A Joint Operations Command was created in Japan’s Ministry of Defense on Monday to improve defense efficiency and flexibility and enhance cooperation with allies, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference.
“The creation of the Joint Operations Command will make it possible to exercise unified command and control over the troops on a daily basis and will allow for the creation of a flexible defense system that responds to changes in the situation even faster. By centralizing cooperation with the commands of allied and friendly countries in conducting operations, exchanging information, and in command and centralization, the efficiency of the unified command will increase,” Hayashi said.
Hayashi said discussions will continue to advance and enhance unified command between Japan and the United States on a daily basis and in the event of an emergency.
In July 2024, the US and Japanese defense ministers agreed to establish a working group to enhance interaction between the two countries’ commands. Before that, the US said it would establish a new unified military command structure in Japan to strenghten interaction and coordination between the US forces stationed in Japan and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The new structure is meant to improve coordination with the Joint Operations Command, which will combine the Self-Defense Forces’ ground, maritime and air forces of 240 people.
The newly-established command will be headed by Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, who previously was vice chief of staff for the Self-Defense Forces’ Joint Staff Office.
