a
Sep. 17 Departure commences of 1st Cambodia Dispatch consultation forum to discuss issues relating to U.S.
Mar. 09 Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Facilities Battalion (All units returned to Japan by
started (Vienna) bases in Okinawa
September 26, 1993)
Mar. 09 Confidence and Security-Building Measures (CSBM) Nov. 19 Prime Minister Murayama and U.S. Vice President Gore
Sep. 19 Departure of Electoral Observer to Cambodia (Narita) agree on the establishment of the Special Action
started (Vienna)
Sep. 30 U.S. returns Naval Base Subic Bay (Philippines) Committee on Facilities and Areas in Okinawa (SACO)
Mar. 15 Hachioji branch of the Tokyo District Court renders
judgment in the 3rd Yokota Air Base noise suit Nov. 09 CFE Treaty becomes formally effective Nov. 28 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted
Nov. 24 U.S. returns Air Station Cubi Point (Philippines) on National Defense Program Outline for the period from
Mar. 30 New BADGE system begins operations FY1996
(withdrawal from Philippines complete)
Apr. 01 Consumption Tax Law enforced Dec. 14 Security Council of Japan decision adopted on Mid-Term
Dec. 03 U.N. Security Council adopts resolution to allow military
Defense Program (FY1996-FY2000) (Cabinet decision on
May 10 START-I reopened at U.S.-Soviet foreign ministers action by multinational forces in Somalia
conference, agreement achieved (Moscow, through May December 15)
11) Dec. 12 Inauguration of reshuffled Miyazawa Cabinet; Nakayama
becomes Minister of State for Defense Dec. 14 Security Council of Japan makes decision “Regarding
Jun. 03 Uno Cabinet established; Yamasaki becomes Minister of upgrading of Next-Generation Support Fighter”
State for Defense Dec. 16 U.N. Security Council adopts resolution to deploy (December 15, Cabinet approval); Model of
peacekeeping operations in Mozambique Next-Generation Support Fighter “F-2” decided
Jun. 04 Chinese martial law units fire on demonstrators in
Dec. 18 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted
Tiananmen Square in Beijing (2nd Tiananmen incident) Dec. 14 Formal signing of the Bosnian Peace Agreement in Paris
on Modification of the Mid-Term Defense Program
Jun. 20 Supreme Court renders judgment in the Hyakuri Base (FY1991-FY1995) Dec. 20 IFOR, consisting mainly of NATO troops, replaces
suit UNPROFOR and formally commences operations
Dec. 21 Yokohama District Court renders judgement in 1st Atsugi
Jun. 22 Yokohama District Court renders judgment in the Atsugi Air Base noise suit Dec. 26 Tokyo High Court renders judgement on remanded
Air Base suit to vacate the premises appeal trial for 1st Atsugi Air Base noise suit
1993 Jan. 03 U.S.-Russia Summit Meeting (Moscow); START-II signed
Jun. 24 Zhao Ziyang relieved of post as General Secretary of the
Jan. 13 Japan signs CWC
1996 Jan. 11 Hashimoto Cabinet established; Usui becomes Minister
Communist Party of China, and replaced by Jiang Zemin of State for Defense
Aug. 10 Kaifu Cabinet established; Matsumoto becomes Minister Feb. 25 Supreme Court renders judgement in 1st Atsugi Air Base Jan. 26 START-II ratified by U.S. Senate
of State for Defense noise suit and 1st and 2nd Yokota Air Base noise suits Jan. 31 SDF units dispatched to United Nations Disengagement
Sep. 26 Vietnam completely withdraws from Cambodia Mar. 12 North Korea announces secession from NPT Observer Force (UNDOF)
Nov. 09 GDR permits free departures to the West (virtual Mar. 25 Aegis ship (Kongo) enters service Mar. 08 China carries out three missile firing exercises in total,
demolition of the Berlin Wall) Apr. 08 Death of U.N. Volunteer (UNV) Atsuhito Nakata in naval and air force live-fire drills and, ground, naval and
Cambodia air force integrated exercises in the waters close to
1990 Feb. 13 U.S. and Soviet foreign ministers agree on upper limit of
Taiwan March 8-25
195,000 U.S. and Soviet troops in Central Europe and May 04 Multinational forces deployed to Somalia move to United
225,000 U.S. troops in Europe Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNISOM II) Mar. 23 Taiwan holds its first direct presidential elections; Taiwan
Feb. 20 Joint Military Technology Commission decides to provide President Lee Teng-hui re-elected
May 04 Death of Superintendent Haruyuki Takada, a civilian
“military technology related to FS-X” to U.S. police officer in Cambodia Apr. 12 Prime Minister Hashimoto meets U.S. Ambassador
Feb. 28 Inauguration of second reshuffled Kaifu Cabinet; Mondale (agreement reached on the total return of
May 11 Mozambique Dispatch Transport Coordination Unit begin Futenma Air Station, Okinawa, within five to seven years
Ishikawa becomes Minister of State for Defense departing for Mozambique (All units returned home by after conditions are satisfied)
Mar. 03 Japan-U.S. summit meeting (Kaifu, G.H.W. Bush, Palm January 8, 1995)
Springs, through March 4) Apr. 15 Signing of Japan-U.S. Acquisition and Cross-Servicing
May 14 United Nations Operation in Mozambique headquarters Agreement and its procedural arrangements (effective
May 29 Naha District Court renders judgment in administrative staff depart for Mozambique October 22)
handling suit pertaining to Special Measures Law for May 29 North Korea conducts a ballistic missile test over the
USFJ Land Apr. 16 Cabinet decision adopted on promotion of solutions to
central Sea of Japan issues relating to facilities and areas of U.S. forces in
Okinawa Prefecture
Apr. 17 Japan-U.S. Joint Declaration on Security issued

1996 Jul. 12 Inaugural meeting of Wassenaar Arrangement (Vienna) 1999 May 28 Act Concerning the Measures for Peace and Safety of 2001 Dec. 22 Afghanistan Interim Authority formed, with Hamid Karzai
Jul. 20 U.N. Treaty on the Law of the Seas goes into effect in Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan serving as Chairman
Japan promulgated (enters into force August 25), Act for Partial Dec. 22 Suspicious boat incident in waters southwest of Kyushu
Revision of the Self-Defense Forces Act promulgated and
Jul. 26 First visit to Russia by MSDF ships (Vladivostok, through enters into force Dec. 29 Russia withdraws troops from its base in Cuba
July 30, Russian Navy’s 300th anniversary naval review)
Jun. 15 Shooting incident between North Korean Naval ships 2002 Jan. 29 U.S. President G.W. Bush depicts “Axis of Evil” in the
Jul. 29 China conducts underground nuclear test (its 45th), then which had crossed the Northern Limit Line and South State of the Union Address
announces moratorium on nuclear testing Korean Naval ships
Aug. 28 First visit by MSDF ships to ROK (Pusan, through Feb. 15 Cabinet decision adopted on international cooperation
Jul. 23 Tokyo High Court renders judgment in 2nd Atsugi Air execution plan for Timor-Leste
September 6) Base noise suit
Aug. 28 Supreme Court renders judgement in lawsuit regarding Mar. 02 680 SDF personnel dispatched on the First Dispatch
Aug. 05 First Bilateral Exercise of Search and Rescue Exercise Engineering Group to Timor-Leste (through June 25,
mandamus pertaining to proxy signature with regard to between MSDF and ROK Navy (waters west of Kyushu)
the Act on Special Measures Concerning USFJ Land 2004)
Release Aug. 25 The Law Concerning Measures to Ensure the Peace and Mar. 06 Kanazawa District Court renders judgement in 3rd and
Security of Japan in Situations in Areas Surrounding 4th Komatsu Air Base noise suits
Sep. 10 U.N. General Assembly adopts the Comprehensive Test Japan comes into force
Ban Treaty (CTBT) Mar. 27 Introduction of Candidates for SDF Reserve Personnel
Sep. 02 North Korea announces the invalidation of the Northern System
Sep. 18 North Korean minisubmarine runs aground on the east Limit Line in the Yellow Sea and the establishment of a
coast of ROK, its crew intruding into ROK territory new military demarcation line on the sea Apr. 22 2nd Western Pacific Submarine Rescue Exercise held (the
Reference
(clearing operation completed November 7) first multilateral exercise organized by Japan, through
Sep. 23 SDF personnel dispatched to implement the May 2)
Sep. 26 Hong Kong protest vessels (Baodiao) etc., intrude into transportation of necessary resources for international
Japan’s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands disaster relief operations in the Republic of Turkey May 04 Russia completes return of the Cam Ranh base to
Sep. 27 Taliban gains control of the Afghan capital, Kabul, and (through November 22) Vietnam.
declares the establishment of the provisional government Sep. 29 Russian military unit advances into the Republic of May 20 The United Nations Transitional Administration in
Oct. 03 Russia-Chechnya ceasefire agreed Chechnya Timor-Leste (UNTAET) switches to the United Nations
Mission Support in Timor-Leste (UNMISET)
Nov. 07 Inauguration of second Hashimoto Cabinet; Kyuma Sep. 30 Disaster relief teams dispatched in response to the
becomes Minister of State of Defense accident at a uranium processing facility in Tokaimura May 24 Signing of Treaty Between the United States of America
(through October 3) and the Russian Federation on Strategic Offensive
Nov. 18 Basic NATO agreement to keep a multinational Reductions
stabilization force (SFOR) to succeed IFOR in Oct. 05 Inauguration of second Obuchi Cabinet; Kawara becomes
Bosnia- Herzegovina Minister of State for Defense May 30 Hachioji branch of Tokyo District Court renders
judgement in 5th, 6th and 7th Yokota Air Base noise suits
Dec. 02 SACO final report approved by Japan-U.S. Joint Security Nov. 22 SDF personnel dispatched to Indonesia for Timor-Leste
Council Refugees Support (through February 8, 2000) Jun. 13 U.S. withdraws from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM)
Treaty
Dec. 24 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted Nov. 22 Governor of Okinawa Prefecture declares the site
on responses to foreign submarines traveling underwater proposed for the relocation of Futenma Air Station Jun. 29 Exchanges of fire between ROK patrol boats and North
in Japanese territorial waters Korean patrol boats which crossed the NLL
Dec. 17 U.N. Security Council adopts a comprehensive resolution
relating to the Iraq issue and establishes UNMOVIC in Jul. 16 U.S. Government releases “National Strategy for
1997 Jan. 02 Disaster relief teams dispatched in response to the
Homeland Security”
Russian Nakhodka shipwreck and oil spill disaster place of UNSCOM
(through March 31) Dec. 20 Rule over Macao transferred to China Jul. 29 Basic Plan of the Futenma Replacement Facility agreed
Jan. 20 Establishment of Defense Intelligence Headquarters Dec. 27 Decision with the Japan Coast Guard on the “Joint Sep. 04 Incident in central Sea of Japan (response to a
Apr. 29 CWC enters into force Response Manual for Suspicious Ships” suspicious ship)
May 12 Russia-Chechnya peace treaty signed Dec. 27 Mayor of Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture announces the Sep. 17 Japan-North Korea Summit Meeting; Kim Jong- Il, the
acceptance of alternative facilities for Futenma Air North Korean President, admits and apologizes for
Jun. 09 Self-Defense Official (Director General of the Inspection abductions
Bureau) dispatched to the Organization for the Prohibition Station
of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (through June 2002) Dec. 28 Cabinet decision adopted on Government Policy for the Sep. 20 U.S. Government announces “National Security Strategy”
Jul. 01 Hong Kong reverts to China Relocation of Futenma Air Station Sep. 30 Inauguration of reshuffled Koizumi Cabinet; Ishiba
2000 Jan. 17 Anti-personnel mine disposal begins becomes Minister of State for Defense
Jul. 03 The first artillery live-fire training by U.S. Marines Oct. 01 Personnel deployed to the Organisation for the
stationed in Okinawa conducted on the mainland of Feb. 16 First assembly of the Research Commissions on the
Constitution in the Upper House (Lower House on February Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (Head of
Japan (at Kita Fuji, through July 9) Operations and Planning Branch) (through July 6)
17)
Jul. 16 North Korean soldiers cross the Military Demarcation Oct. 13 First International Fleet Review in Japan (Tokyo Bay)
Line (MDL) and exchange fire with ROK troops Apr. 01 Enactment of the “Self-Defense Forces Personnel Ethics
Act” Oct. 15 Five of those abducted return to Japan
Sep. 11 Inauguration of second reshuffled Hashimoto Cabinet
Apr. 05 Mori Cabinet established Oct. 16 U.S. Government issues statement that North Korea
Sep. 23 Guidelines for New Japan-U.S. defense cooperation
approved by Security Consultative Committee (SCC) Apr. 14 Russian Duma ratifies the Strategic Arms Reduction admitted to having a program to enrich uranium for
Treaty II (START-II) nuclear weapons, during Assistant Secretary of State
Nov. 10 China-Russia Summit Meeting: China-Russian joint Kelly’s visit to North Korea
statement signed (Beijing), and demarcation of the May 07 Russian Acting President Putin officially assumes duties
China- Russian eastern border declared as President Oct. 16 Yokohama District Court renders judgement in 3rd, 4th
May 08 Defense Agency moves to the Ichigaya building and 5th Atsugi Air Base noise suits
Dec. 03 Final Report of the Administrative Reform Committee
Oct. 31 Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court renders judgement
Dec. 19 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted Jun. 16 The Special Law for Nuclear Emergency Preparedness in the suit pertaining to the surrender of land for Sobe
on Review of the Mid-Term Defense Program (Establishment of nuclear disaster relief dispatch) comes Communication Site
(FY1996-FY2000) into force
Nov. 01 Introduction of stricter penalties in order to protect
1998 Mar. 26 Introduction of a system of SDF Ready Reserve Personnel Jul. 04 Inauguration of second Mori Cabinet; Torashima classified information (defense secrets)
Apr. 28 The signing of an agreement to revise the Japan-U.S. Nov. 14 KEDO Executive Board decides to freeze provision of
Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement Jul. 21 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit (through July 23) heavy oil to North Korea from December
May 11 India carries out underground nuclear tests (repeated Aug. 25 Replacement Facilities Council on the Relocation of Nov. 18 First SDF and police authority hold joint command post
May 13) Futenma Air Station established exercise in Hokkaido
May 22 Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court renders judgement Sep. 13 SDF personnel dispatched to dispose of Abandoned Nov. 21 NATO Prague Summit Meeting decides new membership
in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Kadena Air Base noise suits Chemical Weapons (ACW) in China for seven countries in Central and Eastern Europe
May 28 Pakistan carries out underground nuclear tests (repeated Nov. 20 The 22nd Japanese Communist Party Convention Dec. 02 SDF personnel dispatched for the first time to the U.N.
May 30) decides to accept the SDF Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO)
Jun. 06 U.N. Security Council resolution adopted that condemns Dec. 05 Inauguration of second reshuffled Mori Cabinet; Saito Dec. 12 North Korea announces it will resume operation and
nuclear tests by India and Pakistan becomes Minister of State for Defense establishment of nuclear-related facilities
Jun. 12 Announcement and enactment of Basic Act on Central Dec. 15 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted Dec. 16 Kirishima, vessel equipped with Aegis air defense
Government Reform on Mid-Term Defense Program (FY2001-FY2005) systems, departs the port of Yokosuka, according to
Jun. 12 Revision of the International Peace Cooperation Law 2001 Feb. 05 SDF units dispatched to India for International Disaster revision (December 5) in Implementation Plan based on
promulgated and comes into force (the section Relief Operation (through February 11), following the the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law
concerning use of force enters into force July 12) major earthquake which hit western India on January 26 Dec. 17 U.S. announces deployment of a missile defense system
Jun. 22 A North Korean submarine intrudes into the east coast of Feb. 09 Personnel dispatched to UNMOVIC (through March, (ground- and sea-based interceptor missiles and PAC-3)
ROK, seized by ROK forces 2005) 2003 Jan. 10 North Korea announces it is leaving the Nuclear
Jul. 27 China publishes its first comprehensive defense white Feb. 10 Collision between Ehime Maru and U.S. submarine Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
paper, “Defense of China” Mar. 01 The Ship Inspection Operations Law comes into effect Jan. 24 U.S. Department of Homeland Security established
Jul. 29 Bilateral search and rescue exercise between MSDF/ Mar. 07 Former Maritime Self-Defense official is given a jail Jan. 28 Establishment of Consultative Body on Construction of
ASDF and Russian Navy — the first full-fledged bilateral sentence for providing confidential documents to officer Futenma Replacement Facility concerning Futenma Air
exercise between Japan and Russia of the Russian Embassy Station Replacement
Jul. 30 Obuchi Cabinet established; Nukaga becomes Minister of Apr. 01 Information Disclosure Act (IDA) comes into force Feb. 08 Disposal of antipersonnel landmines complete (with
State for Defense some exceptions)
Aug. 31 North Korea launches a ballistic missile which flies Apr. 01 Collision between U.S. and Chinese military planes
Mar. 20 U.S. and U.K. Forces begin military operations in Iraq
through Japanese airspace Apr. 26 Koizumi Cabinet established; Nakatani becomes Minister
of State for Defense Mar. 27 Act for Partial Revision of the Defense Agency
Sep. 01 Temporary freezing of Japan-North Korea normalization Establishment Act, etc. (changes in SDF personnel quota
talks Jun. 15 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) established and number of Ready Reserve Personnel) enters into force
Sep. 02 Additional sanctions on North Korea (suspension of Aug. 08 Disaster relief teams dispatched for submarine rescue Mar. 30 International peace cooperation activities are conducted
charter flights) implemented ship Chihaya to cooperate in raising the Ehime Maru for relief of Iraqi refugees (Airborne unit for Iraqi refugee
Sep. 24 Japan-ROK Fisheries Agreement concluded (Takeshima (returned December 16) relief returns to Japan on April 2)
Issue shelved) Sep. 11 Terrorist attacks in the U.S. occur May 01 U.S. President G.W. Bush declares termination of major
Sep. 30 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty concluded Sep. 12 U.N. Security Council adopts resolution condemning the military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
Oct. 21 KEDO signed terrorist attacks May 13 Hachioji branch of Tokyo District Court renders
Sep. 19 Prime Minister Koizumi announces immediate measures judgement in 4th and 8th Yokota Air Base noise suits
Nov. 14 Departure of GSDF dispatch units to Honduras
(operations in region November 18-December 1, return in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks in May 31 U.S. President G.W. Bush proposes Proliferation Security
to Japan December 5) the U.S. Initiative (PSI) for the first time
Nov. 15 First joint exercise involving all three branches (a total of Oct. 02 In response to the September 11th terrorist attacks in Jun. 01 U.S.-Russia Summit Meeting, enforcement of Treaty
2,400 personnel from the GSDF, MSDF and ASDF) (Iwo the U.S., NATO invokes Article 5 (on collective Between the United States of America and the Russian
Jima) self-defense) of the North Atlantic Treaty Federation on Strategic Offensive Reductions
Nov. 20 Norota becomes Minister of State for Defense Oct. 06 International peace cooperation for the relief of Afghan Jun. 06 Three Armed Attack Situation Response related laws
refugees (through October 12) passed in the House of Councillors plenary session
Dec. 17 U.S. and U.K. forces initiate Operation Desert Fox against
Iraq as a punishment for refusal to cooperate with Oct. 07 U.S. and U.K. forces begin attacks in Afghanistan Jul. 17 International peace cooperation activities are conducted
UNSCOM inspections (through December 20) (October 19, U.S. Forces sends special operation forces, for relief of affected people in Iraq (Airborne unit for relief
first ground fighting) of affected people in Iraq returns to Japan August 18)
Dec. 22 Cabinet decision adopted on introduction of information
gathering satellite Oct. 08 Government of Japan establishes the Emergency Jul. 26 Law concerning Special Measures on Humanitarian and
Anti-Terrorism Headquarters and decides upon Reconstruction Assistance in Iraq passed in the House of
Dec. 22 Aha Training Area returned (the first resolved issue of Emergency Response Measures at the first meeting Councillors plenary session
SACO)
Oct. 29 Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law and other Aug. 27 First Round of the Six-Party Talks held (Beijing, through
Dec. 25 Security Council approves Japan-U.S. Cooperative measures passed in the House of Councillors plenary August 29)
Research on Ballistic Missile Defense Technologies session Sep. 12 First PSI exercise held in the Coral Sea northeast of
1999 Jan. 14 Inauguration of reshuffled Obuchi Cabinet Nov. 02 Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law and Law to Amend Australia (through September 14)
Mar. 23 Discovery of a suspicious ship off the Noto Peninsula the Self-Defense Forces Law are promulgated and Sep. 22 Inauguration of reshuffled Koizumi Cabinet (second term)
(Maritime security operations ordered on March 24) enforced (strengthening penalties to ensure secrecy is
Mar. 29 GSDF establishes first brigade separately enforced on November 1, 2002) Sep. 30 Cabinet decision adopted on establishment of award for
Nov. 25 Based on the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law, an people engaged in dangerous activities (November 3,
Apr. 01 Establishment of Committee for the Promotion of
MSDF supply vessel, minesweeper tender, and 2003 Former SDF personnel are conferred the award for
Information Gathering Satellites (Cabinet) people engaged in dangerous activities for the first time)
destroyers depart for cooperation and support activities
May 24 Agreement between Japan and U.S. to amend the Oct. 07 Joint communique signed for the first time at
“Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement” (adding Nov. 27 Exchange of fire in the Korean demilitarized zone (DMZ)
Japan-China-ROK Summit meeting
cooperation for operations to respond to situations in Dec. 05 U.S. and Russia complete implementation of START-I Oct. 10 Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law remains in force
areas surrounding Japan) approved in Diet (effective Dec. 20 U.N. Security Council adopts a resolution establishing an for another two years
September 25) International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Oct. 15 China launches its first manned spacecraft Shenzhou 5
Nov. 19 Inauguration of second Koizumi Cabinet

2003 Nov. 29 Ambassador Oku and First Secretary Inoue shot to death 2005 Nov. 11 Cabinet decision adopted on “the Government’s actions to be 2007 Sep. 01 Local Cooperation Bureau, Equipment and Facilities
in the central region of Iraq taken for the time being in connection with the matters Headquarters, Inspector General’s Office of Legal
Dec. 18 Iran signs IAEA agreement approved at the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee Compliance, and Local Defense Bureau created
held on October 29, 2005” Sep. 26 Fukuda Cabinet established; Ishiba becomes Minister of
Dec. 19 Libya announces abandonment of weapons of mass
destruction program Nov. 27 Field training under the Civil Protection Law takes place Defense
for the first time in Fukui Prefecture Oct. 03 The Six-Party Talks Joint Statement, the “Second-Phase
Dec. 19 Government decides to introduce ballistic missile
defense system (Security Council of Japan and Cabinet Nov. 30 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 5th, 6th and 7th Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement,”
decisions) Yokota Air Base noise suits is announced
Dec. 30 Relief materials transported by air in response to great Dec. 14 The first East Asia Summit is held (Kuala Lumpur) Oct. 17 First Japan-U.S.-Australia trilateral exercise (MSDF, U.S.
earthquake in Iran under the Law concerning the Dec. 16 U.N. General Assembly adopts resolution criticizing the Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force)
Dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Teams (January 1-2, human rights situation in North Korea Nov. 01 Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law expires Order
2004) Dec. 24 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted issued on termination of response measures based on
Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law
2004 Jan. 22 ASDF main contingent leaves for Kuwait on “Japan-U.S. Joint Development of Interceptor Missiles
Feb. 03 Departure of first SDF contingent for Iraqi humanitarian Having Improved Capability of Ballistic Missile Defense” Nov. 16 Council for MOD Reform established
and reconstruction support activities 2006 Jan. 10 Iran begins an uranium enrichment experiment Nov. 28 Chinese naval vessel visits Japan for the first time
Feb. 09 Implementation of Iraq-related response measures Feb. 04 Japan-North Korea negotiations concerning abduction (through December 1)
approved in Diet issue, normalization of diplomatic relations and nuclear/ Dec. 18 Aegis vessel MSDF Kongo conducts a successful test on
Reference
Feb. 09 MSDF unit for marine transport leaves for Kuwait (return missile issues are held (through February 6) counter-missile by ballistic missile
on April 8) Mar. 06 At the Japan-China intergovernmental conference, China Dec. 19 Front headquarters of 1st Corps headquarters of U.S.
Mar. 04 Disaster relief teams dispatched for the first time in makes a proposal of joint development of gas field in forces formed at USFJ Camp Zama in line with the USFJ
response to bird flu (Tanbacho, Kyoto Prefecture, through East China Sea (through March 7) realignment
March 11) Mar. 27 Partial amendment (measures for destructing ballistic Dec. 24 “Improvement of next fixedwing aircraft” and “Important
Mar. 26 Diet decides on installation of ballistic missile defense missiles, etc., establishment of Joint Staff Office, etc.) of issues among contents of Defense Capability Buildup in
system (FY2004 draft budget passed in the House of the Defense Agency Establishment Law is enacted. With FY2008”
Councillors plenary session) the creation of the Joint Staff Office, the SDF establishes Dec. 24 Cabinet decisions adopted on “Changes of emergency
a joint operations posture response measures on destruction measures by ballistic
Apr. 15 First transport of Japanese nationals living overseas
implemented, 10 nationals transported from Iraq to Apr. 23 Japan and the United States agree to the sharing of missiles”
Kuwait expenses of relocation of U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa 2008 Jan. 16 Enactment of the Replenishment Support Special
to Guam as part of realignment of USFJ Measures Law (units depart for Indian Ocean on January
Apr. 15 Ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the
Defense Agency/SDF May 01 The Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2,” 24, 25)
Washington, D.C.) announces the “United States-Japan Jan. 25 New Special Measures Agreement concerning the Cost
Apr. 28 U.N. Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution Roadmap for Realignment Implementation”
1540 calling for the nonproliferation of weapons of mass Sharing on the Stationing of U.S. forces in Japan signed
destruction May 11 The Governor of Okinawa Prefecture and Minister of Feb. 19 Collision between Aegis vessel MSDF and fishing boat
State for Defense sign a basic agreement on the
May 22 Japan-North Korea Summit Meeting (Pyongyang). Five realignment of USFJ Feb. 20 U.S. Navy Aegis ship succeeds in shooting down
family members of abductees return to Japan out-of-control satellite outside the earth’s atmosphere
May 29 First P-3C visit to Australia with an SM-3
Jun. 01 U.N. Security Council unanimously adopts Resolution
1546 on reconstruction of Iraq Jun. 01 SDF units dispatched to Indonesia to conduct Feb. 21 Based on the Replenishment Support Special Measures
Jun. 14 Seven bills on legislation concerning contingency international disaster relief activity for damages from the Law, MSDF replenishment ships resume refueling U.S.
response measures passed in House of Councillors earthquake that occurred in central Java on May 27 ships in the Indian Ocean (through January 15, 2010)
plenary session and conclusion of three treaties (through June 22)
Mar. 18 Cabinet decision adopted on “Basic Plan on Ocean
approved Jun. 20 The Government makes a decision to discontinue the Policy”
Jun. 14 Special Measures Law for the Embargo on Specific Ships activities of the GSDF contingent dispatched to Iraq.
ASDF units continue to support the United Nations and Mar. 26 Enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of the
passed Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (inc.
the multinational forces reorganization of the SDF Command and Communication
Jun. 18 Cabinet agreement for SDF’s activities in Iraq for
humanitarian and reconstruction assistance after Jun. 23 Agreement concerning provision of arms and military Unit)
reestablishment of Iraq sovereignty (joining multinational technologies to the United States is signed
Apr. 24 Announcement by U.S. Government that North Korea
forces) Jun. 29 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, joint document “The assisted with the construction by Syria of nuclear
Jun. 28 Transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government Japan-U.S. Alliance of the New Century” announced facilities destroyed in an air attack
Jul. 05 North Korea launches a total of seven ballistic missiles Jun. 24 First visit of MSDF vessel to China (through June 28)
Aug. 13 U.S. helicopter crash at the university campus in into the Sea of Japan
Ginowan City, Okinawa Jun. 26 Agreement reached between the Government of Japan
Jul. 13 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 3rd, 4th and 5th and Government of China on the joint development of
Sep. 27 Inauguration of second reshuffled Koizumi Cabinet; Ohno Atsugi Air Base noise suits
becomes Minister of State for Defense natural gas in the East China Sea
Jul. 31 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of Jun. 26 Okinawa branch of Naha District Court renders
Oct. 25 PSI exercise for maritime interdiction operation hosted the Defense Agency Establishment Law (inc.
by Japan for the first time (in the offing of Sagami Bay judgement in 1st and 2nd Futenma Air Station noise
reinforcement of facilities administration function of the suits
and in Yokosuka Harbor, through October 27) agency, establishment of the Equipment headquarters
Nov. 10 Intrusion of submerged Chinese nuclear powered and reorganization of the Prefecture Liaison Offices into Jul. 07 G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit (through July 9)
submarine into Japan’s territorial waters-Maritime the Provincial Cooperation Offices) Jul. 15 Report by the Council for Reforming the Ministry of
security operations order issued (through November 12) Aug. 16 A Russian patrol boat fires on a Japanese fishing boat, Defense released
Nov. 16 Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs expresses regret killing one of its crew members. The Government files a Jul. 17 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 4th and 8th
over its nuclear submarine’s intrusion into Japan’s strong protest to Russia Yokota Air Base noise suits
territorial waters Aug. 29 U.S. Navy, deploys Aegis ships equipped with SM-3 at Aug. 02 Inauguration of reshuffled Fukuda Cabinet; Hayashi
Dec. 10 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted Yokosuka naval facility becomes Minister of Defense
on “National Defense Program Guidelines, FY2005” and Aug. 29 The Council Meeting on Measures for Relocation of
“Mid-Term Defense Program for FY2005-FY2009” Aug. 08 Russian Armed Forces intervene in military clashes
Futenma Air Station established, and its first meeting between Georgian and South Ossetian forces
Dec. 28 MSDF ships dispatched to the offing of Thailand’s Phuket held Aug. 10 Armed groups attack public security facilities in Xinjiang
Island to engage in the international disaster relief Sep. 26 Abe Cabinet established; Kyuma becomes Minister of Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
activities for Indonesia’s Sumatra earthquake and Indian State for Defense
Ocean tsunami disaster (through January 1, 2005) Aug. 29 TRDI receives prototype of next-generation fixed-wing
Oct. 09 North Korea conducts an underground nuclear test patrol aircraft XP-1 no. 1
2005 Jan. 04 SDF units dispatched to Indonesia to engage in
international emergency assistance in response to the Oct. 13 Sanctions implemented against North Korea, which Sep. 24 Aso Cabinet established; Hamada becomes Minister of
major earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and tsunami announced that it had conducted a nuclear weapon test Defense
in the Indian Ocean that occurred on December 26, 2004 Dec. 19 U.N. General Assembly adopts draft resolution Sep. 25 The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS “George
(all teams returned home by March 23) condemning abduction of foreign citizens by North Korea Washington” arrives in the port of Yokosuka for the first
Jan. 19 The Japanese Government newly formulates measures 2007 Jan. 09 Enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of the time
to cope with intrusion of the submerged submarines in Defense Agency Establishment Law (reorganization of Sep. 25 China launches a manned spacecraft “Shenzhou 7,” and
Japan’s territorial waters the Defense Agency into the Ministry of Defense and conducts successful extravehicular activity for the first
Feb. 10 North Korean Foreign Ministry releases a statement stipulation of the SDF’s international peace cooperation time
implying its manufacture of nuclear weapons (May 11, activities as its primary mission) Oct. 03 U.S. DoD informs Congress of sale of PAC-3s, AH-64Ds,
announces the unloading of 8,000 spent nuclear fuel Jan. 09 Kyuma becomes Minister of Defense attack helicopters, etc., to Taiwan
rods)
Jan. 12 China conducts an anti-satellite test Oct. 10 U.S. removes North Korea from its list of state sponsors
Feb. 17 Okinawa branch of Naha District Court renders
judgement in 4th Kadena Air Base noise suit Feb. 13 North Korea agrees to disable all of its nuclear facilities of terrorism
during the 5th Six-Party Talks Oct. 19 Four Chinese naval warships including a destroyer sail
Feb. 19 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2,”
Washington, D.C.) — common strategic objectives Mar. 05 First Aviation Training Relocation associated with through Tsugaru Strait for the first time
confirmed realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan (Tsuiki, through Oct. 22 Japan-India Summit Meeting: Japan-India Joint Statement
March 8) on the Advancement of the Strategic and Global
Mar. 08 ROK’s Government protest over Asahi Shimbun aircraft
approaching Takeshima without authorization Mar. 13 Australian Prime Minister Howard visits Japan, and the Partnership, and Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation
Japan-Australia Joint Declaration on Security signed
Mar. 14 National People’s Congress adopts “Anti-Secession Law” Cooperation signed Oct. 24 SDF personnel dispatched to United Nations Mission in
Mar. 14 A Japanese boat attacked in the Straits of Malacca, and Mar. 23 Emergency response procedures for destruction Sudan (UNMIS) (through September 30, 2011)
three crew abducted (Released on March 20) measures against ballistic missiles are prepared Nov. 02 Four Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Mar. 16 Shimane Prefecture establishes “Takeshima Day” Mar. 28 Establishment of the GSDF Central Readiness Force Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific
Mar. 25 Cabinet decision adopted on Basic Guidelines for the Ocean for the first time
Mar. 30 A Patriot PAC-3 system is deployed at the ASDF Iruma Air
Protection of Civilians Base for the first time Dec. 02 U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 1846 on
Apr. 25 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the railroad countering piracy off the coast of Somalia
Mar. 30 SDF personnel dispatched for the United Nations Mission
accident on JR West’s Fukuchiyama Line in Nepal (UNMIN) as military observers (through January Dec. 20 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted
Jul. 14 Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry announces 18, 2011) on Review of the Mid-Term Defense Program
permission granted to Teikoku Oil for trial drilling in the (FY2005-FY2009)
Apr. 16 First Japan-U.S.-India trilateral exercise (MSDF, U.S.
East China Sea Navy and Indian Navy) Dec. 23 ASDF Airlift Wing that was deployed under the Law
Aug. 05 An MSDF vessel dispatched to conduct international Concerning Special Measures on Humanitarian and
Apr. 16 Kanazawa Branch of Nagoya District Court renders
Reconstruction Assistance in Iraq returns to Japan
disaster relief activity in connection with the accident of judgment on the 3rd and 4th trials for the suits
a small submarine of the Russian Navy off Kamchatka pertaining to noise generated by the Komatsu Air Base Dec. 26 Chinese naval fleet of three destroyers sets off to
(All units returned home by August 10) Somalia for escort mission
May 01 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2,”
Sep. 09 First China-Russia joint military exercises “Peace Mission Washington, D.C.) announces the joint statement 2009 Jan. 08 ASDF deploys F-15s to Okinawa (Hyakuri Air Base)
2005” (through August 25) “Alliance Transformation: Advancing United States-Japan Jan. 15 Ministry of Defense decides on “Basic Policy Relating to
Sep. 09 Five destroyers of the Chinese Navy, including Security and Defense Cooperation” the Development and Use of Space”
Sovremenny Class, are navigating in the sea area May 18 ASDF controllers positioned at the Yokota RAPCON facility Feb. 10 Order issued relating to the conclusion of withdrawal
surrounding “Kashi” gas field near the median line duties for the Iraq Reconstruction Support Group by the
between Japan and China in the East China Sea May 29 Supreme Court renders judgement in 5th, 6th and 7th
Yokota Air Base noise suits redeployment group
Sep. 21 Inauguration of third Koizumi Cabinet Feb. 17 Signing of the “Agreement on the Relocation of USMC in
Jun. 01 Partial amendment (abolition of the Defense Facilities
Oct. 12 SDF units dispatched for Japan Disaster Relief Administration Agency and its consolidation into the Okinawa to Guam”
operations in response to large-scale earthquake in Ministry of Defense, establishment of the Inspector Feb. 27 Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court renders judgement
Pakistan, etc. (All units returned home by December 2) General’s Office of Legal Compliance and the Local in 4th Kadena Air Base noise suit
Oct. 20 GSDF and Hokkaido Prefectural Police conduct joint field Defense Bureau, joint units of GSDF, MSDF and ASDF, Mar. 13 Cabinet decision adopted on Anti-Piracy Measures Law
training against terrorist attacks for the first time etc.) of the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law and
the Self-Defense Forces Law enacted Mar. 13 SDF mobilization order issued for maritime security
Oct. 29 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2,” operations as part of anti-piracy measures off the Coast
Washington, D.C.) joint announces “Japan-U.S. Alliance: Jul. 04 Koike becomes Minister of Defense of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
Transformation and Realignment for the Future” Jul. 20 Enactment of the “Basic Act on Ocean Policy” Mar. 14 Two MSDF ships are dispatched to protect vessels with
Oct. 31 Inauguration of third reshuffled Koizumi Cabinet; Nukaga ties to Japan from the piracy off the coast of Somalia and
becomes Minister of State for Defense Aug. 10 Signing and entry into force of the Japan-U.S. General
Security of Military Information Agreement in the Gulf of Aden
Oct. 31 Partial amendment of the Anti-Terrorism Special Mar. 27 SDF action order for implementation of destruction
Measures Law comes into force (validity is extended for Aug. 27 Inauguration of reshuffled Abe Cabinet; Koumura
becomes Minister of Defense measures against ballistic missiles is issued (through
one year) April 6)
Aug. 29 Enactment of the USFJ Realignment Special Measures
Law Mar. 30 MSDF ships begin escort missions as part of anti-piracy
measures

2009 Apr. 03 Foreign Minister Nakasone signs Status of Forces 2010 Dec. 07 Establishment of a governmental committee to review 2012 Apr. 27 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee “2+2” joint
Agreement with Djibouti information security, as a result of the leakage of the statement
Apr. 05 North Korea launches a ballistic missile which flies video showing the fishing boat collision off the Senkaku Apr. 29 Three Chinese vessels sail through Osumi Strait to the
through Japanese airspace Islands Pacific Ocean
Apr. 10 Supreme Court renders judgement in 4th and 8th Yokota Dec. 17 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted May 17 Signing of the Japan-Australia Information Security
Air Base noise suits on National Defense Program Guidelines for FY2011 and Agreement
Beyond and the Mid-term Defense Program (FY2011 to
May 04 1st ARF Disaster Relief Training (Philippines) FY2015) Jun. 04 Inauguration of reshuffled Noda Cabinet (second term);
May 15 Order issued for P-3C to be dispatched to Djibouti for Morimoto becomes Minister of Defense
counter-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia and in
2011 Jan. 11 China conducts test flight of fighter aircraft touted as the
Jul. 01 26 Russian vessels sail through Soya Strait (through July
next-generation stealth aircraft
the Gulf of Aden 2)
May 19 “Agreement on the Relocation of USMC in Okinawa to Jan. 14 Inauguration of reshuffled Kan Cabinet (second term) Jul. 03 First PSI Air Interdiction Exercise hosted by Japan
Guam” comes into force Jan. 21 Signing of the new Special Measures Agreement in (Hokkaido, through July 5)
May 25 North Korea conducts the 2nd underground nuclear test connection with cost-sharing arrangements on the Jul. 11 Three vessels of Chinese Fishery Law Enforcement
stationing of U.S. Forces in Japan (comes into effect on Command (FLEC) enter Japanese waters near the
Jun. 02 Basic Plan for Space Policy formulated Senkaku Islands
April 1)
Jul. 04 North Korea launches a total of seven ballistic missiles
Jan. 27 Supreme Court renders judgement in 4th Kadena Air Jul. 12 One FLEC vessel enters Japanese waters near the
into the Sea of Japan Base noise suit Senkaku Islands
Reference
Jul. 14 Ratification of Convention on Cluster Munitions
Feb. 04 The United States releases “National Security Space Jul. 12 Enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of the
Jul. 17 Announcement of Law Concerning the Prohibition of Strategy” (NSSS) Law for Establishment of Cabinet Office
Manufacture of Cluster Munitions and Regulation of their Feb. 05 New START comes into effect Aug. 10 South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visits Takeshima
Possession
Feb. 23 Japan Disaster Relief Team dispatched in response to Sep. 07 “Toward Stable and Effective Use of Cyberspace by the
Jul. 24 Anti-Piracy Measures Law enacted, Order issued for anti- the earthquake in New Zealand (through March 3) MOD/JSDF” is released
piracy operations
Mar. 11 Four pirates that had shot at Japanese vessels off the Sep. 11 Government’s purchase of the three Senkaku Islands
Jul. 31 Completion of withdrawal of non-American multinational Oman Coast in the Arabian Sea were arrested under the
forces from Iraq Sep. 23 SDF dispatch to the United Nations Integrated Mission in
Anti-Piracy Law Timor-Leste (UNMIT) ended
Aug. 01 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of
Mar. 11 Great East Japan Earthquake strikes
the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (inc. Sep. 25 The first Chinese aircraft carrier “Liaoning”
establishment of the Defense Council and the Special Mar. 11 Disaster relief teams dispatched in response to the Great commissioned
Advisors to the Minister of Defense, and abolition of the East Japan Earthquake (through August 31) Oct. 01 Inauguration of reshuffled Noda Cabinet (third term)
Defense Councilors System) Mar. 12 Nuclear disaster relief teams dispatched in response to Oct. 16 Seven Chinese warships pass through the waters
Sep. 16 Hatoyama Cabinet established; Kitazawa becomes the Great East Japan Earthquake (through December 26) between the Yonaguni Island and the Nakanokami Island
Minister of Defense Mar. 16 Cabinet decisions adopted on first disaster call-up of for the first time
Oct. 05 SDF units dispatched to aid international disaster relief SDF Reserve Personnel and Ready Reserve Personnel in Nov. 26 Promulgation and partial enforcement (regarding
activities after the Padang earthquake in Indonesia the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake Japan-U.S. ACSA) of partially amended laws, including
(though October 17) Mar. 16 Disaster relief call-up order is issued to dispatch GSDF the Self-Defense Forces Act, etc.
Oct. 27 Destroyer collides with ROK cargo ship in the Kammon Ready Reserve Personnel and Reserve Personnel Dec. 04 Launch of capacity building program in East Timor
Straits (through August 31)
Dec. 07 SDF action order for implementation of destruction
Nov. 10 North and South Korean ships engage in fire in the Yellow Mar. 19 The coalition force led by the U.S., U.K., and France measures against ballistic missiles is issued (terminated
Sea commence military operations against Libya December 12)
Nov. 23 Deployment Surface Force for Counter Piracy Apr. 11 Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great Dec. 12 North Korea launches a ballistic missile disguised as a
Enforcement (DSPE) receives the IMO Award for East Japan Earthquake established “Satellite”
Exceptional Bravery at Sea Apr. 15 Disaster relief call-up order is issued to dispatch MSDF Dec. 13 A Chinese aircraft violates Japanese airspace for the first
Dec. 01 Lisbon treaty comes into effect and ASDF reserve personnel (through August 31) time (airspace surrounding the Senkaku Islands)
Dec. 03 Tokyo High Court rejects appeal by MSDF Lieutenant Apr. 27 Partial revision to the Environmental Improvement Law Dec. 26 Inauguration of second Abe Cabinet; Onodera becomes
Commander in Aegis information leakage case (appeal to (extended target projects for subsidies to improve the Minister of Defense
Supreme Court) environment surrounding specified defense facilities)
2013 Jan. 16 Abduction of Japanese nationals in Algeria
Dec. 05 START I lapses May 02 U.S. President Obama announces the killing of Osama
bin Laden, leader of the international terrorist Jan. 19 A Chinese naval vessel may direct fire-control radar at a
Dec. 17 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted organization Al-Qaeda helicopter based on a JMSDF destroyer
on the build-up of defense capability for FY2010 Jan. 20 SDF dispatch to the United Nations Disengagement
Jun. 01 SDF activity base in Djibouti initiates operation
2010 Jan. 11 China announces that it has performed missile Observer Force (UNDOF) ended (ceremony to return unit
interception test Jun. 21 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2” in flag)
Washington, D.C.) joint statement; release of “Toward a
Jan. 17 Japan Disaster Relief Team dispatched in response to Deeper and Broader Japan-U.S. Alliance: Building on 50 Jan. 20 As a measure for the Transportation of Japanese
the earthquake in Haiti (February 14, operation Nationals Overseas (TJNO) prescribed in the
years of Partnership” Self-Defense Forces Act, SDF transports Japanese
completed)
Jun. 22 U.S. President Obama announces guidelines to withdraw victims of the Algerian hostage crisis from Algeria to
Jan. 19 “2+2” joint statement on the 50th anniversary of U.S. troops from Afghanistan
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty Japan (return home on January 24)
Jun. 24 Exercise of the Basic Act on Reconstruction Jan. 25 Security Council of Japan and Cabinet decisions adopted
Jan. 29 First test flight of Russian fifth-generation fighter PAK FA
Jun. 28 First meeting of the headquarters for reconstruction on build-up of defense capability for FY2013
Feb. 05 Decision made to dispatch SDF units to United Nations measures
Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (February 6, Jan. 25 “Basic Plan on Space Policy” is decided by the Strategic
deployment commences) (January 25, 2013, operation Jul. 08 U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 1996 to Headquarters for Space Development
completed) establish UNMISS Jan. 30 A Chinese vessel directs fire-control radar at a JMSDF
Feb. 27 U.S. announces “Quadrennial Defense Review” (QDR) Jul. 09 Independence of the Republic of South Sudan destroyer in the East China Sea
and “Ballistic Missile Defense Review” (BMDR) Aug. 10 Conducts its first navigation Chinese aircraft carrier Jan. 31 Three Chinese vessels sail northeast of Miyako Island to
Mar. 07 Russia publishes new Navy doctrine Varyag the Pacific Ocean
Aug. 24 The Chinese fisheries patrol ships enter Japan’s Jan. 31 Japan-Australia ACSA enters into force
Mar. 11 ASDF Hyakuri Air Base, joint civilian use of runway
territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands Jan. 31 Partial enforcement (regarding Japan-Australia ACSA) of
Mar. 26 ROK naval patrol ship “Cheonan” sank in the Yellow Sea partially amended laws, including the Self-Defense
by a torpedo attack from a North Korean submarine Sep. 02 Noda Cabinet established; Ichikawa becomes Minister of
Defense Forces Act, etc.
Mar. 26 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of Feb. 01 Partial enforcement (regarding pilot allowance) of
the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (new Sep. 09 24 Russian vessels sail through Soya Strait
partially amended laws, including the Self-Defense
establishment of the 15th Bridge and reorganization of the Sep. 19 Detection of cyber attacks against defense industry Forces Act, etc.
Youth Technical School) Sep. 27 Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting (Tokyo), Feb. 07 Russian fighters intrude into Japan’s territorial airspace
Apr. 01 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of Japan-Philippines joint statement made
the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (establishment Feb. 12 North Korea’s underground nuclear test
Sep. 29 Chinese space laboratory “Tiangong 1” launched
of the job status of GSDF students) Feb. 20 Naha District Court renders judgment on Henoko
Sep. 30 Cabinet decisions adopted on “Promotion of the environmental assessment case
Apr. 06 U.S. announces “Nuclear Posture Review” (NPR) operational Quasi-Zenith Satellite System project” and
Apr. 12 1st Nuclear Security Summit (Washington, D.C., through “Promoting development and utilization of aerospace” Feb. 23 Meeting between U.S. President Obama and Prime
April 13) Minister Abe
Oct. 10 ATR to Guam as part of the U.S. Forces realignment
(through October 28) Mar. 01 Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on
May 01 Disaster relief teams dispatched in response to foot and participation of Japan’s industries in the production of
mouth disease in Miyazaki Prefecture (through July 27) Oct. 11 Supreme Court renders judgement in 1st Futenma Air the F-35A
Station noise suit
May 19 Signing of Japan-Australia ACSA Mar. 15 SDF dispatch for the MINUSTAH mission ended
Oct. 24 Signing and entry into force of the Japan-France (ceremony to return unit flag)
May 23 The MOD/SDF dispatches units to the Pacific Partnership Information Security Agreement
2010 for the first time (through July 15) Mar. 22 Entry into force of Japan-Australia Information Security
Oct. 31 NATO ends operations in Libya Agreement
May 26 Enactment of the “Act on the Preservation of the
Law-Water Line and Development of Basic Infrastructure Nov. 15 Cabinet decision adopted on dispatch of SDF personnel Mar. 26 Partial enforcement (regarding shift of Air Rescue Wing’s
of Remote Islands for the Maintaining and Promoting as headquarters staff for the United Nations Mission in affiliation) of partially amended laws, including the
Utilization of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) (departing Japan Self- Defense Forces Act, etc.
Continental Shelf” on November 28)
Mar. 30 Four Chinese vessels sail southwest of the main island of
May 27 U.S. announces “National Security Strategy” (NSS) Nov. 22 Six Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Okinawa to the Pacific Ocean
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific
May 28 Joint Statement of Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Ocean Apr. 02 North Korea announces that it will readjust and restart the
Committee (“2+2”) graphite moderated reactor that was mothballed and
Dec. 18 Completion of U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq disabled under an agreement reached at the Six-Party
Jun. 08 Kan Cabinet established
Dec. 20 Decision made by the Security Council and seconded by Talks
Jun. 09 U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 1929 regarding the Cabinet regarding “acquisition of the next-generation
additional sanction on Iran Apr. 26 Cabinet decision adopted on “Basic Plan on Ocean
fighter aircraft” Policy”
Jun. 25 Signing and entry into force of the Japan-Nato Dec. 20 Cabinet Decision on dispatching engineer units, etc. for
Information Security Agreement May 07 Two Chinese vessels sail northeast of the Yonaguni Island
United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan to the Pacific Ocean
Jun. 28 Release of the U.S. “National Space Policy” (NSP) (deployed from January 11, 2012) (Operation completed May 27 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Jul. 01 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of on May 31, 2017) Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific
the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law Dec. 27 Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on Guidelines Ocean
(establishment of the job status of SDF recruits) for Overseas Transfer of Defense Equipment etc. Jul. 04 Signing of the Japan-U.K. Agreement Concerning the
Jul. 13 Cabinet decision adopted on “Act on the Preservation of Dec. 28 Environmental impact statement for the Futenma Transfer of Arms and Military Technologies and the
the Law-Water Line and Development of Basic Replacement Facility construction project is submitted to Japan-U.K. Information Security Agreement
Infrastructure of Remote Islands for Maintaining and Okinawa Prefecture (through January 6, 2012) Jul. 05 China-Russia first joint naval exercise “Naval Interaction
Promoting Utilization of the Exclusive Economic Zone and 2012 Jan. 11 1st Advance unit for UNMISS starts departing Japan 2013” (through July 11)
Continental Shelf”
Jan. 13 Inauguration of reshuffled Noda Cabinet; Tanaka Jul. 13 Chinese naval fleets sail through Soya Strait to the Sea
Jul. 29 Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court renders judgement becomes Minister of Defense of Okhotsk
in 1st and 2nd Futenma Air Station noise suits
Feb. 10 Establishment of the Reconstruction Agency Jul. 22 China Coast Guard sign put up
Aug. 31 Air transport activities by helicopter in aid of flood
disaster in Pakistan (through October 10) Mar. 16 Chinese government ship “Haijian” enters Japan’s Jul. 24 Chinese early warning aircraft passes between the main
territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and advances to
Sep. 07 Chinese fishing boat collides with Japan Coast Guard
the Pacific Ocean for the first time
patrol vessel in waters near the Senkaku Islands Mar. 26 Transfer of ASDF Air Defense Command to Yokota Air
Base Aug. 21 Three Chinese vessels sail through Osumi Strait to the
Sep. 10 Cabinet decision adopted on dispatch of SDF officers as
Pacific Ocean
key military contact personnel (military observers) to the Mar. 27 Prime Minister Noda attends the Nuclear Security
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) Summit Aug. 22 Russian bombers intrude into Japan’s airspace
(dispatched on September 27) Mar. 30 SDF action order for implementation of destruction Aug. 27 Two Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Sep. 17 Inauguration of reshuffled Kan Cabinet measures against ballistic missiles is issued (terminated Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific
April 13) Ocean
Oct. 01 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of
the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (abolition of Apr. 13 North Korea launches a ballistic missile disguised as a Aug. 30 “Direction of the MOD Reform” released
the lowest enlisted ranks) “Satellite”
Sep. 08 Chinese bombers fly between the main island of
Nov. 01 Russian President Medvedev visits the Kunashiri Island Apr. 13 Kim Jong-un becomes the First Chairman of the National Okinawa and Miyako Island
Defense Commission
Nov. 23 North Korea shells the ROK’s Yeonpyeong island Sep. 09 Unmanned aircraft (presumed) of unidentified nationality
Apr. 17 Ten-month extension of SDF dispatch to support the flies over the East China Sea
United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)
(through February 28, 2013)

2013 Sep. 10 1st meeting of MOD/SDF Special Action Committee on 2014 Aug. 8- U.S. Central Command begins airstrikes on ISIL in 2015 Jul. 29 China’s intelligence gathering aircraft, early warning
the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games held Northern Iraq aircraft, and two bombers fly between the main island of
Sep. 27 U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 2118 on Aug. 12 Russian Armed Forces conduct exercises in the Northern Okinawa and Miyako Island through to the Pacific Ocean
elimination of Syrian chemical weapons Territories and Chishima Islands (July 30)
Oct. 03 Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”, Aug. 19 Chinese fighter jets fly abnormally close to U.S. Forces’ Jul. 30 Tokyo High Court renders judgment in 6th, 7th and
Tokyo) patrol aircraft administrative 1st and 2nd Atsugi Air Facility noise suits
Oct. 03 Signing of the “Protocol to amend the agreement Aug. 20 Disaster relief teams dispatched for lifesaving activities Aug. 17 Seven Chinese vessels sail Tsushima Strait northward.
concerning the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps from in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture (through Subsequently, China-Russia naval combined exercise,
Okinawa to Guam” September 11) Joint Sea 2015 (II), is held (Sea of Japan) (August
20-28). Following the exercise, five vessels sail Soya
Oct. 16 Disaster relief teams dispatched after Typhoon No. 26 Aug. 28 MOD formulates “Basic Policy Relating to the Strait eastward (August 29), sail in the high seas in the
(through November 8) Development and Use of Space (revised)” Bering Sea (statement by U.S. DoD official, September 2),
Oct. 23 Five Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Sep. 01 Japan-India summit meeting (Tokyo); “Tokyo Declaration and enter into U.S. territorial waters near the Aleutian
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific for Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership” Islands (statement by U.S. DoD official, September 4).
Ocean Sep. 03 Eto becomes Minister of Defense Aug. 20 Shelling incident occurs between North Korea and the
Oct. 30 Three Chinese vessels sail southwest of the main island Sep. 03 2nd Reshuffled Abe Cabinet is established ROK
of Okinawa to the Pacific Ocean Aug. 22 Russian Prime Minister Medvedev visits Etorofu Island
Nov. 12 Japan Disaster Relief Team dispatched in response to Sep. 10 U.S. President Obama announces strategy to counter ISIL
Aug. 26 Signing of agreement on the resolution of the conflict in
Reference
typhoon disaster in the Philippines (through December Sep. 22- The United States and other coalition countries begin
18) airstrikes on ISIL in Syria South Sudan
Nov. 15 Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Sep. 26 Prime Minister Abe attends U.N. Summit Meeting on UN Sep. 15 Presumed Russian aircraft intrudes into Japanese
(OPCW) decides on detailed terms of the destruction of Peacekeeping Operations (New York) territorial airspace over the coast of the Nemuro
Syrian chemical weapons, etc. Peninsula
Sep. 27 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the eruption of Mt.
Nov. 22 Revisions of the Self-Defense Forces Act (e.g., expanded Ontake (through October 16) Sep. 19 Legislation for Peace and Security (“Bill for the
category of people who may be transported by the JSDF, Development of Legislation for Peace and Security” and
Sep. 29 Afghanistan’s new government is launched “International Peace Support Bill”) is passed in the
in the event of disasters, insurgencies, and other
emergencies overseas) promulgated and entered into Oct. 26 Air Review commemorating the 60th anniversary of the House of Councillors plenary session
force MOD/SDF Sep. 28 Signing of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of
Nov. 23 China announces establishment of the “East China Sea Air Nov. 16 Candidate Onaga defeats incumbent Governor Nakaima Environmental Stewardship Relating to the U.S. Armed
Defense Identification Zone” in Okinawa gubernatorial election Forces in Japan, Supplementary to the Status of U.S.
Nov. 21 “Global Hawk” is decided as the model of unmanned Forces Agreement (SOFA)
Nov. 24 Iran and EU3 (U.K., France, Germany) +3 (U.S., China,
Russia) reach first phase agreement for the aerial vehicle Oct. 01 Enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of the
comprehensive settlement of the nuclear issue Nov. 24 ROK Armed Forces conduct military drill in waters near Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (unification of
Takeshima actual unit operations into Joint Staff, establishment of
Dec. 04 National Security Council established Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, etc.)
Nov. 28 Transport of supplies necessary for Japan Disaster Relief
Dec. 08 The ROK announces establishment of new Air Defense operations in response to the outbreak of the Ebola virus Oct. 01 Technical Research and Development Institute and
Identification Zone disease in West Africa (Republic of Ghana, through Equipment Procurement and Construction Office are
Dec. 13 Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets December 11) abolished; Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency
promulgated is established
Dec. 01 SDF personnel dispatched to NATO for the first time
Dec. 14 Chinese lunar probe successfully achieves soft lunar Oct. 03 Shooting attack in Bangladesh (one Japanese national is
landing Dec. 04 Five Chinese vessels sail through Osumi Strait to the killed; ISIL Bangladesh claims responsibility for the
Pacific Ocean attack in a statement)
Dec. 17 National Security Council and Cabinet decisions adopted
on “National Security Strategy,” “National Defense Dec. 04- Chinese People’s Liberation Army begins exercise in Oct. 07 Inauguration of the third reshuffled Abe Cabinet
Program Guidelines for FY2014 and beyond,” and Western Pacific. Subsequently, some vessels transit Soya
Strait (December 24) and Tsushima Strait (December 27) Oct. 15 Iwakuni Branch of Yamaguchi District Court renders
“Medium Term Defense Program (FY2014-FY2018)” judgment in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Iwakuni Air Base noise
and circle Japan
Dec. 23 Three Chinese vessels sail southwest of the main island suits
of Okinawa to the Pacific Ocean Dec. 10 Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets
enters into force Oct. 26 U.S. naval destroyer USS Lassen sails within 12 nautical
Dec. 23 Second Russian Borey-class SSBN commissioned miles of Subi Reef, Spratly Islands in the South China
(incorporated into Pacific Fleet) Dec. 19 Joint Statement of the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Sea and conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation
Committee (2+2)
Dec. 27 Governor of Okinawa Prefecture approves application for Oct. 27 Cabinet verbal understanding regarding “Revocation of
public water reclamation for the Futenma Replacement Dec. 24 Inauguration of the third Abe Cabinet, Nakatani becomes reclamation approval based on the Act on Reclamation of
Facility construction project Minister of Defense Publicly-owned Water Surface pertaining to the Futenma
2014 Jan. 01 Entry into force of the Japan-U.K. Information Security Dec. 24 Arms Trade Treaty comes into effect Replacement Facility construction project”
Agreement Dec. 26 Deployment of U.S. Forces TPY-2 (“X-band radar”) to Oct. 28 Written notice regarding start of construction work
Jan. 07 National Security Secretariat launched Kyogamisaki is completed related to Futenma Replacement Facility construction
Dec. 31 Japan Disaster Relief Team dispatched in response to project is submitted to Okinawa Prefecture
Jan. 15 Collision accident between transport vessel and fishing
vessel in the Hiroshima Bay disappearance of AirAsia plane (through January 11) Nov. 11 A Chinese Navy AGI repeatedly conducts east-west
2015 Jan. 02 ISIL releases video of Japanese hostages (videos of the passages near the contiguous zone south of the Senkaku
Jan. 22 Committee for Promoting the Mitigation of the Impact of Islands (through November 12)
Bases on Okinawa established murder of the Japanese nationals subsequently released
on January 24 and February 1) Nov. 26 Suit is instituted for “Case regarding retraction order
Feb. 14 Council for Promoting the Mitigation of the Impact of request for revocation of the landfill permit based on
MCAS Futenma on Okinawa established Jan. 09 “Basic Plan on Space Policy” is decided by the Strategic
Headquarters for Space Development provisions of Article 245-8, Paragraph 3 of the Local
Mar. 01 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Autonomy Act” (“administrative suit”)
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Jan. 21 First Japan-U.K. Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting
Ocean (London) Nov. 27 China’s four bombers and intelligence gathering aircraft
pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako
Mar. 03 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles Feb. 06 The United States releases “National Security Strategy”
Island through to the Pacific Ocean (Air Force
(NSS)
Mar. 11 Japan Disaster Relief Team dispatched in response to spokesperson of China announces flight by PLA Air Force
the missing Malaysian Airplane (through April 28) Feb. 12 Minsk agreement II (German, French, Russian, and aircraft). At around the same time, four bombers and
Ukrainian leaders agree on new ceasefire agreement) early warning aircraft conduct operations near the main
Mar. 18 Russian “annexation” of the Autonomous Republic of
Crimea Feb. 13 Two Chinese vessels pass between the main island of island of Okinawa and Miyako Island.
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Dec. 04 Japan-U.S. Joint Press Release “Implementation of
Mar. 19 A submarine seen navigating underwater in Japan’s Ocean
contiguous zone (waters east of Miyako Island) Bilateral Plans for Consolidating Facilities and Areas in
Feb. 14 China’s intelligence gathering aircraft flies between the Okinawa”
Mar. 24 Prime Minister Abe attends 3rd Nuclear Security Summit main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island through to the
(Hague, through March 25) Dec. 07 Three Chinese vessels sail through Osumi Strait to the
Pacific Ocean (February 15) Pacific Ocean
Mar. 26 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles Mar. 02 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles Dec. 12 Japan-India Agreement Concerning the Transfer of
Apr. 01 Partial enforcement (establishment of Faculty of Nursing Mar. 13 Japan-France Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology is signed (New
at National Defense Medical College) of partially Defense Equipment and Technology is signed (Tokyo) Delhi)
amended laws, including the Self-Defense Forces Act, Apr. 21 National Defense Medical College instructor dispatched Dec. 12 Signing and entry into force of the Japan-India General
etc. to support WHO’s epidemiological studies on the Security of Military Information Agreement
Apr. 01 Cabinet decision adopted on “Three Principles on outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in West Africa, etc. Dec. 13 Two Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology” (through May 29) Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific
Apr. 28 U.S. and Philippines sign Enhanced Defense Cooperation Apr. 27 Japan Disaster Relief Team dispatched in response to Ocean
Agreement: (EDCA) earthquake in Nepal (through May 22) Dec. 26 A China Coast Guard vessel carrying weapons that
May 02 Two Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Apr. 27 The new “Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense appear to be cannons intrudes into Japanese territorial
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Cooperation” is approved at the Japan-U.S. Security waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands for the first time
Ocean Consultative Committee meeting (“2+2,” New York) Dec. 31 Russia revises National Security Strategy
May 07 Collision and confrontation between Chinese and Apr. 30 Promulgation and enforcement of the Special Measures
Vietnamese vessels occur (through mid-July) Act on the Number of Years of the National Subsidization
2016 Jan. 06 North Korea conducts fourth nuclear test which it called
a “hydrogen bomb test”
May 14 “Protocol to amend the agreement concerning the of Specific Defense Procurements (so-called “Long-term
relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps from Okinawa to Contract Act”) Jan. 11 Chinese Ministry of National Defense announces
Guam” comes into force May 09 North Korea announces SLBM launch test was conducted organizational realignment of the Central Military
May 15 The Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis successfully Commission (dismantlement of four general
for Security submits its report May 14 Cabinet decision on “Bill for the Development of departments, CMC’s introduction of multiple section
May 21 Yokohama District Court renders judgement in 6th, 7th, Legislation for Peace and Security” and “International system)
and administrative 1st and 2nd Atsugi Air Base noise Peace Support Bill” Jan. 26 Two Russian bombers conduct flight along the perimeter
suits May 14 Cabinet decisions on “Responses to Foreign Naval of Japan
May 24 Chinese fighter jets fly abnormally close to SDF aircraft Vessels Carrying Out Navigation through the Territorial Jan. 30 A U.S. naval destroyer sails within 12 nautical miles of
Sea or the Internal Waters of Japan that Does Not Fall Triton Island, Paracel Islands in the South China Sea and
Jun. 07 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Under Innocent Passage in International Law,” “The conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific
Ocean Government’s Responses to Illegal Landing on a Remote Jan. 31 China’s intelligence gathering aircraft and early warning
Island or its Surrounding Seas by an Armed Group,” and aircraft pass Tsushima Strait for the first time through to
Jun. 11 Japan-Australia “2+2” (Tokyo) “Responses to Acts of Infringement When Self-Defense the Sea of Japan
Jun. 11 Chinese fighter jets fly abnormally close to SDF aircraft Force Ships or Aircraft Detect Foreign Ships Committing Feb. 01 Chinese Ministry of National Defense dismantles seven
Said Acts Against Japanese Private Ships on the High Military Regions and announces the establishment of five
Jun. 19 Strategy on Defense Production and Technological Bases Seas”
released theaters of operations
May 21 Two Chinese bombers fly between the main island of Feb. 02 Four Chinese vessels sail through Tsugaru Strait to the
Jun. 21 Partial enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of Okinawa and Miyako Island to the Pacific Ocean (Air
the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (response to Pacific Ocean
Force spokesperson announces first flight by Chinese Air
early retirement system) Force aircraft in this airspace) Feb. 04 A Chinese Navy AGI conducts round-trip northeast-
Jun. 29 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles southwest passages near the contiguous zone southeast
May 26 China releases defense white paper, “China’s Military of the Boso Peninsula (through February 8)
Jun. 29 ISIL declares establishment of “Islamic State” and Strategy”
caliphate Feb. 07 North Korea launches a ballistic missile disguised as a
May 31 Dispatched MSDF personnel as commander of Combined “Satellite”
Jul. 01 Cabinet decision adopted on “Development of Seamless Task Force (CTF 151) for counter-piracy operations
Security Legislation to Ensure Japan’s Survival and (through August 27) Feb. 16 Locations of equipment deemed to be surface-to-air
Protect its People” missile in Woody Island, Paracel Islands are confirmed
Jun. 11 Naha District Court’s Okinawa Branch renders judgment
Jul. 08 Japan-Australia Agreement concerning the Transfer of in 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th Futenma Air Station noise suits Mar. 04 The government announces it would accept the court’s
Defense Equipment and Technology is signed settlement recommendation in the “Case regarding
Jun. 12 Two Chinese vessels pass between the main island of retraction order request for cancellation of the
Jul. 09 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific reclamation permit based on provisions of Article 245-8,
Jul. 13 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles Ocean Paragraph 3 of the Local Autonomy Act” (“administrative
Jul. 25 Enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of the Jul. 01 U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dempsey substitute execution suit”) and suspends landfill work
Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (establishment of releases National Military Strategy (Futenma Replacement Facility construction project)
Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs) Jul. 03 Disaster relief teams dispatched to support search of Mar. 10 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Jul. 26 North Korea launches a ballistic missile missing persons in Mt. Ontake (through August 7)
Mar. 18 North Korea launches a ballistic missile
Jul. 18 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Aug. 01 Enforcement of the Law for Partial Amendment of the Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Mar. 22 Terror bombing attacks occur in Brussels, Belgium
Ministry of Defense Establishment Law (quota for SDF Ocean
personnel posts of Internal Bureau, establishment of Air Mar. 28 Two Chinese vessels sail through Osumi Strait to the
Pacific Ocean
Tactics Development & Training Wing, etc.)
Mar. 28 Establishment of Camp Yonaguni

