The NATO Defense College (NDC) embarked on a historic visit to Japan, marking a first for the institution. This visit aimed to enhance Course Members’ understanding of Japan’s national and defence strategies, including defence build-up programmes, and provided insights into Japan’s strategic countermeasures and proactive defence posture. Discussions highlighted Japan’s robust support for Ukraine and its role in implementing international sanctions against Russia, while emphasizing Japan’s increased diplomacy and strategic cooperation as pivotal elements of its national security strategy. Additionally, the visit offered a unique opportunity for interactions with members of the Joint Staff College (JSC).
During the visit, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, Commandant of the NDC, along with College staff, met with Rear Admiral Kinoshita Harunobu, Vice-Commandant of the JSC, and other key members. They exchanged information on their institutions’ respective missions, organizational structures, academic curricula and research areas, laying the groundwork for future cooperation.
The NDC delegation was also afforded the privilege of meeting with General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Japan’s Joint Staff, who delivered welcome remarks and presented a detailed briefing on Japan’s security situation, underscoring the close cooperation between Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic countries and drawing parallels between the security challenges posed by Russia in Ukraine and regional threats faced by Japan. General Yoshida emphasized Japan’s strategic countermeasures, its proactive defence posture, and preparedness provisions.
Course Members gained comprehensive insights into Japan’s national security strategy, with a focus on increasing diplomacy and cooperation. Discussions covered Japan’s views on regional and global security, and detailed strategies to counter regional challenges. The delegation was briefed about Japan’s new operational structures and its strategic approach to enhancing its defence capabilities, including budget expenditures and cooperation projects.
Briefings also highlighted Japan’s diplomatic activities, particularly its increased engagement and cooperation with NATO, and its response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. Japan’s robust support for Ukraine and its efforts to implement severe sanctions against Russia were emphasized as part of its international commitments.
A significant highlight of the visit was the session led by the National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS), where its President, Mr Takeshi Ishikawa, introduced a panel of experts who discussed, among other topics, the processes underpinning cognitive warfare.
The NDC’s first visit to Japan successfully provided a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s national security strategy, defence initiatives and regional security perspectives. This visit not only reinforced NATO’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in the NATO Strategic Concept of 2022, but also paved the way for closer ties and future cooperation between the NATO Defense College and Japan’s defence institutions. The insights gained from this visit are expected to significantly complement the academic curriculum followed by Course Members at the NDC, enriching the knowledge base on the strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by LTC Massimo Giuliano, ITA A)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN