March 25, 2025 at 13:22 JST
The Defense Ministry established the Joint Operations Command on March 24 to unify command of Japan’s Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces.
Its primary goals are to accelerate initial responses during security emergencies and natural disasters, and to strengthen operational coordination with U.S. forces.
However, several questions remain. Can the roles be clearly divided between the new command and existing organizations? Will Japan’s command autonomy be preserved? The key challenge lies in addressing these concerns while enhancing the effectiveness of integrated operations.
Currently, the Joint Staff Office, led by the chief of staff, functions as the coordinating body for the three branches of the Self-Defense Forces. However, the chief of staff holds a dual role--commanding operational units while also advising the defense minister.
In “complex situations,” where multiple contingencies arise simultaneously, this dual responsibility can become particularly burdensome.
Up to now, joint task forces have been assembled on an ad hoc basis, with commanders appointed as needed. By establishing a permanent command structure separate from the Joint Staff Office, the government aims to enable seamless transitions from peacetime to crisis response.
The Joint Operations Command is headquartered within the Defense Ministry in Tokyo’s Ichigaya district, with a staff of 240. Its first commander is Lt. Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo of the Air SDF, the former vice chief of staff.
The Joint Staff Office will continue to exist, allowing the chief of staff to focus more on supporting the defense minister. The success of this structure will depend on adequate information sharing and clear role division between the two commanding bodies, ensuring support for civilian control.
The establishment of the Joint Operations Command also marks a significant step toward strengthening coordinated command and control between the SDF and the U.S. forces, as agreed upon during last spring’s summit between then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and then-U.S. President Joe Biden.
Under that agreement, the United States is expected to reorganize its forces in Japan by creating a new joint forces command with authority over its units, designed to serve as a direct counterpart to Japan’s Joint Operations Command.
However, reports suggest that the current U.S. administration under President Donald Trump may reconsider this plan, casting doubt on whether it will proceed as scheduled.
Nevertheless, as Japan prepares to deploy long-range missiles capable of striking enemy bases, it is essential that the Defense Ministry safeguards its operational autonomy and avoids becoming overly dependent on U.S. military decisions--especially given the U.S. military’s significantly broader access to classified intelligence.
While enhancing the SDF’s command capabilities is essential, a persistent shortage of personnel on the ground remains a serious concern.
Although the authorized strength is approximately 247,000, the SDF has faced a shortfall of around 20,000 members in recent years. In the last fiscal year, despite recruiting efforts targeting 20,000 individuals, only 10,000 were actually enlisted--marking the lowest recruitment rate on record.
Moreover, if the expansion of central command structures continues to draw personnel away from field units, the operational burden on front-line forces responsible for supporting integrated missions will only grow greater.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has publicly committed to “improving conditions for SDF personnel” and has launched initiatives to enhance living and work environments.
However, more fundamental reforms--particularly those requiring substantial financial investment--have been postponed.
It must not be forgotten that only when field units are properly staffed and supported can they effectively carry out the command directives.
--The Asahi Shimbun, March 25
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Lt. Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo of the Air Self-Defense Force serves as the head of the Joint Operations Command that was established on March 24. (Provided by the Defense Ministry)