2016 Mar. 29 Enforcement of Legislation for Peace and Security (“Act 2016 Nov. 18 The Russian Forces announces the deployment of 2017 Jul. 28 North Korea launches a ballistic missile (lands in Japan’s
for the Development of the Legislation for Peace and surface-to-ship missile on the islands of Etorofu and EEZ)
Security” and “International Peace Support Act”) Kunashiri Aug. 01 China conducts a flag raising ceremony for the Support
Mar. 31 Nuclear Security Summit (Washington, D.C.) (through Nov. 23 Signing and entry into force of Japan-ROK General Base in Djibouti
April 1) Security of Military Information Agreement Aug. 03 Minister of Defense Onodera came into office
Apr. 07 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Nov. 25 Two bombers, two intelligence gathering aircraft, and Aug. 09 A Chinese electronic warfare aircraft passes between the
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific two fighter jets fly over the sky between the main island main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and flies
Ocean of Okinawa and Miyako Island (four aircraft except the toward the East China Sea
Apr. 08 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of fighter jets fly from the south of Sakishima Islands)
Aug. 10 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Dec. 01 Japan-France defense equipment and technology Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of the
Ocean agreement takes effect Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China
Apr. 14 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the 2016 Dec. 10 Two Chinese fighter jets, two bombers, and two Sea (reported)
Kumamoto Earthquake (through May 30) intelligence gathering aircraft fly between the main Aug. 12 A Chinese electronic warfare aircraft and two bombers
Apr. 15 North Korea launches a ballistic missile island of Okinawa and Miyako Island (four aircraft except pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako
the fighter jets fly toward the Bashi Channel) Island and fly toward the East China Sea
Apr. 17 Disaster relief call-up order for to Ready Reserve
Personnel is issued (through May 9) Dec. 22 The implementation Guidelines for Article 95-2 of the Aug. 13 Two Chinese electronic warfare aircrafts pass between
SDF Law (decided by the National Security Council) the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and fly
Apr. 20 China’s early warning aircraft flies between the main
Dec. 22 Transition to the joint production and deployment phases
Reference
island of Okinawa and Miyako Island through to the toward the East China Sea
Pacific Ocean of advanced interceptor missiles for BMD (SM-3 Block Aug. 14 A Chinese electronic warfare aircraft passes between the
IIA) (decided at the National Security Council) main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and flies
Apr. 23 North Korea launches an SLBM
Dec. 25 Six Chinese naval vessels including an aircraft carrier toward the East China Sea
Apr. 28 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles sail between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Aug. 17 A car runs into pedestrians in Barcelona, Spain
Apr. 28 Alleged murder case involving a civilian component Island and advance into the Pacific Ocean (first time a
member of the USFJ in Okinawa Prefecture Chinese aircraft carrier is observed sailing into the Aug. 23 Two Russian bombers fly and circle around Japan
Apr. 29 Transitional Government of National Unity of South Sudan Pacific Ocean) Aug. 24 Six Chinese bombers, after passing between the main
is established Dec. 26 Governor of Okinawa Onaga withdraws his cancellation island of Okinawa and Miyako Island, fly over the Pacific
of the reclamation approval (Futenma Replacement Ocean in the south of Kyushu and Shikoku, turn around
May 10 A U.S. destroyer sails within 12 nautical miles of Fiery
Facility construction project) off the Kii Peninsula, and fly to the East China Sea on a
Cross Reef, Spratly Islands in the South China Sea as similar route (First time for a Chinese aircraft to fly
part of the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” Dec. 27 “China’s Space Activities in 2016” is released
northeast bound after advancing to the Pacific Ocean)
May 17 A Chinese PLA fighter jet flies abnormally close to a U.S. 2017 Jan. 09 Six Chinese bombers, an early warning aircraft, and an
Aug. 26 MSDF SH-60J helicopter falls into the sea west of
Navy reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea intelligence gathering aircraft fly over the Tsushima Strait
and advance to the Sea of Japan Tappizaki, Aomori Prefecture
May 22 U.S. President Obama visits Vietnam (through May 25), Aug. 26 India announces agreement between India and China on
fully lifts arms embargo on Vietnam Jan. 14 Signing of Japan-Australia Acquisition and Cross-
disagreement of border personnel at Doklam following
May 31 North Korea launches a ballistic missile Servicing Agreement (ACSA) (Sydney)
the confrontation of their forces
Jun. 07 A Chinese PLA fighter jet conducts dangerous flight, Jan. 24 Two Russian bombers fly and circle around Japan
Aug. 29 North Korea launches a ballistic missile (flies over Japan)
approaching a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft at a Feb. 08 U.S. Navy P-3 patrol aircraft and Chinese military aircraft
high speed over the East China Sea fly abnormally close to each other (South China Sea) Sep. 03 North Korea conducts sixth nuclear test which it called a
“hydrogen bomb test for ICBM”
Jun. 09 A Chinese naval combatant vessel enters the contiguous Feb. 12 North Korea launches a ballistic missile
zone near the Senkaku Islands for the first time
Sep. 15 North Korea launches a ballistic missile (flies over Japan)
Mar. 02 A Chinese early warning aircraft, six bombers (probable),
Jun. 15 A Chinese naval intelligence gathering vessel sails in and six fighter jets (probable) fly between the main island Oct. 01 Shooting in Las Vegas, United States
Japan’s territorial waters near Kuchinoerabu Island and of Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Oct. 10 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of
Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture and then sails Ocean (total of 13 aircraft, the largest fleet so far) Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands in the
within Japan’s contiguous zone north of Kitadaito Island. Mar. 02 Chinese vessels pass between the main island of South China Sea (reported)
Subsequently, the vessel repeatedly conducts east-west Okinawa and Miyako Island and moves to the East China
passages outside the contiguous zone near the Senkaku Oct. 11 A U.S. Forces helicopter conducts an emergency landing
Sea and catches fire in Higashi-son, Kunigami- gun, Okinawa
Islands. (June 19 through 20) Prefecture
Mar. 05 Chinese vessels sail west bound from the Osumi Strait
Jun. 16 Five Chinese naval vessels sail between the main island
Oct. 17 ASDF UH-60J helicopter crashed in the Pacific Ocean
of Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Mar. 06 North Korea launches four ballistic missiles (three of
them fell into Japan’s EEZ) south of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Ocean
Mar. 22 North Korea launches a ballistic missile Nov. 11 Three U.S. carrier strike groups conduct joint exercises
Jun. 20 Ten Russian vessels pass through the Soya Strait and in the western Pacific (through November 14)
move to the Okhotsk Sea. Mar. 23 Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Okinawa and Miyako Island and moves to the East China Nov. 18 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes between
Jun. 22 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and flies
Sea
Jul. 2 Bangladeshi militants take hostages (7 Japanese toward the Bashi Channel
nationals are killed); ISIL claims responsibility on the Mar. 27 Transfer of MSDF TC-90 to the Philippines
Nov. 19 Four Chinese bombers, an intelligence gathering aircraft
Internet Mar. 27 Completion of development of future transport aircraft and an electronic warfare aircraft pass between the main
Jul. 8 The U.S. and ROK decide on the deployment of THAAD to (XC-2) island of Okinawa and Miyako Island from the East China
U.S. Forces Korea Apr. 02 Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Sea to reach the Pacific Ocean and thereafter pass
Jul. 9 North Korea launches a submarine-launched ballistic Okinawa and Miyako Island and advances to the Pacific between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island
missile Ocean again to fly toward the East China Sea
Jul. 11 ASDF aircraft dispatched to Juba, the capital of South Apr. 05 North Korea launches a ballistic missile Nov. 20 The United States re-designates North Korea as a State
Sudan, to transport Japanese nationals overseas due to Apr. 06 U.S. launches strikes on Syria Sponsor of Terrorism
the situation deterioration in South Sudan (through July Nov. 23 Four Chinese bombers and an intelligence gathering
26) Apr. 16 North Korea launches a ballistic missile
aircraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and
Jul. 12 The arbitral tribunal renders a final award in which Apr. 18 Chinese vessels sail west bound from the Osumi Strait Miyako Island to reach the Pacific Ocean and thereafter
nearly all of the Philippines’ submissions are ruled in Apr. 20 China launches its first unmanned cargo spacecraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako
favor of the Philippines with regard to arbitral “Tianzhou 1” Island again to fly toward the East China Sea. An
proceedings pursuant to the South China Sea intelligence gathering aircraft passes between the main
Apr. 24 Chinese vessels pass between the main island of island of Okinawa and Miyako Island via Sakishima
Jul. 15 Terror attack with a truck occurs in Nice, France Okinawa and Miyako Island and advances to the Pacific Islands in the South Pacific and flies toward the East
Jul. 18 Chinese Air Force announces that it will be conducting Ocean China Sea
combat patrol in the South China Sea on a regular basis Apr. 25 Commencement of seawall construction (Futenma Nov. 28 Chinese vessels pass between the main island of
Jul. 19 North Korea launches three ballistic missiles Replacement Facility construction project) Okinawa and Miyako Island and moves to the East China
Aug. 3 2nd Reshuffled 3rd Abe Cabinet is established Apr. 26 China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier is launched Sea
Aug. 3 Inada becomes Minister of Defense Apr. 29 North Korea launches a ballistic missile Nov. 29 North Korea launches a ballistic missile (lands in Japan’s
May 14 North Korea launches a ballistic missile EEZ)
Aug. 3 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles (one of them
Dec. 05 Chinese vessels sail east bound from the Osumi Strait
fell into Japan’s EEZ) May 18 An object believed to be a small unmanned aerial vehicle
and advances to the Pacific Ocean
Aug. 5 200 to 300 Chinese fishing vessels operate in the waters (drone) flies over the front of the bridge of a Chinese
near the Senkaku Islands. Chinese government vessels government ship which is within Japan’s territorial Dec. 07 A Chinese early warning aircraft and four bombers pass
waters near the Senkaku Islands between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island
intrude into Japan’s territorial waters following the to reach the Pacific Ocean and thereafter pass between
fishing vessels for the first time (total of 15 vessels in 5 May 21 North Korea launches a ballistic missile
the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island again
days / through August 9) May 23 Martial law is declared in Mindanao in the Philippines Dec. 07 A Chinese vessel passes between the main island of
Aug. 12 Three Chinese naval vessels pass between the main
May 24 A U.S. naval destroyer sails within 12 nautical miles of Okinawa and Miyako Island and moves to the East China
island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Sea
Pacific Ocean the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South
China Sea and conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Dec. 09 Four Chinese bombers and an electronic warfare aircraft
Aug. 18 A Chinese early warning aircraft and two bombers fly Operation” (reported) pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako
over Tsushima and advance to the Sea of Japan Island to reach the Pacific Ocean and thereafter pass
May 29 North Korea launches a ballistic missile (fell into Japan’s
Aug. 24 North Korea launches a submarine-launched ballistic EEZ) between the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island
missile again to fly toward the East China Sea
May 31 Dispatch of SDF units to UNMISS is terminated
Aug. 30 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the heavy rainfall Dec. 09 The Iraqi government declares liberation of all areas from
due to Typhoon 10 in Iwate Prefecture (through Jul. 01 Establishment of Southwestern Air Defense Force
the ISIL
September 16) Jul. 02 A Chinese naval Dongdiao-class intelligence gathering Dec. 11 Two Chinese bombers, two fighter jets (probable), an
Aug. 31 Disaster relief teams dispatched after the heavy rainfall ship sails within Japan’s territorial waters near the intelligence gathering aircraft and an electronic warfare
due to Typhoon 10 in Hokkaido (through September 18) southwest of Kojima Island, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido aircraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and
Sep. 05 North Korea launches three ballistic missiles (fell into Jul. 02 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of Miyako Island to reach the Pacific Ocean and thereafter
Japan’s EEZ) Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of Triton two fighter jets (probable) turn around and pass between
Island, Paracel Islands in the South China Sea (reported) the main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island again to
Sep. 09 North Korea conducts its fifth nuclear test
Jul. 04 North Korea launches a ballistic missile (lands in Japan’s fly toward the continent. The bombers, electronic warfare
Sep. 12 First training relocation involves Tilt-Rotor/Rotary wing EEZ) aircraft and intelligence gathering aircraft fly toward the
aircraft outside of Okinawa Prefecture in the context of Bashi Channel via the south of Sakishima Islands on the
the realignment of the U.S. Forces (through October 5) Jul. 05 Disaster relief teams dispatched in response to the
heavy rain in North Kyushu in July 2017 (through　 Pacific Ocean side
Sep. 25 Four Chinese bombers, two intelligence gathering August 20) Dec. 11 President Putin visits Syria and announces withdrawal of
aircraft, and two fighter jets (probable) pass between the the main part of troops (The two bases in Syria will
main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance Jul. 05 16 Russian vessels pass through the Soya Strait and
move to the Sea of Japan continue daily operation)
to the Pacific Ocean (fighter jets [probable] are observed
for the first time passing) Jul. 13 Two Chinese bombers pass between the main island of Dec. 13 Fall of a U.S. Forces helicopter window onto Futenma
Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Dai-ni Elementary School in Ginowan City, Okinawa
Oct. 15 North Korea launches a ballistic missile Prefecture
Ocean. Four other bombers pass between the main
Oct. 20 North Korea launches a ballistic missile island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and fly toward the Dec. 17 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft and two
Oct. 20 Three Chinese naval vessels pass through the Osumi East China Sea electronic warfare aircrafts pass between the main
Strait and advance to the Pacific Ocean Jul. 15 Two China Coast Guard vessels sail in Japan’s territorial island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and fly to the East
waters in the southeast of Tsushima- shimojima China Sea
Oct. 21 A U.S. destroyer sails around the Paracel Islands in the
South China Sea as part of the “Freedom of Navigation (Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture) and north of Dec. 18 A Chinese electronic warfare aircraft passes between the
Operation” Okinoshima (Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture) main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and flies to
Jul. 17 Two China Coast Guard vessels sail in Japan’s territorial the East China Sea
Oct. 27 China’s early warning aircraft and intelligence gathering
aircraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and waters in the west-northwest of Henashisaki Dec. 18 The United States releases the National Security Strategy
Miyako Island and advance to the Pacific Ocean (Nishitsugaru County, Aomori Prefecture) and northeast Dec. 18 A Chinese Su-30 fighter jet’s advance to the Sea of
Oct. 28 Signing and entry into force of the Japan-U.S.- Australia of Tappizaki (Higashitsugaru County, Aomori Prefecture) Japan is confirmed for the first time
Trilateral Information Sharing Arrangement Jul. 20 A Chinese electronic warfare aircraft, an intelligence Dec. 19 National Security Council and Cabinet approval on the
Nov. 01 Cabinet Decision regarding changes to the procedures gathering aircraft and four bombers pass between the “fundamental improvement in ballistic missile defense
for responding to piracy (reducing the number of ships to main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and fly toward capability”
engage in counter-piracy operations off the coast of the East China Sea. Four bombers pass between the
main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and advance Dec. 19 The United States denounces North Korea for the cyber
Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden from two to one) attack using malware “WannaCry” in May 2017
from the East China Sea to the Pacific Ocean
Nov. 15 Cabinet Decision on changes in the “Implementation Dec. 20 A Chinese electronic warfare aircraft passes between the
Plans for the International Peace Cooperation Assignment Jul. 24 Chinese bombers pass between the main island of
Okinawa and Miyako Island and flies toward the East main island of Okinawa and Miyako Island and flies to
for the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South the East China Sea
Sudan (UNMISS)” (mission of “kaketsuke-keigo” was China Sea
added) Jul. 28 Minister of Defense Kishida came into office

Year Defense Domestic International
2018 Jan. 09 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Jan. 12 Japan-Estonia Summit Meeting (Tallinn) Jan. 09 North-South High Level Official’s Meeting
Jan. 09 FY2017 Japan-U.S. joint exercise (command post Jan. 13 Japan-Latvia Summit Meeting (Riga) Jan. 10 A Chinese submerged submarine enters Japan’s contiguous zone near Miyakojima Island and
exercise) (through February 3) Jan. 13 Japan-Lithuania Summit Meeting (Vilnius) Taisho Island (through January 11)
Jan. 21 Multilateral exercise Cobra Gold 18 (through February Jan. 14 Japan-Bulgaria Summit Meeting (Sofia) Jan. 11 A Chinese vessel enters Japan’s contiguous zone near Taisho Island
23) Jan. 17 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of
Jan. 15 Japan-Serbia Summit Meeting (Belgrade)
Jan .15 Japan-Spain Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea (reported)
Jan. 16 Japan-Romania Summit Meeting (Bucharest)
Jan. 26 Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Jan. 19 The U.S. National Defense Strategy is released
(2+2) (Tokyo) Jan. 18 Japan-Australia Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Jan. 29 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes Tsushima Strait and advances to the Sea of Japan
Jan. 26 Deployment of the first F-35A at ASDF Misawa Air Feb. 02 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk from the East China Sea
Base Feb. 06 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jan. 29 A Chinese vessel sails Tsushima Strait northward and after advancing to the Sea of Japan
Jan. 27 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Feb. 07 U.S. Vice President Pence pays courtesy visit to temporarily, sails the strait southward
Jan. 29 Disaster relief to provide water supply supports in Prime Minister Abe Jan. 31 U.S. President Trump delivers the State of the Union address
Sado City, Niigata Prefecture (through February 2) Feb. 09 Japan-ROK Summit Meeting (PyeongChang) Feb. 02 The United States releases the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR)
Jan. 30 Disaster relief to provide water supply supports in Feb. 14 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 05 Maldives declares a state of emergency
Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture (through February 2) Feb. 14 Japan-Norway Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Feb. 08 North Korea conducts a military parade
Feb. 06 Disaster relief in response to heavy snow in Fukui Feb. 20 U.S. military aircraft throws away a fuel tank into
Prefecture (through February 10) Feb. 09 PyeongChang Olympics (through February 25)
Reference
Lake Ogawara in Tohoku Town, Kamikita Country,

Feb. 14 Cope North 2018 exercise program (through February Aomori Prefecture Feb. 10 Sri Lanka declares a state of emergency
21) (Guam) Feb. 23 Japan-Chile Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Feb. 14 South African President Zuma resigns
Feb. 15 Disaster relief to help remove snow in Fukui City, Fukui Mar. 06 Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 15 Ethiopian Prime Minister resigns
Prefecture (through February 18) Feb. 15 The United States and other countries denounce Russia for a large scale of damage caused by
Feb. 16 State Minister of Defense Yamamoto attends the Mar. 09 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
ransomware “Not Petya” in June 2017
Munich Security Conference (through February 18) Mar. 13 Naha District Court renders judgement regarding the
demand of an injunctive order for actions that crush Feb. 16 Ethiopia declares a state of emergency
Feb. 16 Cabinet Decision on revision of the “Implementation the reef, etc. (Futenma Replacement Facility Feb. 23 U.S.-Australia Summit Meeting
Plans for the International Peace Cooperation
Assignment for the United Nations Mission in the construction project) Feb. 26 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan (through February 28)
Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)” Mar. 14 Japan-Sri Lanka Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Feb. 27 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft’s passage of Tsushima Strait Western Channel is
Feb. 21 Disaster relief for collection of fuel, etc. in Tohoku Mar. 15 Japan-Germany Summit Telephone Talk confirmed for the first time
Town, Kamikita Country, Aomori Prefecture (through Mar. 23 Okinawa Prefectural Government appeals against Mar. 01 Russian President Putin introduces new weapons at the annual presidential address
March 7) the judgement of the Naha District Court to the Naha Mar. 05 1st session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) (through March 20)
Feb. 26 Japan-ASEAN HA/DR Invitation Program (Kanto Region) Branch of the Fukuoka High Court (Futenma
Replacement Facility construction project) Mar. 05 ROK special envoys visit North Korea and meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un
(through March 2)
Mar. 31 Return of the land at Makiminato Service Area Mar. 09 PyeongChang Paralympics (through March 18)
Mar. 26 Transfer of MSDF’s five TC-90 training aircraft to the
Philippines completed adjacent to Route 58 Mar. 18 President Putin is re-elected as president (4th term)
Mar. 27 22nd Forum for Defense Authorities in the Asia- Pacific Apr. 05 Japan-Iraq Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Mar. 18 The Turkish government announces taking control of Afrin, Syria
Region (Tokyo Defense Forum) (Tokyo) (through March Apr. 11 Japan-Bhutan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Mar. 23 Four Chinese bombers, an intelligence gathering aircraft and an electronic warfare aircraft pass
28) between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to reach the Pacific Ocean and
Apr. 12 Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Mar. 27 Establishment of the Ground Component Command thereafter turn around, pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again and
and the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, and Apr. 17 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Florida) fly to the continent. At the same time, two fighter jets (probable) fly between the main island of
first reorganization to rapid deployment divisions/ Apr. 28 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Okinawa and Miyakojima Island from the East China Sea
brigades Apr. 29 Japan-ROK Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 23 Hostage siege in Trèbes, south of France
Apr. 06 Launch of X-band communications satellite Apr. 30 Japan-UAE Summit Meeting (Abu Dhabi) Mar. 23 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of
“Kirameki1” May 01 Japan-Jordan Summit Meeting (Jordan) the Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea (reported)
Apr. 09 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) May 01 Japan-Palestine Summit Meeting (Palestine) Mar. 25 Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea visits China (through March 28)
Apr. 09 Disaster relief to provide water supply supports in Oda May 02 Japan-Israel Summit Meeting (Israel) Mar. 26 China-North Korea Summit Meeting
City, Shimane Prefecture (through April 11) Mar. 26 Presidential election in Egypt
Apr. 11 Disaster relief for rescue operations in response to the May 04 Japan-China Summit Telephone Talk
May 09 Japan-China-ROK Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Apr. 05 Three Chinese vessels pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and
landslide in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture (through April advances to the Pacific Ocean
23) May 10 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
Apr. 10 An aircraft that appears to be a Chinese unmanned aircraft vehicle (BZK-005) files over the East
Apr. 20 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Washington, May 15 Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting (Tokyo) China Sea (within Japan’s air defense identification zone)
D.C.)
May 16 Japan-Fiji Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Apr. 12 China conducts a naval review on the South China Sea
Apr. 22 Signing of the Japan-Canada Acquisition and
Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) May 18 Prime Minister Abe attends the 8th Pacific Islands Apr. 14 The United States, United Kingdom and France conduct military operations against facilities
Leaders Meeting (Fukushima) (through May 19) related to chemical weapons in Syria
Apr. 29 Disaster relief to provide water supply supports in
Irabujima, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture May 24 Prime Minister Abe visits Russia (through May 26) Apr. 18 Two Chinese bombers pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to reach
(through May 2) May 25 Japan-France Summit Meeting (St. Petersburg) the Pacific Ocean and fly toward the Bashi Channel
May 04 Japan-Finland Defense Ministerial Meeting May 26 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Moscow) Apr. 19 Two Chinese bombers, two fighter jets (probable), an electronic warfare aircraft and an intelligence
May 28 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk gathering aircraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to reach the
May 06 Japan-Estonia Defense Ministerial Meeting Pacific Ocean and thereafter the two bombers, an electronic warfare aircraft and an intelligence
May 09 Defense authorities of Japan and China sign the Jun. 07 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Washington, D.C.) gathering aircraft fly toward the Bashi Channel
Memorandum on the Maritime and Aerial Jun. 08 Prime Minister Abe attends the G7 Summit in Apr. 20 North Korea announces a halt to “nuclear test and intercontinental ballistic rocket test-fire” and
Communication Mechanism Charlevoix (through June 9) abolishment of nuclear test sites
May 10 Signing of the Memorandum on Defence Cooperation Jun. 08 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Charlevoix) Apr. 20 Two Chinese bombers pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to reach
and Exchanges between the Ministry of Defense of the Pacific Ocean and fly toward the Bashi Channel
Japan and the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Jun. 08 Japan-U.K. Summit Meeting (Charlevoix)
Emirates Jun. 08 Japan-Italy Summit Meeting (Charlevoix) Apr. 20 A flight of carrier-based fighter jets (probable) of the Chinese aircraft carrier “Liaoning” over the
Jun. 08 Japan-Canada Summit Meeting (Charlevoix) Pacific Ocean is confirmed for the first time
May 10 2nd Japan-ASEAN Ship Rider Cooperation Program
(Indonesia-Malaysia) (through May 15) Jun. 11 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 21 Seven Chinese vessels including the aircraft carrier “Liaoning” pass between the main island of
Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and advance to the East China Sea
May 15 Cabinet Decision adopted on “Basic Plan on Ocean Jun. 12 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
Policy” Apr. 24 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan (through April 29)
Jul. 17 Japan-EU Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Apr. 26 Two Chinese bombers, two fighter jets (probable), an electronic warfare aircraft and an intelligence
May 18 Cabinet Decision on revision of the “Implementation Aug. 01 Japan-Malta Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Plans for the International Peace Cooperation gathering aircraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to reach the
Assignment for the United Nations Mission in the Aug. 07 Japan-Saint Vincent Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Pacific Ocean. The two fighter jets (probable) turn around and pass between the main island of
Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)” Aug. 22 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again to fly toward the continent. The two bombers, an electronic
warfare aircraft and an intelligence gathering aircraft fly toward the Bashi Channel
May 21 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 05 Japan-Ecuador Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Apr. 27 The Inter-Korean Summit Meeting, Panmunjom Declaration agreement
May 22 Participation in the Pacific Partnership 2018 (through Sep. 10 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Vladivostok)
June 2) Apr. 28 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes Tsushima Strait and advances to the Sea of Japan
Sep. 11 Japan-Mongolia Summit Meeting (Vladivostok) from the East China Sea
May 29 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Hawaii) Sep. 12 Japan-China Summit Meeting (Vladivostok) May 08 China-North Korea Summit Meeting
Jun. 02 Defense Minister Onodera attends the 17th Shangri-La Sep. 24 Japan-Turkey Summit Meeting (New York)
Dialogue (hosted by IISS) (through June 3) May 08 U.S. President Trump announces withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran
Jun. 02 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore) Sep. 25 Japan-ROK Summit Meeting (New York) May 11 Two Chinese bombers and two fighter jets (probable) pass between the main island of Okinawa
Sep. 26 Japan-Iran Summit Meeting (New York) and Miyakojima Island to reach the Pacific Ocean. Thereafter, the two fighter jets (probable) turn
Jun. 02 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting around and pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again to fly toward
(Singapore) Sep. 26 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (New York)
the continent. Two bombers fly toward the Bashi Channel. Two bombers, an intelligence gathering
Jun. 02 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 05 Japan-Tajikistan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) aircraft and an electronic warfare aircraft pass between the main island of Okinawa and
(Singapore) Oct. 08 Japan-Vietnam Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Miyakojima Island from the Pacific Ocean in the direction of the Bashi Channel and move to the
Jun. 02 Japan-U.S.-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 08 Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) East China Sea
(Singapore) May 12 Attack occurs near the Paris Opera House in the center of Paris, France
Oct. 08 Japan-Laos Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Jun. 02 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting May 13 Terror attacks by suicide bombers occur in churches in Subaraya, Indonesia
(Singapore) Oct. 08 Japan-Thailand Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Oct. 09 10th Japan-Mekong Summit Meeting (Tokyo) May 13 China conducts the first sea trial of its first domestic aircraft carrier (through May 18)
Jun. 03 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting
(Singapore) Oct. 09 Meeting with State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung May 18 A Chinese bomber and other aircraft conduct a takeoff and landing training in the South China Sea
San Suu Kyi (Tokyo) (pointed out as Woody Island, the Paracel Islands)
Jun. 03 Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore)
Oct. 12 Japan-Lithuania Summit Meeting (Tokyo) May 21 The United States releases a new Iran strategy
Jun. 03 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore)
Oct. 16 Japan-Spain Summit Meeting (Madrid) May 25 Two Chinese bombers pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island through to
Jun. 08 Launch of the Maritime and Aerial Communication the East China Sea
Mechanism between the Defense Authorities of Japan Oct. 17 Japan-France Summit Meeting (Paris)
and China May 26 The Inter-Korean Summit Meeting
Oct. 18 12th ASEM Summit (Brussels) (through October 19)
Jun. 14 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation May 27 A U.S. naval destroyer and cruiser conduct the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12
Oct. 18 2nd “V4 plus Japan” Summit Meeting (Brussels) nautical miles of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea (reported)
Jun. 18 Disaster relief in response to Northern Osaka Oct. 18 Japan-EU Summit Meeting (Brussels) Jun. 03 A Chinese vessel passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and
Prefecture Earthquake (through June 26)
Oct. 18 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Brussels) advances to the Pacific Ocean
Jun. 19 FY2018 Joint Exercise for Rescue (JXR) (through June Jun. 04 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes between the main island of Okinawa and
22) Oct. 19 Japan-Italy Summit Meeting (Brussels)
Oct. 19 Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting (Brussels) Miyakojima Island to reach the Pacific Ocean and after flying toward the Bashi Channel, it turns
Jun. 29 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) around and passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Jul. 06 Disaster relief in response to July 2018 Flooding Oct. 19 Japan-Australia Summit Meeting (Brussels)
Jun. 04 A Chinese vessel passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and moves
Disaster (through August18) Oct. 26 Japan-China Summit Meeting (Beijing) to the East China Sea
Jul. 11 Cabinet Decision on disaster relief call-up order for Oct. 29 Japan-India Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jun. 12 U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting
Ready Reserve Personnel in response to July 2018 Nov. 06 Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Flooding Disaster Jun. 17 A Chinese vessel sails southeastward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Nov. 09 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk to the Pacific Ocean
Jul. 11 Disaster relief call-up order for Ready Reserve Jun. 18 U.S. DoD announces suspension of the Freedom Guardian exercise
Personnel is issued (through July 31) Nov. 14 Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting (Singapore)
Jul. 13 Signing of the Japan-France Acquisition and Nov. 14 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Singapore) Jun. 19 Chairman Kim Jong-Un visits China (through June 20)
Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) Nov. 15 Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting (Singapore) Jun. 19 China-North Korea Summit Meeting
Jul. 31 Japan-Russia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Moscow) Nov. 15 21st ASEAN+3 Summit Meeting (Singapore) Jun. 22 U.S. DoD announces suspension of the Korean Marine Exchange Program
Jul. 31 Japan-Russia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Nov. 15 East Asia Summit (Singapore) Jun. 23 A Chinese vessel sails northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to
(2+2) (Moscow) Nov. 15 Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting (Singapore) the East China Sea
Aug. 06 Disaster relief to provide water and food in Tozawa Nov. 15 Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting (Singapore) Jun. 24 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan (through June 29)
Village, Mogami County, Yamagata Prefecture (through Jun. 24 Presidential election and general election in Turkey
August 8) Nov. 15 Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting (Singapore)
Nov. 16 Japan-Australia Summit Meeting (Australia) Jun. 27 Permanent ceasefire agreed in South Sudan
Aug. 10 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Nov. 17 Japan-Papua New Guinea Summit Meeting (Port Jun. 29 A Chinese hospital ship enters Japan’s contiguous zone north of Taisho Island, Senkaku Islands
Aug. 10 Disaster relief to search for missing aircraft near
Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, Gunma Prefecture (through Moresby) Jun. 29 Relocation of the Headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea from Seoul to Pyeongtaek
August 11) Nov. 18 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (Port Moresby) Jun. 29 U.S. NBC reports that North Korea has increased its production of fuel for nuclear weapons
Aug. 20 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Delhi) Nov. 18 Japan-Chile Summit Meeting (Port Moresby) (enriched uranium) at secret sites

Aug. 21 Japan-Sri Lanka Defense Ministerial Meeting (Sri Nov. 18 Japan-Canada Summit Meeting (Port Moresby) Jul. 01 China Coast Guard is integrated into the People’s Armed Police
Jayawardenepura Kotte) Nov. 19 Japan-Burkina Faso Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jul. 07 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Sep. 01 FY2018 Exercise for the rescue of Japanese nationals Nov. 27 Japan-Jordan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jul. 10 ROK Government announces suspension of its independent “Ulchi exercise” in the summer of
and others overseas (outside Japan) (through 2018, followed by suspension of U.S.-ROK joint exercises
September 9) Nov. 30 G20 Buenos Aires Summit (Buenos Aires) (through
December 1) Jul. 12 NATO Summit Brussels 2018
Sep. 03 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone
Conversation Nov. 30 Japan-France Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) Jul. 23 “38 North,” a website dedicated to analysis of North Korea, announces the start of dismantlement
Nov. 30 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) of the main facility on the satellite launch site in Dongchang-ri *The report on August 22
Sep. 06 Disaster relief in response to the 2018 Hokkaido announces that no new dismantlement activity has been apparent since August 3
Eastern Iburi Earthquake (through October 14) Nov. 30 Japan-India Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires)
Jul. 27 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea to
Sep. 07 Cabinet Decision on disaster relief call-up order for Nov. 30 Japan-China Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around, and flies to the East China Sea again
Ready Reserve Personnel in response to the 2018 Nov. 30 Tachikawa Branch of Tokyo District Court renders
Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake Jul. 27 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan
judgement in 9th and 12th Yokota Air Base noise
Sep. 07 Disaster relief call-up order for Ready Reserve suits Aug. 03 China announces a successful launch test of its new model of a hypersonic projectile
Personnel is issued (through September 24) Dec. 01 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) Aug. 06 Three Chinese vessels sail westbound from the Osumi Strait to the East China Sea
Sep. 09 Japan-ASEAN Defense Vice-Ministerial Forum (Nagoya) Dec. 01 Japan-U.K. Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) Aug. 08 Three Chinese vessels sail eastbound from the Osumi Strait to the Pacific Ocean
Sep. 11 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Dec. 01 Japan-Turkey Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) Aug. 14 A car attack occurs in London, U.K.
Sep. 21 Japan-Estonia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Dec. 01 Japan-EU Summit Meeting (Buenos Aires) Aug. 28 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan (through August 29)
Reference
Oct. 02 Minister of Defense Iwaya came into office Dec. 02 Japan-Uruguay Summit Meeting (Montevideo) Aug. 29 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea to
Oct. 03 International disaster relief activities in response to the reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around, and flies to the East China Sea again
Dec. 02 Japan-Paraguay Summit Meeting (Asuncion)
earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia (through October Aug. 29 14 Russian vessels sail through the Soya Strait and move to the Sea of Okhotsk (through August
25) Dec. 05 Fukuoka High Court renders judgement on a 30)
demand for an injunctive order for actions that crush
Oct. 10 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Sydney) the reef, etc. (Futenma Replacement Facility Sep. 01 Two Russian patrol aircraft fly and circle around Japan
Oct. 10 Japan-Australia Foreign and Defense Ministerial construction project) Sep. 01 28 Russian vessels sail through the Soya Strait and moved to the Sea of Japan (through
Meeting (2+2) (Sydney) Dec. 11 Japan-Ghana Summit Meeting (Tokyo) September 2)
Oct. 13 FY2018 Tomodachi Rescue Exercise (TREX) Joint Dec. 13 Japan-Mongolia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 06 U.S.-India Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2)
Disaster Response Exercise with U.S. Forces (through Sep. 09 North Korea stages a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of its foundation as a
October 14) Dec. 18 Japan-Zambia Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
nation in Pyongyang, without ICBM or other ballistic missiles
Oct. 14 Troop review commemorating the SDF anniversary Dec. 18 National Security Council and Cabinet Decisions on
“National Defense Program Guidelines for FY2019 Sep. 11 Russia starts the exercise phase of a large scale military exercise “Vostok 2018” (through
Oct. 19 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore) and beyond,” and “Medium Term Defense Program September 17)
Oct. 19 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore) (FY2019-FY2023)” Sep. 12 Government of South Sudan and relevant parties including anti-government forces sign the
Oct. 19 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict
(Singapore) Sep. 14 Inter-Korean Liaison Office opens (Kaesong)
Oct. 20 Japan-ROK Ministerial Meeting (Singapore) Sep. 18 U.S. DoD releases its Cyber Strategy
Oct. 20 Japan-ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting Sep. 18 President of the ROK Moon Jae-in visits North Korea (through September 20)
(Singapore) Sep. 18 The Inter-Korean Summit Meeting (through September 19)
Oct. 20 5th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Sep. 18 Syrian Army accidentally shoots down a Russian aircraft
(Singapore)
Sep. 19 Three Russian aircraft, including a fighter, make a long-distance flight over the Sea of Japan (an
Oct. 24 Disaster relief to provide water supply support in Su-35 fighter is confirmed through scramble for the first time)
Suo-oshima Town, Yamaguchi Prefecture (through
November 7) Sep. 20 U.S. DoD designates the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission
of China as a subject to sanctions
Oct. 29 Keen Sword19/30FTX (through November 8)
Sep. 24 U.S. Government notifies Congress of the sales of weapons to Taiwan (worth US$330 million)
Dec. 06 Disaster relief for search and rescue of U.S. aircraft
crew off the coast of Shikoku (through December 11) Sep. 30 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of
Gaven Reefs and Johnson South Reef in the Spratly Islands (reported)
Dec. 11 FY2018 Exercise for the rescue of Japanese nationals
and others overseas (in Japan) (through December 14) Sep. 30 A Chinese naval destroyer approaches abnormally close to a U.S. vessel
Dec. 20 Incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its Oct. 02 Three Chinese vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
fire-control radar at MSDF patrol aircraft occurs to the East China Sea
Dec. 25 First disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Oct. 02 Inauguration of a new government in Iraq
(CSF) outbreak in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture (through Oct. 02 A Saudi Arabian journalist dies in the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Turkey
December 27) Oct. 04 U.S. releases National Strategy for Counterterrorism
Dec. 26 1st annual and experts’ meeting of the Maritime and Oct. 19 U.S. and ROK Governments announce suspension of the Vigilant Ace exercise, a joint military
Aerial Communication Mechanism between the exercise scheduled for December 2018
Defense Authorities of Japan and China (Beijing)
Oct. 20 President Trump announces an intention to withdraw from the INF Treaty
Dec. 28 Footage of the incident of an ROK naval vessel
directing its fire-control radar at MSDF patrol aircraft Oct. 20 General election in Afghanistan (House of the People)
released Oct. 22 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Oct. 22 First ASEAN-China maritime exercise (Zhanjiang) (through October 28)
Oct. 25 Prime Minister Abe visits China (through October 27)
Oct. 25 Israel-Oman Summit Meeting
Oct. 28 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan (through October 29)
Oct. 29 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea to
reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around, and flies to the East China Sea again
Nov. 11 Ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I (Paris)
Nov. 17 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (Papua New Guinea) (through November 18)
Nov. 24 Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen resigns as chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party after
suffering a major defeat in the general election
Nov. 25 A Chinese vessel advances to the Sea of Japan (through November 26)
Nov. 26 A U.S. naval cruiser conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands in
the South China Sea (reported)
Nov. 26 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea to
Nov. 28 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Dec. 01 U.S.-China Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Dec. 05 A U.S. naval destroyer conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Peter the Great
Gulf (reported)
Dec. 06 Yemen peace talks (through December 13)
Dec. 07 A Chinese vessel sails southeastward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
to the Pacific Ocean
Dec. 08 A Chinese vessel sails westward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to
the East China Sea
Dec. 11 A Chinese vessel sails southeastward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
to the Pacific Ocean
Dec. 12 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes between the main island of Okinawa and
Miyakojima Island to reach the Pacific Ocean. After flying to off the coast of Amami Oshima Island,
it turns around, and passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Dec. 14 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes between the main island of Okinawa and
Miyakojima Island to reach the Pacific Ocean. After flying to off the coast of Amami Oshima Island,
it turns around, and passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Dec. 14 A Chinese vessel sails northwestward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
to the East China Sea
Dec. 27 UAE reopens its embassy in Syria
Dec. 27 A Chinese intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea to
DEFENSE OF JAPAN 140

2019 Jan. 11 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Brest) Jan. 08 Japan-Rwanda Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jan. 01 A U.S. Aegis destroyer conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” in the Paracel Islands
Jan. 11 Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Jan. 09 Japan-Netherlands Summit Meeting (Rotterdam) Jan. 01 Chairman Kim Jong-un expresses his intention to neither make and test nuclear weapons any
(2+2) (Brest) Jan. 10 Japan-U.K. Summit Meeting (London) longer nor use and proliferate them in his “New Year’s Address” in 2019
Jan. 14 Multilateral exercise Cobra Gold 19 Jan. 22 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Moscow) Jan. 07 Chairman Kim Jong-un visits China (through January 10)
(through February 23) Jan. 07 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles around the
Jan. 23 Japan-Brazil Summit Meeting (Davos)
Jan. 17 Meeting between Defense Minister Iwaya and Acting Paracel Islands
Secretary of Defense Shanahan (Washington, D.C.) Jan. 29 Japan-Qatar Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Jan. 15 ROK releases Defense White Paper 2018
Jan. 21 FY2018 SDF Joint Exercises (command post exercise) Feb. 04 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Jan. 16 A Russian Su-24 tactical reconnaissance aircraft flies from off the coast of Sado Island through off
(through January 26) Feb. 15 Japan-Austria Summit Meeting (Tokyo) the coast of Akita Prefecture
Jan. 21 The MOD published its final statement regarding the Feb. 20 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk During the same period, another aircraft of the same type flies from off the coast of Rebun Island
incident of an ROK naval vessel directing its Feb. 28 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk through off the coast of Okushiri Island
fire-control radar at MSDF patrol aircraft Jan. 17 United States releases the Missile Defense Review (MDR)
Mar. 08 Japan-Palau Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Jan. 23 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Jan. 17 A Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft flies from off the coast of Sanin through off the coast of Hokkaido
Mar. 24 Replacement of government aircraft from B-747 to
Jan. 23 Disaster relief in response to forest fire in Tokigawa B-777 Jan. 24 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Town, Hiki County, Saitama Prefecture (through Mar. 31 Return of the land at Makiminato Service Area near Jan. 24 Three Chinese vessels sail northwestward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima
January 25) Gate 5 Island to the East China Sea
Reference
Jan. 24 Disaster relief in response to forest fire in Tanabe City, Apr. 04 Japan-Panama Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Feb. 02 U.S. provides Russia with formal notice to withdrawal from the INF Treaty
Wakayama Prefecture (through January 26) Apr. 16 Naha Branch of Fukuoka High Court renders Feb. 11 Two U.S. destroyers conduct the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Mischief Reef
Feb. 05 Japan-Finland Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) judgement in 3rd and 5th Futenma Air Station noise Feb. 15 Two Russian Tu-95 bombers fly from off the coast of Sanin north along the Sea of Japan to the
Feb. 05 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever suits Sea of Okhotsk, two Su-35 fighters fly from off the coast of Sanin to off the coast of Sado Island,
(CSF) outbreak in Aichi Prefecture, etc. (through Apr. 23 Japan-France Summit Meeting (Paris) and another two Su-35 fighters fly from off the coast of Sado Island to off the coast of Rebun
February 9) Apr. 24 Japan-Italy Summit Meeting (Rome) Island
Feb. 14 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Feb. 15 Two Russian Tu-95 bombers fly south from off the coast of Hokkaido over the Pacific Ocean, turn
(CSF) outbreak in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture (through Apr. 24
Japan-Poland Summit Meeting (Bratislava)
around off the coast of Shikoku, and fly to off the coast of Hokkaido in the Sea of Japan
February 20) Apr. 25 Japan-Slovakia Summit Meeting (Bratislava)
Feb. 16 Three Chinese vessels advance to the Sea of Japan (through February 24)
Feb. 19 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Apr. 25 3rd “V4 plus Japan” Summit Meeting (Bratislava)
(CSF) outbreak in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture Feb. 23 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea
Apr. 25 Japan-Czech Summit Meeting (Bratislava) to reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around and flies over the East China Sea again
(through February 21) Apr. 25 Japan-EU Summit (Brussels)
Feb. 20 Air rescue in response to a radar losing track of an F-2 Apr. 26 Feb. 25 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Washington, D.C.) Feb. 27 2nd U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting (through February 28)
of Tsuiki Air Base
Mar. 03 Pacific Partnership 2019 (through May 19) Apr. 28 Japan-Canada Summit Meeting (Ottawa) Mar. 04 Russia notifies the U.S. of the suspension of Russia’s obligation under the INF Treaty
Mar. 08 ADMM-Plus Medicine Field Training Exercise (MEDEX Apr. 30 Taiirei-Seiden-no-gi Mar. 15 51 people are killed in a shooting incident in Christchurch, New Zealand
2019) (Lucknow) (through March 18) Mar. 19 A flight by two Chinese Y-9 patrol aircraft within Japan’s air defense identification zone in the East
Mar. 12 23rd Forum for Defense Authorities in the Asia-Pacific China Sea is confirmed for the first time
Region (Tokyo Defense Forum) (Tokyo) (through March Mar. 24 General election in Thailand (House of Representatives)
13) Mar. 24 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Mar. 12 Turnover ceremony for the UH-1H parts, etc., grant of Mar. 25 U.S. President Trump recognizes Israel’s sovereign right over the Golan Heights
a portion of the parts, etc.
Mar. 25 Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Mar. 27 A Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft flies from off the coast of Sanin through off the coast of Hokkaido
Mar. 26 Establishment of Camp Amami and Camp Miyakojima Mar. 28 Three Chinese vessels sail eastbound from the Osumi Strait to the Pacific Ocean
Mar. 27 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Mar. 30 Four Chinese H-6 bombers, a Tu-154 intelligence gathering aircraft, and two presumed fighter jets
(CSF) outbreak in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture (through fly from the East China Sea. After passing between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima
March 30) Island, the aircraft fly over the Pacific Ocean. Thereafter they turn around, and pass between the
main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Mar. 28 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever
(CSF) outbreak in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture (through Mar. 31 Two Chinese military aircraft cross over the “median line” of the Taiwan Strait
April 1) Apr. 01 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft and two H-6 bombers fly from the East China Sea.
Apr. 02 Cabinet Decision on the “Implementation Plan for After passing between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and flying over the
International Peace Cooperation Assignment in Sinai Pacific Ocean, they turn around, and pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima
Peninsula” Island again
Apr. 05 Disaster relief in response to forest fire in Sakuho Apr. 02 Three Russian vessels sail southbound from the Tsushima Strait southward and move to the East
Town, Nagano Prefecture (through April 7) China Sea
Apr. 09 Air rescue in response to the crash of an F-35A fighter Apr. 02 Three Chinese vessels sail northwestward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima
of Misawa Air Base Island to the East China Sea
Apr. 10 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Apr. 05 Three Chinese vessels sail southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
(CSF) outbreak in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture (through temporarily to the Pacific Ocean
April 13) Apr. 05 A Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft flies from off the coast of Sanin through off the coast of the Noto
Apr. 17 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Peninsula
Apr. 17 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Apr. 06 A French vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
(CSF) outbreak in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture (through Apr. 09 General election in Israel
April 19) Apr. 15 A Chinese vessel sails between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island southeastward,
Apr. 19 Meeting between Defense Minister Iwaya and Acting and advances to the Pacific Ocean temporarily. However, on the same day, the vessel sails
Secretary of Defense Shanahan (Washington, D.C.) between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island northwestward to the East China Sea
Apr. 19 Japan–U.S. Security Consultative Committee (2+2) Apr. 15 Four Chinese H-6 bombers and an Y-9 electronic warfare aircraft fly from the Bashi Channel, pass
(Washington, D.C.) between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island, and fly over the East China Sea
Apr. 23 Japan-Bulgaria State Defense Minister-Level Meeting Apr. 15 U.S. Government notifies Congress of the sales of weapons to Taiwan (worth US$500 million)
Apr. 17 Presidential election in Indonesia
Apr. 21 Bomb attacks by Islamic extremists occur simultaneously in Colombo and other places, Sri Lanka
Apr. 24 Chairman Kim Jong-un visits Russia (through April 26)
Apr. 26 Five Russian vessels sail southbound from the Tsushima Strait to the East China Sea
Apr. 28 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Apr. 28 Four Russian vessels sail northbound from the Tsushima Strait to the Sea of Japan
Apr. 29 China-Russia joint naval exercise “Joint Sea 2019” (Qingdao) (through May 4)
2019 May 02 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Meeting (Hanoi) May 01 Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi May 03 Two Russian Tu-142 patrol aircraft pass the Tsushima Strait from the Sea of Japan, and fly to the
May 17 Cabinet Decision on revision of the “Implementation May 01 Sokui-go-Choken-no-gi East China Sea. Thereafter, they pass through the Tsushima Strait again, and fly over the Sea of
Plans for the International Peace Cooperation Japan
May 06 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
Assignment for the United Nations Mission in the May 04 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)” May 17 Enactment of the revised Act on Prohibition of Flight
of UASs around and over Key Facilities May 06 Two U.S. vessels conduct the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of Gaven
May 17 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Reefs and Johnson South Reef
(CSF) outbreak in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture. (through May 23 Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk
May 06 Five Russian vessels sail northbound from the Tsushima Strait to the Sea of Japan
May 20) May 27 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
May 09 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
May 18 Disaster relief to rescue stranded residents due to May 29 Japan-Bangladesh Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
heavy rain in Yakushiima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture May 11 Three Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Tsugaru Strait to the Pacific Ocean
May 30 Japan-Laos Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
(through May 20) May 19 Federal election in Australia
May 30 Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Telephone Talk
May 19 Disaster relief in response to water supply failure, etc. May 19 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of
due to heavy rain in Kuchinoerabujima Island, May 31 Japan-UAE Summit Telephone Talk Scarborough Shoal in Zhongsha Islands
Kagoshima Prefecture (through May 24) May 31 Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) May 22 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
May 21 FY2019 Joint Exercise for Rescue (JXR) (through May May 31 Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) May 23 Pakistan conducts a test launch of ballistic missiles
24) May 31 Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting (Tokyo) May 26 A Chinese vessel sails southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island, and
May 22 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Jun. 06 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 10th and advances to the Pacific Ocean temporarily. However, on May 30, the vessel sails northward
May 23 Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) 11th Yokota Air Base noise suits between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the East China Sea
May 27 Disaster relief in response to forest fire in Hinohara Jun. 10 Japan-Switzerland Summit Meeting (Tokyo) May 27 Taiwan conducts a military field exercise “Han Kuang 35” (through May 31)
Village, Tokyo (through May 29) Jun. 12 Japan-Iran Summit Meeting (Teheran) May 29 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flies from the East China Sea. After passing between
May 27 Disaster relief to rescue missing persons due to ship Jun. 14 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and flying over the Pacific Ocean, it turns
collision off the coast of Inubosaki, Chiba Prefecture around, and passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again. Just
(through May 31) Jun. 25 Japan-UAE Summit Telephone Talk around the same time, a Chinese Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft flies over the East China Sea to
May 27 Disaster relief in response to forest fire in Oumu Town, Jun. 26 Japan-France Summit Meeting (Tokyo) near the Tsushima Strait
Hokkaido (through June 4) Jun. 27 Japan-EU Summit Meeting (Osaka) May 30 Inauguration of 2nd Modi government of India
May 30 Japan-Russia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Jun. 27 Japan-India Summit Meeting (Osaka) Jun. 01 U.S. DoD releases the Indo-Pacific Strategy Report (IPSR)
May 30 Japan-Russia Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Jun. 27 Japan-Argentina Summit Meeting (Osaka) Jun. 07 A U.S Navy ship and a Russian Navy ship sail abnormally close to each other in the Philippine Sea
(2+2) (Tokyo) Jun. 27 Japan-Egypt Summit Meeting (Osaka) Jun. 08 Two Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait to the Sea of Okhotsk
Jun. 01 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting Jun. 27 Japan-Australia Summit Meeting (Osaka) Jun. 08 Two Russian vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to
(Singapore) the East China Sea
Jun. 27 Japan-China Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Jun. 01 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Singapore) Jun. 10 Six Chinese vessels including the aircraft carrier “Liaoning,” sail southward between the main
Jun. 28 G20 Osaka Summit chaired by Prime Minister Abe
Jun. 01 Japan-U.S.-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (through June 29) island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the Pacific Ocean
(Singapore) Jun. 12 Three Russian vessels sail northbound from the Tsushima Strait
Jun. 28 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Jun. 01 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting Jun. 13 Commercial vessels, including one related to Japan, are suffered near the Straits of Hormuz
(Singapore) Jun. 28 Japan-U.S.-India Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Jun. 28 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Osaka) Jun. 14 China Coast Guard vessels sail in the Japanese contiguous zone around Senkaku Islands for the
Jun. 03 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) longest-ever period of 64 consecutive days
Jun. 04 Meeting between Defense Minister Iwaya and Acting Jun. 28 Japan-U.K. Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Jun. 16 A Chinese vessel sails northwestward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Secretary of Defense Shanahan (Tokyo) Jun. 28 Japan-Thailand Summit Meeting (Osaka) to the East China Sea
Jun. 05 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Jun. 29 Japan-South Africa Summit Meeting (Osaka) Jun. 16 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft flies from the East China Sea. After passing between
(CSF) outbreak in Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture, etc. Jun. 29 Japan-Brazil Summit Meeting (Osaka) the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and flying over the Pacific Ocean, it turns
(through June 8) around, and passes between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Jun. 29 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Jun. 17 Establishment of Aegis Ashore Introduction Promotion Jun. 18 Two Canadian vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Headquarters Jun. 30 Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting (Osaka)
Jul. 01 Japan-Turkey Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jun. 20 Two Russian Tu-95 bombers fly around Japan, and intrude into Japan’s territorial airspace twice
Jun. 21 Disaster relief in response to forest fire in Kitagawa when flying northward over the Pacific Ocean
Village, Aki County, Kochi Prefecture (through June 22) Jul. 23 Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Telephone Talk
Jun. 20 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shoot down a U.S. drone over the Straits of Hormuz
Jun. 25 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Jul. 23 Ministerial meeting on the TICAD7 (Tokyo)
Jun. 26 Effectuation of the Japan-France Acquisition and Aug. 02 Japan-U.K. Summit Telephone Talk
Cross- Servicing Agreement (ACSA)

Jun. 29 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Aug. 24 G7 Summit 2019 in Biarritz (France) (through Jun. President Xi Jinping visits North Korea (the first visit to North Korea by a Chinese president since
(CSF) outbreak in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture (through November 26) 20-21 the last visit by then President Hu Jintao 14 years earlier in 2005. President Xi visits North Korea
July 2) Aug. 24 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Biarritz) for the first time in about 11 years since his last visit in 2008 as Vice President)
Jul. 03 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Aug. 24 Japan-Canada Summit Meeting (Biarritz) Jun. 21 Two Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
(CSF) outbreak in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture (through Jun. 23 ASEAN Summit Meeting adopts “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific” (AOIP)
July 5) Aug. 24 Japan-France Summit Meeting (Biarritz)
Aug. 24 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Biarritz) Jun. 23 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
Jul. 18 Effectuation of the Japan-Canada Acquisition and
Cross- Servicing Agreement (ACSA) Aug. 24 Japan-Canada Summit Meeting (Biarritz) Jun. 30 Leaders of U.S. and North Korea meet at Panmunjom
Jul. 24 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Aug. 25 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Biarritz) Jul. 01 14 sailors were killed in a fire on a Russian submarine
(CSF) outbreak in Inabe City, Mie Prefecture (through Aug. 25 Japan-Chile Summit Meeting (Biarritz) Jul. 02 China conducts the first test launch of anti-ship ballistic missiles in the South China Sea from
July 5) June through July (reported)
Aug. 25 Japan-Australia Summit Meeting (Biarritz)
Jul. 25 Revision of the Guidelines Regarding Off-Base U.S. Jul. 06 Two Chinese vessels sail southbound from the Tsushima Strait
Military Aircraft Accidents in Japan Aug. 26 Japan-U.K. Summit Meeting (Biarritz)
Jul. 08 U.S. Government notifies Congress of the sales of weapons to Taiwan (worth US$2.2 billion)
Aug. 07 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 28 7th Tokyo International Conference on African
Development (TICAD7) (through August 30) Jul. 12 U.S. Force announces the outline of the National Military Strategy
Aug. 28 Disaster relief in response to the flooding caused by Jul. 15 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
heavy rain accompanying a front in August 2019 Aug. 28 Japan-Egypt Summit Meeting (Biarritz)
(through October 7) Aug. 28 Japan-South Africa Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 22 A Chinese vessel sails northbound from the Tsushima Strait, and advances to the Sea of Japan
temporarily. However, on July 23, the vessel sails southbound from the Tsushima Strait to the East
Reference
Sep. 02 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 28 Japan-Algeria Summit Meeting (Yokohama) China Sea
Sep. 10 Disaster relief in response to the 2019 Boso Peninsula Aug. 28 Japan-Kenya Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 23 Two Chinese H-6 bombers and two Tu-65 Russian bombers pass through the Tsushima Strait and
Typhoon (Typhoon Faxai) (through October 7) Aug. 28 Japan-Mali Summit Meeting (Yokohama) fly southward over the East China Sea. Thereafter, the two Chinese bombers fly northwestward to
Sep. 17 Disaster relief to search for a missing fishing boat Aug. 28 Japan-Guinea Summit Meeting (Yokohama) the continent, while the two Russian bombers pass between the main island of Okinawa and
eastern offshore of Cape Noshappu, Hokkaido Miyakojima Island and fly over the Pacific Ocean. After turning around, the Russian bombers pass
Aug. 28 Japan-Togo Summit Meeting (Yokohama) between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again, fly northward over the East
Sep. 21 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever
(CSF) outbreak in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture (through Aug. 29 Japan-Uganda Summit Meeting (Yokohama) China Sea, and pass through the Tsushima Strait again. In addition, an A-50 early warning and
September 24) Aug. 29 Japan-Mauritania Summit Meeting (Yokohama) control aircraft that reportedly supports the Russian bombers intrudes into Japan’s territorial
Sep. 21 Disaster relief to search for a missing person in Doshi airspace over Takeshima Island
Aug. 29 Japan-Burkina Faso Summit Meeting (Yokohama)
Village, Minamitsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture Aug. 29 Japan-Ethiopia Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 24 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Sep. 23 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Aug. 29 Japan-Djibouti Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 24 China releases the 10th Defense White Paper “China’s National Defense in the New Era” (for the
Sep. 25 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (New York) first time in about four years)
Aug. 29 Japan-Uganda Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 25 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Oct. 01 Japan-Iran Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Aug. 29 Japan-Angola Summit Meeting (Yokohama)
Oct. 03 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Jul. 25 Four Chinese vessels sail southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Aug. 29 Japan-Guinea-Bissau Summit Meeting (Yokohama) to the Pacific Ocean
Conversation
Aug. 29 Japan-Cabo Verde Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 25 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Oct. 03 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Aug. 29 Japan-Rwanda Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Jul. 27 Two Chinese vessels sail southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to
Oct. 03 Japan-Saudi Arabia Defense Ministerial Telephone the Pacific Ocean
Conversation Aug. 29 Japan-Mauritius Summit Meeting (Yokohama)
Oct. 09 Japan-Laos State Defense Minister-Level Meeting Aug. 29 Japan-Central African Republic Summit Meeting Jul. 31 North Korea launces two ballistic missiles (probable)
(Tokyo) (Yokohama) Aug. 01 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
Oct. 09 Signing of the Memorandum between the Ministry of Aug. 29 Japan-Namibia Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Aug. 01 Six Chinese vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to
Defense of Japan and the Ministry of National Defence Aug. 29 Japan-Senegal Summit Meeting (Yokohama) the East China Sea
of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on Aug. 29 Japan-Niger Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Aug. 02 Russian Prime Minister Medvedev visits Etorofu Island
Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defense Aug. 02 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles (probable)
Aug. 29 Japan-Sierra Leone Summit Meeting (Yokohama)
Oct. 12 Disaster relief in response to the 2019 East Japan Aug. 02 Termination of the INF Treaty
Typhoon (Typhoon Hagibis) (through November 30) Aug. 29 Japan-Sao Tome and Principe Summit Meeting
(Yokohama) Aug. 06 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Oct. 14 Cabinet Decision on disaster relief call-up orders for
Ready Reserve Personnel and Reserve Personnel in Aug. 29 Japan-Nigeria Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Aug. 08 A Russian vessel sails eastbound from the Soya Strait
response to the 2019 East Japan Typhoon (Typhoon Aug. 30 Japan-Zimbabwe Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Aug. 08 Two Russian Tu-142 patrol aircraft pass the Tsushima Strait from the Sea of Japan, and fly to the
Hagibis) Aug. 30 Japan-Liberia Summit Meeting (Yokohama) East China Sea. Thereafter, they pass through the Tsushima Strait again, and fly to the Sea of
Oct. 14 Disaster relief call-up orders for Ready Reserve Japan
Aug. 30 Japan-Benin Summit Meeting (Yokohama)
Personnel and Reserve Personnel are issued (through Aug. 08 Several people including personnel of the Russian Ministry of Defence and a national
November 9) Aug. 30 Japan-Democratic Republic of the Congo Summit nuclear-related company are killed due to an explosion accompanying radiation leakage at a
Meeting (Yokohama) military facility near Arkhangelsk, northern Russia
Oct. 16 Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Telephone
Conversation Aug. 30 Japan-Zambia Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Aug. 10 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Oct. 24 Telephone Conversation between Defense Minister Aug. 30 Japan-Madagascar Summit Meeting (Yokohama) Aug. 15 Three Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
Kono and Commander in Chief of Bahrain Defense Aug. 31 Japan-Seychelles Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 16 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Force Khalifa Aug. 31 Japan-Eswatini Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 16 UN Security Council holds a closed-door on Kashmir
Oct. 24 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Aug. 31 Japan-Comoros Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 18 Two Chinese vessels sail northbound from the Tsushima Strait
Oct. 25 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Aug. 31 Japan-Cote d’Ivoire Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Conversation Aug. 18 U.S. conducts launch tests of ground launched cruise missiles with conventional warheads at
Aug. 31 Japan-Lesotho Summit Meeting (Tokyo) mid-range
Oct. 28 Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Telephone
Conversation Aug. 31 Japan-Tanzania Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 20 U.S. Government notifies Congress of the sale of weapons to Taiwan (worth US$8 billion)
Oct. 29 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone Aug. 31 Japan-Somalia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 22 Two Chinese vessels sail southbound from the Tsushima Strait
Conversation Aug. 31 Japan-Ghana Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 23 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Oct. 29 Japan-Denmark Defense Ministerial Telephone Sep. 05 Japan-India Summit Meeting (Vladivostok) Aug. 24 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Conversation Sep. 05 Japan-Mongolia Summit Meeting (Vladivostok) Aug. 25 Seven Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
Nov. 08 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Telephone Sep. 05 Japan-Russia Summit Meeting (Vladivostok) Aug. 28 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of Fiery
Conversation
Sep. 11 Naha branch of Fukuoka High Court renders Cross Reef and Mischief Reef, the Spratly Islands
Nov. 12 Cabinet Decision on Revision of the Implementation judgement in 5th Kadena Air Base noise suit Aug. 29 A U.S military aircraft fly over the Taiwan Strait
Plan for the International Peace Cooperation
Assignments in Sinai Peninsula Sep. 13 Japan-Kosovo Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Aug. 29 The United States founds the Space Command as the 11th unified combatant command
Nov. 12 Cabinet Decision on continuation of counter-piracy Sep. 18 Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk Sep. 02 First ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise (AUMX) (through September 6)
mission Sep. 19 Japan-New Zealand Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 05 A U.K. vessel sails around the Paracel Islands
Nov. 16 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and 5th Sep. 23 Attends the 74th Session of the United Nations General Sep. 10 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting Assembly (New York) (through September26)
(Thailand) (through November 18) Sep. 10 A Canadian vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Sep. 23 Japan-Jordan Summit Meeting (New York) Sep. 11 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
Nov. 17 Announcement of “Vientiane Vision 2.0” Sep. 24 Japan-Iran Summit Meeting (New York)
Nov. 17 Japan-Thailand Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok) Sep. 11 Taiwan releases the 15th National Defense Report (for the first time in two years)
Sep. 25 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (New York) Sep. 13 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” in the waters near the Paracel
Nov. 17 Signing of the Memorandum of Arrangement between Sep. 25 Japan-EU Summit Meeting (New York) Islands
the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of
Defence of the Kingdom of Thailand on Cooperation Sep. 27 Japan-EU Summit Meeting (Brussel) Sep. 14 An oil facility in Saudi Arabia is attacked
and Exchanges in the Field of Defense Oct. 02 Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 16 SCO member countries including China participate in a large military exercise held in the Central
Nov. 17 Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok) Oct. 17 Japan-Jordan Summit Telephone Talk Military District in Russia (through September 21)
Nov. 17 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok) Oct. 21 Japan-Maldives Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 16 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
Nov. 17 Japan-U.S.-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 21 Meeting between Prime Minister Abe and State Sep. 16 “Tsentr 2019,” a strategic command post exercise by Russia (through September 21)
(Bangkok) Counsellor of Myanmar (Tokyo) Sep. 17 2nd General election in Israel
Nov. 17 Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 21 Japan-Palestine Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 17 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
(Bangkok) Oct. 21 Japan-Nepal Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 20 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Nov. 17 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 21 Japan-Slovakia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 21 Solomon Islands establishes diplomatic relations with China (and severs its diplomatic relations
(Bangkok) with Taiwan [September 16])
Oct. 21 Japan-Serbia Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 17 Japan-Myanmar Defense Ministerial Meeting Sep. 26 A U.S military aircraft flies over the Taiwan Strait
(Bangkok) Oct. 21 Japan-Finland Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 17 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 21 Japan-Micronesia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sep. 27 Kiribati establishes diplomatic relations with China (and severs its diplomatic relations with Taiwan
(Bangkok) [September 20])
Oct. 21 Japan-Palau Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 18 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bangkok) Oct. 01 China conducts a military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its founding
Oct. 21 Japan-Mongolia Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 18 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting Oct. 01 Three Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
Oct. 21 Japan-Romania Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
(Bangkok) Oct. 02 North Korea launches an SLBM (fell into Japan’s exclusive economic zone [EEZ])
Oct. 21 Japan-Ukraine Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 20 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 07 Three Russian vessels sail southwestward from the Tsushima Strait
Oct. 21 Japan-Kosovo Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 20 2019 Japan-Australia Defence Ministers Kono/ Oct. 09 Turkey begins military operations in northern Syria
Oct. 21 Japan-Lesotho Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Reynolds Joint Statement on Advancing Defence Oct. 14 Russian Eastern Military District announces that it started a large military exercise in the Sakhalin
Cooperation Oct. 21 Japan-Eswatini Summit Meeting (Tokyo) and Primorsky regions involving up to 8,000 personnel
Nov. 21 International disaster relief activities for heavy rains Oct. 21 Japan-Niger Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 15 Grom-2019, a Russian strategic nuclear forces exercise (through October 17)
and floods in the Republic of Djibouti (Djibouti) (through Oct. 21 Japan-Cote d’Ivoire Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
November 23) Oct. 22 Two Russian Tu-95 bombers pass the Tsushima Strait from the Sea of Japan, and fly to the East
Oct. 22 Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi China Sea. Thereafter, they pass through the Tsushima Strait again, and fly to the Sea of Japan
Nov. 23 15th IISS Regional Security Summit (Manama Oct. 23 Japan-Slovenia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 25 Two Chinese vessels sail northbound from the Tsushima Strait
Dialogue) (Bahrain) (through November 24)
Oct. 23 Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 27 Two Russian bombers fly from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea
Nov. 23 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Bahrain)
Oct. 23 Japan-Pakistan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 27 Three Chinese vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Nov. 24 Meeting between Defense Minister Kono and to the East China Sea
Commander in Chief of Bahrain Defense Force Khalifa Oct. 23 Japan-Thailand Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
(Bahrain) Oct. 23 Japan-Afghanistan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 29 Two Chinese vessels sail southbound from the Tsushima Strait
Nov. 27 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Telephone Oct. 23 Japan-Nauru Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 29 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea,
Conversation and flies to the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around and flies to the East China Sea again
Oct. 23 Japan-Marshall Islands Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 30 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Meeting (Delhi) Oct. 31 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Oct. 23 Japan-Brazil Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Nov. 30 Japan-India Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Nov. 07 The command center of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) is established in
(2+2) (Delhi)
Oct. 23 Japan-Kyrgyz Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Bahrain
Dec. 02 NATO cyber defense exercise Cyber Coalition 2019 Oct. 23 Japan-Turkmenistan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 12 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
(through December 6) Oct. 23 Japan-Kazakhstan Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 17 A Chinese indigenous aircraft carrier transits through the Taiwan Strait for the first time
Dec. 03 Japan-Mongolia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 23 Japan-Germany Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 17 The United States and the ROK announce the postponement of a U.S.-ROK air exercise as an act
Dec. 14 19th Doha Forum (Doha) Oct. 23 Japan-Montenegro Summit Meeting (Tokyo) of goodwill to contribute to an environment conducive to diplomacy and the advancement of peace
Dec. 14 Japan-Qatar Defense Ministerial Meeting (Doha) Oct. 23 Japan-Slovenia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 20 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” within 12 nautical miles of Mischief
Oct. 24 Meeting between Prime Minister Abe and Prime Reef, the Spratly Islands
Dec. 14 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Doha)
Minister of the ROK (Tokyo) Nov. 21 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Dec. 15 Meeting between Defense Minister Kono and the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Jordan Oct. 24 Japan-Armenia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 27 Two Russian Tu-95 bombers pass the Tsushima Strait from the Sea of Japan, and fly to the East China
(Amman) Oct. 24 Japan-Guatemala Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Sea. Thereafter, they pass through the Tsushima Strait again, and fly to off the coast of Hokkaido

Dec. 18 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting (Beijing) Oct. 24 Japan-Albania Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 27 Four Chinese vessels sail eastbound from the Osumi Strait to the Pacific Ocean
Dec. 19 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Oct. 24 Japan-Georgia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 28 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Dec. 20 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo) Oct. 24 Japan-Panama Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Nov. 28 A Chinese vessel sails northbound from the Tsushima Strait, and advances to the Sea of Japan
Dec. 21 Disaster relief to search for a fishing boat near Oct. 24 Japan-Bulgaria Summit Meeting (Tokyo) temporarily. However, on November 29, the vessel sails southbound from the Tsushima Strait to
Mikurajima Island (Izu Islands) the East China Sea
Oct. 24 Japan-Czech Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. 25 Japan-Saudi Arabia Defense Ministerial Telephone Nov. 29 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea
Oct. 25 Hiroshima High Court renders judgment in 1st, 2nd to reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter, it turns around and flies over the East China Sea again
Conversation and 3rd Iwakuni Air Base noise suits
Dec. 26 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Dec. 04 A Japanese doctor is killed in eastern Afghanistan due to a shooting incident
Nov. 01 Japan-Chile Summit Telephone Talk
Conversation Dec. 07 A U.K. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Nov. 03 ASEAN-related Summit Meetings (Bangkok) (through
Dec. 27 Cabinet Decision on the Government’s Efforts to November 5) Dec. 08 North Korea announces that it conducted a “crucial test” at Sohae satellite launching station
Ensure the Safety of Japan-Related Vessels in the (Tongch’ang-ri ) on December 7
Middle East Nov. 04 Japan-Thailand Summit Meeting (Bangkok)
Dec. 10 Vietnam releases the 2019 National Defence White Paper
Dec. 28 Japan-Djibouti Defense Ministerial Meeting (Djibouti) Nov. 04 22nd ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-ROK) Summit
Meeting (Bangkok) Dec. 12 U.S. DoD announces that it conducted a flight test of a prototype of a conventionally-configured
Dec. 29 Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Meeting (Muscat) ground-launched ballistic missile with a range of more than 500 km
Nov. 04 Japan-China Summit Meeting (Premier of the State
Council of the People’s Republic of China) (Bangkok) Dec. 14 North Korea announces that it conducted a “crucial test” at Sohae satellite launching station
(Tongch’ang-ri ) on December 13
Nov. 04 Japan-India Summit Meeting (Bangkok)
Reference
Dec. 16 Four Chinese vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Nov. 04 Japan-Singapore Summit Meeting (Bangkok) to the East China Sea
Nov. 04 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) (Bangkok) Dec. 16 Three Russian vessels sail northbound from the Tsushima Strait
Nov. 04 Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting (Bangkok) Dec. 17 China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier was named “Shandong” and commissioned in Sanya of
Nov. 04 22nd Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting (Bangkok) Hainan Island
Nov. 04 3rd RCEP Summit (Bangkok) Dec. 20 The United States establishes the Space Force as the sixth branch of the military
Nov. 04 Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting (Bangkok) Dec. 24 A Russian Su-57 5th generation fighter crashes during a test flight
Nov. 04 Japan-Vietnam Summit Meeting (Bangkok) Dec. 26 Chinese aircraft carrier “Shandong” transits the Taiwan Strait
Nov. 04 11th Japan-Mekong Summit Meeting (Bangkok) Dec. 26 A Chinese vessel sails northbound from the Tsushima Strait, and advances to the Sea of Japan
Nov. 10 Shukuga-onretsu-no-gi temporarily. However, on December 27, the vessel sails southbound from the Tsushima Strait to
the East China Sea
Nov. 12 Attends Reception for Celebrating 25 Years of
Diplomatic Relations with Japan (Tokyo) Dec. 27 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea
to reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter, it turns around and flies over the East China Sea again
Nov. 14 Japan-Micronesia Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. North Korea holds the Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the KWP
Nov. 25 Meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis (Tokyo)
28-31
Nov. 29 Japan-El Salvador Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. 30 Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodges a diplomatic protest over the illegal operation by
Dec. 02 Japan-EU Summit Telephone Talk Chinese fishing fleet escorted by China’s Coast Guard in Indonesia’s EEZ around the Natuna
Dec. 06 Japan-Hungary Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Islands
Dec. 12 Japan-Jamaica Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. 19 Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. 20 Japan-Iran Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Dec. 21 Japan-U.K. Summit Telephone Talk
Dec. 21 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
Dec. 23 Japan-China Summit Meeting (China)
Dec. 24 8th Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit (Chengdu)
(through December 25)
Dec. 24 Japan-ROK Summit Meeting (Chengdu)
2020 Jan. 07 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Jan. 07 Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk Jan. 03 The U.S. military kills Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolutionary
Jan. 08 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Jan. 11 Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk Guard Corps
(CSF) outbreak in Uruma City and Okinawa City, Jan. 12 Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting (Riyadh) Jan. 08 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shoot down a Ukrainian plane
Okinawa Prefecture (through January 20) Jan. 08 Iran carries out a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops
Jan. 13 Japan-UAE Summit Meeting (Abu Dhabi)
Jan. 09 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone Jan. 11 The Taiwanese presidential election is held, and incumbent President Tsai of the Democratic
Conversation Jan. 14 Japan-Oman Summit Meeting (Muscat)
Progressive Party is reelected
Jan. 09 Japan-Iran Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Jan. 21 Japan-Poland Summit Meeting (Tokyo)
Jan. 15 Russian Prime Minister announces the resignation of the Cabinet
Jan. 14 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (Washington, D.C.) Jan. 23 Tokyo High Court renders judgement in 9th and 12th
Yokota Air Base noise suits Jan. 16 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Jan. 15 International disaster relief activities in Australia Feb. 10 Japan-Estonia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) Jan. 20 Malaysia releases its first defense white paper
(Australia) (through February 8) Jan. 20 A Chinese Tu-154 intelligence gathering aircraft makes a long-distance flight over the East China
Mar. 12 Kanazawa District Court renders judgment in the 5th
Jan. 20 2nd annual and experts’ meetings of the Maritime and and 6th Komatsu Air Base noise suits Sea
Aerial Communication Mechanism between the Jan. 21 A new Russian Cabinet is launched
Defense Authorities of Japan and China (Tokyo) Mar. 13 Japan-France Summit Telephone Talk
Mar. 13 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Jan. 25 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around Fiery Cross Reef, the Spratly
Jan. 26 Multilateral exercise Cobra Gold 20 (through March 9) Islands
Jan. 31 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Mar. 15 Japan-U.K. Summit Telephone Talk
Jan. 31 U.K. departs from the EU
COVID-19 (through March 16) Mar. 16 G7 Summit Video Teleconference Meeting
Feb. 04 U.S. DoD announces the deployment of the low-yield nuclear warhead to be carried by SLBMs
Feb. 02 Disaster relief in response to classical swine fever Mar. 24 Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk
(CSF) outbreak in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture Feb. 06 The United States announces the death of the leader of AQAP
Mar. 25 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
(through February 4) Feb. 09 Four Chinese H-6 bombers fly from the Bashi Channel, pass between the main island of Okinawa
Mar. 25 Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk and Miyakojima Island, and fly to the East China Sea
Feb. 13 Cabinet Decision on disaster relief call-up orders for
Ready Reserve Personnel and Reserve Personnel for Mar. 26 G20 Summit Video Teleconference Meeting Feb. 10 A Chinese military aircraft crosses over the “median line” of the Taiwan Strait
prevention of the spread of COVID-19 Mar. 30 Telephone Talk between Prime Minister Abe and Feb. 11 The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines notifies the United States of the termination of
Feb. 13 Disaster relief call-up order for Reserve Personnel is WHO Director-General the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)
issued (through March 16) Apr. 03 Japan-Sweden Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 12 Two Russian vessels sail southwestward from the Tsushima Strait
Feb. 15 56th Munich Security Conference (Munich) Apr. 10 Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 12 A U.S military aircraft flies over the Taiwan Strait
Feb. 15 Japan-Ukraine Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich) Apr. 14 Special ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-ROK) Feb. 15 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Summit on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Feb. 15 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich) Feb. 21 Parliamentary elections in Iran
Apr. 16 G7 Summit Video Teleconference Meeting
Feb. 15 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich) Feb. 22 Transitional government established in South Sudan based on the Revitalized Agreement on the
Apr. 17 Japan-Turkey Summit Telephone Talk Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS)
Feb. 15 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Meeting (Munich)
Apr. 21 Japan-Ethiopia Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 27 A flight by two Su-34 fighter-bombers within Japan’s air defense identification zone in the Sea of
Feb. 15 Meeting between Defense Minister Kono and High
Representative of EU Borrell (Munich) Apr. 23 Japan-Jordan Summit Telephone Talk Okhotsk is confirmed for the first time
Feb. 15 Meeting between Defense Minister Kono and NATO Apr. 23 Japan-Indonesia Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 27 The United States and the ROK announce the postponement of U.S.-ROK joint exercises to curb
Secretary General Stoltenberg (Munich) May 04 Japan-Vietnam Summit Telephone Talk the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak
May 05 Japan-Iran Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 29 The United States signs a peace agreement with the Taliban
Feb. 18 Disaster relief to search for persons in distress in Mt.
Asahi, Hokkaido (through February 21) May 07 Japan-Russia Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 02 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Mar. 01 Disaster relief to search for and rescue crew members May 08 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 09 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
of a cargo ship sunk off the coast of Shimokita, Aomori Mar. 10 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Prefecture (through March 3) May 12 Japan-Luxembourg Summit Telephone Talk
May 19 Japan-Peru Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 18 Four Chinese vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Mar. 02 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation to the East China Sea
May 26 Japan-EU Summit Telephone Talk
Mar. 28 Disaster relief for reinforcement of quarantine Mar. 21 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
measures against COVID-19 (through May 31) Jun. 18 Japan-Spain Summit Telephone Talk
Mar. 23 A flight by a Chinese Y-9 patrol aircraft within Japan’s air defense identification zone in the East
Apr. 17 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Telephone Jul. 08 The Supreme Court renders judgement in 3rd and China Sea is confirmed for the first time
Conversation 5th Futenma Air Base noise suits
Mar. 24 A Chinese vessel sails northbound from the Tsushima Strait, and advances to the Sea of Japan
Apr. 17 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Jul. 09 Japan-Australia Leaders Video Teleconference temporarily. However, on March 25, the vessel sails southbound from the Tsushima Strait to the
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Jul. 16 Japan-Germany Leaders Video Teleconference East China Sea
Hokkaido Prefecture (through April 24) Aug. 04 Japan-Vietnam Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 24 Two Russian Tu-95 bombers pass the Sea of Okhotsk from the Sea of Japan to reach the Pacific
Apr. 19 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Aug. 31 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Ocean. At the same time two Su-35 fighters and two Russian aircraft (presumed) fly over the Sea
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in of Japan
Kanagawa Prefecture (through April 26) Aug. 31 Japan-Russia Summit Telephone Talk
Mar. 25 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea
Apr. 20 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Sep. 02 Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk to reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around and flies to the East China Sea again
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Miyagi Sep. 02 Japan-Jordan Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 25 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Prefecture (through May 1) Sep. 02 Japan-U.K. Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 26 18 Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
Apr. 23 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Sep. 07 Japan-Israel Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 26 Two Russian vessels sail northeastward from the Tsushima Strait
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Okinawa
Prefecture (through April 30) Sep. 07 Japan-Philippines Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 29 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Apr. 24 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Sep. 08 Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 03 Two Russian vessels sail southwestward from the Tsushima Strait
Apr. 24 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Telephone Sep. 09 Japan-Austria Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 09 Two Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft make a long-distance flight over from the Sea of Okhotsk to the
Conversation Sep. 09 Japan-Turkey Summit Telephone Talk Sea of Japan
Apr. 26 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Sep. 10 Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 10 Six Chinese vessels including the aircraft carrier “Liaoning” sail southward between the main
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Sep. 10 Japan-Turkmenistan Summit Telephone Talk island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the Pacific Ocean
Nagasaki Prefecture (through May 10) Sep. 20 Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 10 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Apr. 28 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Sep. 20 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 15 The U.S. the Space Command announces that Russia conducted a launch test of a ground-
May 01 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Telephone launched anti-satellite missile
Sep. 22 Japan-Germany Summit Telephone Talk
Apr. 15 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels abnormally approach U.S. military vessels in the
Conversation
Sep. 22 Japan-EU Summit Telephone Talk Persian Gulf
May 02 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Sep. 23 Japan-U.K. Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 18 China announces establishment of the Xisha District and the Nansha District under the Sansha
Nagasaki Prefecture (through May 14) Sep. 24 Japan-ROK Summit Telephone Talk City of Hainan Province
May 07 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Sep. 25 Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 23 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Conversation Sep. 25 Japan-China Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 24 Seven Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
May 08 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone Sep. 26 Attends the 75th Session of the United Nations Apr. 28 Six Chinese vessels including the aircraft carrier “Liaoning” sail northward between the main
Conversation General Assembly (Online) (through September 26) island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island to the East China Sea
May 08 Disaster relief in response to a forest fire in Asago City, Sep. 29 Japan-Russia Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 28 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Hyogo Prefecture (through May 11) Apr. 29 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Spratly Islands
Sep. 30 Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk
May 12 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Telephone Oct. 05 Japan-France Summit Telephone Talk Apr. 29 Three Chinese vessels sail southeastward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima
Conversation Island to the Pacific Ocean

May 15 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Oct. 06 Japan-EU Summit Telephone Talk May 05 Standoff between Chinese and Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) (border of
Conversation Oct. 07 Japan-Italy Summit Telephone Talk Ladakh, India)
May 18 Disaster relief to search for missing persons in Kami Oct. 12 Japan-Vietnam Summit Telephone Talk May 09 Standoff between Chinese and Indian forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) (border of
Town, Miyagi Prefecture (through May 21) Sikkim, India)
Oct. 13 Japan-Indonesia Summit Telephone Talk
May 19 Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Video May 13 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Teleconference Oct. 19 Japan-Vietnam Summit Meeting
May 17 A Russian vessels sail southwestward from the Tsushima Strait
May 19 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Telephone Oct. 20 Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting
May 24 North Korea announces that it will hold the enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission of
Conversation Oct. 28 Japan-Turkey Summit Telephone Talk the KWP
May 19 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Telephone Oct. 29 Japan-Singapore Summit Telephone Talk May 28 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Conversation Nov. 12 Telephone Talk between Prime Minister Suga and May 29 Three Chinese vessels sail southeastward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima
May 20 Japan-Italy Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation President-elect Biden Island to the Pacific Ocean
Jun. 01 Japan-Mongolia Defense Ministerial Video Nov. 13 The 12th Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting (Online) Jun. 04 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Teleconference Nov. 14 The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Jun. 10 A Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft passes from off the coast of Rebun Island to off the
Jun. 09 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference Nov. 14 The 23rd ASEAN Plus Three (Japan-China-ROK) coast of the Noto Peninsula
Jun. 16 Japan-PNG Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Summit Meeting Jun. 16 North Korea blows up Inter-Korean Liaison Office
Jul. 04 Disaster relief in response to July 2020 Flooding Nov. 15 4th RCEP Summit and signing of the RCEP Jun. 17 Two Russian vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island,
Disaster (through July 30) Agreement (Online)
Reference
then northeastward through the Tsushima Strait. On June 19, a Russian vessel sails northeastward
Jul. 05 Cabinet Decision on disaster relief call-up orders for Nov. 17 Japan-Australia Summit Meeting (Tokyo) through the Tsushima Strait
Ready Reserve Personnel and Reserve Personnel in Nov. 20 Japan-New Zealand Summit Telephone Talk Jun. 18 A submerged submarine moves westward through the waters northeast of Amami Oshima Island
response to July 2020 Flooding Disaster (within the Japanese contiguous zone), and then westward through the waters west of Yokoate
Nov. 20 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (Online)
Jul. 05 Disaster relief call-up order for Ready Reserve Island (outside the Japanese contiguous zone) on June 20
Personnel is issued (through July 23) Nov. 21 The G20 Riyadh Summit (Online)
Jun. 20 Three Chinese vessels sail northward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island
Jul. 08 Japan-U.S.-Australia Virtual Trilateral Defense Meeting Dec. 02 Japan-Israel Summit Telephone Talk to the East China Sea
(Joint Statement) Dec. 07 Japan-Netherlands Summit Telephone Talk Jun. 21 A Chinese vessel sails northbound from the Tsushima Strait, and advances to the Sea of Japan
Jul. 09 Disaster relief call-up order for Reserve Personnel is Dec. 09 The Supreme Court renders judgment in 10th and temporarily. However, on June 23, the vessel sails southbound from the Tsushima Strait to the
issued (through July 23) 11th Yokota Air Base noise suits East China Sea
Jul. 20 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Telephone Dec. 14 Japan-Philippines Summit Telephone Talk Jun. 21 Two Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
Conversation Dec. 16 Japan-Norway Summit Telephone Talk Jun. 22 A Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft passes the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea
Jul. 21 Telephone Conversation between Defense Minister to reach the Sea of Japan. Thereafter it turns around, and flies to the East China Sea again
Kono and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg Jun. 26 A Chinese vessel sails southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island, and
Aug. 06 Video Teleconference between Defense Minister Kono advances to the Pacific Ocean temporarily. However, on June 28, the vessel sails northward to the
and Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Bajwa East China Sea
Aug. 12 Japan-Tonga Defense Ministerial Telephone Jun. 28 Two Chinese H-6 bombers fly from the East China Sea, and after passing between the main island
Conversation of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island they fly over the Pacific Ocean. Thereafter they fly toward the
Aug. 12 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Video Bashi Channel and then turn around, and pass between the main island of Okinawa and
Teleconference Miyakojima Island again
Aug. 18 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Jul. 04 Two U.S. carrier strike groups conduct joint exercise in the South China Sea
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Okinawa Jul. 13 A Chinese vessel sails southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island, and
Prefecture (through August 31) advances to the Pacific Ocean temporarily. However, on July 18, the vessel sails northward to the
Aug. 19 Japan-Fiji Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference East China Sea
Aug. 25 Conclusion of the contract of Air Surveillance Radar Jul. 14 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Spratly Islands
System to the Republic of the Philippines Equipment to Jul. 14 Two Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
be delivered Jul. 28 Three Russian vessels sail eastbound from the Soya Strait
Aug. 27 Japan-Finland Defense Ministerial Video Aug. 05 Three Russian vessels sail southwestward from the Tsushima Strait
Teleconference
Aug. 29 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting Aug. 10 A Chinese military aircraft crosses over the “median line” of the Taiwan Strait
Sep. 04 Disaster relief in response to Typhoon Haishen (through Aug. 14 A Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft passes from off the coast of Rebun Island to off the
September 7) coast of the Noto Peninsula
Sep. 08 Japan-Saudi Arabia Defense Ministerial Telephone Aug. 19 Two Russian bombers fly over the Sea of Japan from off the coast of the Oki Islands
Conversation In conjunction with this movement, two presumed Russian aircraft fly from off the coast of the Oki
Island to off the coast of Sado Island, another two presumed Russian aircraft fly from off the coast
Sep. 09 Japan-Austria Summit Telephone Talk of Sado Island to off the coast of Rebun Island in Hokkaido, and another two aircraft fly from off
Sep. 09 Signing of the Japan-India Acquisition and the coast of Rebun Island in Hokkaido to the Sea of Japan
Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) Aug. 27 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Sep. 17 Minister of Defense Kishi came into office Aug. 28 Three Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft make a long-distance flight over the Sea of Japan
Oct. 07 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Aug. 30 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Oct. 12 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone Sep. 14 Six Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
Conversation
Sep. 15 Israel, UAE, and Bahrain sign normalization agreements
Oct. 19 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Sep. 18 A Chinese military aircraft crosses over the “median line” of the Taiwan Strait
Oct. 19 2020 Japan-Australia Defence Ministers Kishi/
Reynolds Joint Statement on Advancing Defence Sep. 19 A Chinese military aircraft crosses over the “median line” of the Taiwan Strait
Cooperation Sep. 23 A Chinese vessel sails southward between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island, and
Oct. 23 Japan-Philippines Defense Ministerial Video advances to the Pacific Ocean temporarily. However, on September 26, the vessel sails northward
Teleconference to the East China Sea
Oct. 26 Keen Sword21/02FTX (field exercise) (through Sep. 25 Two Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft fly from the East China Sea after passing between
November 5) the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and fly over the Pacific Ocean. Thereafter they
turn around, and pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Nov. 02 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Video
Teleconference Sep. 27 Three Russian vessels sail northeastward from the Tsushima Strait
Nov. 05 Disaster relief in response to bird flu outbreak in Oct. 02 A Russian Mi-8 helicopter violates airspace over Japan’s territorial waters at Cape Shiretoko in
Mitoyo City and Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Hokkaido
Prefecture (through November 8) Oct. 09 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Nov. 10 Japan-Germany Defense Ministerial Video Oct. 10 North Korea conducts a military parade
Teleconference Oct. 14 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Nov. 10 Cabinet Decision on Revision of the Implementation Oct. 23 Signing of the Libya ceasefire agreement
Plan for the International Peace Cooperation
Assignments in Sinai Peninsula (through November 30, Oct. 23 Israel and Sudan agree to normalize relations
2021) Nov. 06 A Russian early warning and control aircraft flies from off the coast of the Oki Islands northward
Nov. 10 Cabinet Decision on continuation of counter-piracy across the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk. In addition to this, two presumed Russian aircraft
mission (through November 19, 2021) fly from off the coast of the Oki Islands northward across the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk,
another two presumed Russian aircraft fly from off the coast of the Oki Island to off the coast of
Nov. 14 Telephone Conversation between Minister of Defense Sado Island, another two aircraft fly from off the cost of Sado Island to off the coast of Rebun
Kishi and U.S. Acting Secretary of Defense Miller Island in Hokkaido, and yet another two aircraft fly from off the cost of Rebun Island in Hokkaido
Nov. 16 Japan-Vietnam Defense Ministerial Video northward across the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk
Teleconference Nov. 06 Three Russian vessels sail southwestward from the Tsushima Strait
Nov. 25 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Telephone Nov. 20 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Conversation
Nov. 21 A Russian IL-20 intelligence gathering aircraft passes from off the coast of Rebun Island to off the
Nov. 26 FY2020 Exercise for the rescue of Japanese nationals coast of the Noto Peninsula
and others overseas (in Japan) (through December 3)
Nov. 24 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around Peter the Great Gulf
Nov. 28 FY2020 air review (Iruma)
Dec. 10 Israel and Morocco agree to normalize relations
Dec. 07 Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Video
Teleconference Dec. 19 A U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Dec. 08 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Dec. 21 A Chinese vessel sails northbound from the Tsushima Strait, and advances to the Sea of Japan
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in temporarily. However, on December 23, the vessel sails southbound from the Tsushima Strait to
Hokkaido (through December 21) the East China Sea
Dec. 10 7th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and 6th Dec. 22 Two Chinese H-6 bombers and two Russian Tu-95 bombers carried out long distance joint flights
ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting from the Sea of Japan to the East China Sea
(Online) Dec. 22 A Russian vessels sail westbound from the Soya Strait
Dec. 11 Change of Cabinet Decision on the Government’s Dec. 22 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Spratly Islands
Efforts to Ensure the Safety of Japan-Related Vessels Dec. 24 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Con Dao Islands
in the Middle East (through December 26, 2021)
Dec. 27 Three Russian vessels sail northeastward from the Tsushima Strait
Dec. 14 Japan-China Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Dec. 31 Two U.S. vessel sails through the Taiwan Strait
Dec. 15 Japan-Germany Defense Ministers’ Forum
“Indo-Pacific: Japan and Germany’s Engagement in
the Region” (Online)
Dec. 15 Japan-Brazil Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
Dec. 15 Signing of the Japan-Brazil Memorandum on Defense
Cooperation and Exchanges
Dec. 16 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Osaka
(through December 28)
Dec. 17 Disaster relief in response to heavy snow in Kan‐Etsu
Expressway (through December 18)
Dec. 18 Cabinet Decision on the “Procurement of a New
Missile Defense System, etc., and Strengthening
Stand-off Defense Capability”
Dec. 22 Japan-India Defense Ministerial Telephone
Conversation
Dec. 24 Disaster relief in response to bird flu outbreak in Isumi
City, Chiba Prefecture (through December 31)

2021 Jan. 05 Disaster relief in response to heavy snow in Akita Jan. 27 The Supreme Court renders judgement in 9th and Jan. 05 North Korea holds the 8th Congress of the KWP (through January 12)
Prefecture (through January 10) 12th Yokota Air Base noise suits Jan. 14 North Korea conducts a military parade
Jan. 10 Disaster relief in response to heavy snow in Hokuriku Jan. 28 Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk Jan. 14 Inauguration of the Biden administration
Expressway (through January 12) Feb. 03 Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 02 ROK releases Defense White Paper 2020
Jan. 10 Disaster relief in response to heavy snow in Niigata Feb. 16 Japan-U.K. Summit Telephone Talk
Prefecture (through January 12) Feb. 04 U.S. President Biden announces a complete halt to support for offensive operations in Yemen
Feb. 19 G7 Summit Video Teleconference Meeting Feb. 04 Two U.S. vessels transit through the Taiwan Strait
Jan. 11 Disaster relief in response to bird flu outbreak in Isumi
City, Chiba Prefecture (through January 19) Feb. 25 Japan-Australia Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 05 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Paracel Islands
Jan. 14 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference Apr. 09 Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk Feb. 09 Two U.S. carrier strike groups conduct a joint exercise in the South China Sea
Jan. 15 Japan-France Defense Ministerial Video Mar. 12 Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Leaders’ Video Feb.17 A U.S. vessel conducts the “Freedom of Navigation Operation” around the Spratly Islands
Teleconference Teleconference
Feb. 24 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Jan. 24 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation Mar. 16 Japan-Sweden Summit Telephone Talk
Mar. 03 U.S. releases the Interim National Security Strategic Guidance
Jan. 31 Disaster relief for prevention of the spread of Mar. 19 Japan-Italy Summit Telephone Talk
Mar. 10 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
community-acquired infection of COVID-19 in Mar. 22 Japan-Vietnam Summit Telephone Talk
Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture (through February 13) Mar. 10 House of Representatives approves Libya’s provisional Government of National Unity
Mar. 23 Japan-Poland Summit Telephone Talk
Feb. 03 Japan-U.K. Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting Mar. 11 A Russian A-50 early warning and control aircraft flies from off the coast of the Noto Peninsula to
Apr. 07 Japan-Laos Summit Telephone Talk off the coast of Rebun Island, Hokkaido. In addition, two presumed Russian aircraft fly from the
(2+2) (Online)
Reference
Apr. 09 Japan-Thailand Summit Telephone Talk northern part of the Oki Islands northward over the Sea of Japan, through the Sea of Okhotsk to
Feb. 04 Telephone Conversation between Minister of Defense the Pacific Ocean, while another two presumed Russian aircraft fly from the northern part of the
Kishi and Saudi Arabian Deputy Minister of Defense, Apr. 14 Japan-Ukraine Summit Telephone Talk
Oki Islands to the Sea of Japan, another two presumed Russian aircraft fly from off the coast of
H.R.H. Prince Khalid Apr.16 Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Washington, D.C.) Okushiri Island, Hokkaido to the Sea of Okhotsk, and yet another two presumed Russian aircraft fly
Feb. 15 Japan-Iran Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference Apr. 26 Japan-India Summit Telephone Talk from north of Cape Soya, Hokkaido to the Pacific Ocean
Mar. 03 Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD) May 11 Japan-Vietnam Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 25 North Korea launches two ballistic missiles
Preparation Meeting May 12 Japan-Kazakhstan Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 29 Two Chinese Y-9 intelligence gathering aircraft fly from the East China Sea after passing between
Mar. 10 Japan-UAE Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference May 12 Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Telephone Talk the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island and fly over the Pacific Ocean. Thereafter they
Mar. 13 89th Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence turn around, and pass between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again.
May 13 Japan-Turkmenistan Summit Telephone Talk A Chinese Y-9 patrol aircraft flies from the East China Sea after passing between the main island
(Online)
May 17 Japan-Vietnam Summit Telephone Talk of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island. Thereafter they turn around, and pass between the main island
Mar. 14 Holding of the MOD Cyber Contest
May 19 Japan-Philippines Summit Telephone Talk of Okinawa and Miyakojima Island again
Mar. 16 Japan–U.S. Security Consultative Committee (2+2)
May 25 Japan-Singapore Summit Telephone Talk Mar. 29 Two Russian IL-38 patrol aircraft fly from off the coast of the Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan to off
Mar. 16 Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting the coast of the Oga Peninsula
May 27 Japan-EU Summit
Mar. 17 Japan-Ukraine Defense Ministerial Video Apr. 07 A U.S. vessel transits through the Taiwan Strait
Teleconference
Apr. 09 A U.S. carrier strike group and an amphibious ready group conducts joint exercise in South China
Mar. 23 Japan-Germany Agreement on the Security of Sea
Information
Apr. 14 U.S. announces that it will remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September 11
Mar. 25 Japan-U.K. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conversation
Mar. 28 Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting (Tokyo)
Mar. .29 3rd Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism
Annual and Experts Meeting (Online)
Mar. 30 Japan-Indonesia Foreign and Defense Ministerial
Meeting (2+2) (Tokyo)
Apr. 13 Japan-Germany Foreign and Defense Ministerial
Meeting (2+2)
Apr. 13 NATO CCDCOE Cyber Defense Exercise “Locked
Shields 2021” (through April 16)
Apr. 15 Japan-Malaysia Defense Ministerial Video
Teleconference
Apr. 19 Japan-New Zealand Defense Ministerial Video
Teleconference
Apr. 28 Japan-Canada Defense Ministerial Video
Teleconference
May 19 Japan-Australia Defense Ministerial Telephone
Conversation
May 20 Japan-Brunei Defense Ministerial Video Teleconference
May 25 Japan-Thailand Defense Ministerial Video
Teleconference

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peace cooperation activities.

In addition, as the only country

as well as peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, as a

1 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 2

3 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 4

5 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 6

7 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 8

9 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

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11 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 12

to be enhanced. equipment through whole-of-government approach by leveraging

13 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 14

15 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

VII. Points of Attention

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 16

leveraging reserve personnel, improving living and work

17 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 18

19 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 20

21 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 22

23 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 24

25 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 26

enrich the clinical experience of medical officers to better

27 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

Reference 4 Number of Tanks and Major Artillery Owned

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 28

Rotary- CH-47J Transport 15 160 5 (48) 16 5 Turboshaft, twin-engines

Reference 6 Number of Major Ships Commissioned into Service

29 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 30

2.5 2.1 2.6 2.5 2.2

31 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

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personnel. The use of weapons shall not cause harm to persons,

33 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 34

35 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

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37 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

Reference 13 Efforts in Recent Years by the MOD on Cybersecurity

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 38

Overall personnel Overall personnel Overall personnel

39 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 40

B. Enhanced Operational Coordination

41 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

DEFENSE WHITE PAPER 42

43 DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2021

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Reference 13 Efforts in Recent Years by the MOD on Cybersecurity