The 2023 Defense of Japan Report is out.
And a foreword from the Minister of Defense.
On the Publication of Defense of Japan 2023
The world is at a turning point in history. The international community is facing its greatest
trial since World War II (WWII), and we have entered a new era of crisis.
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an unprecedented situation. A permanent member of
the United Nations Security Council has shown disregard for international law by launching
an aggression against a sovereign country and repeating rhetoric and actions that can be
interpreted as threats of nuclear weapons use. Additionally, China is rapidly enhancing its
military capability qualitatively and quantitatively, including nuclear and missile forces, while
continuing and amplifying its unilateral changes to the status quo by force and such attempts
in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Furthermore, North Korea is rapidly advancing
its nuclear and missile development, repeatedly launching missiles.
Under these circumstances, it goes without saying that diplomatic efforts are the foremost
priority of Japan, which has experienced WWII and has since been pursuing the path of a
peace-loving nation. Japan remains unwavering in its commitment to respecting the rule of
law and settling any disputes not through the use of forcible measures but peacefully and
diplomatically. At the same time, in order to protect the lives and livelihood of Japanese
nationals, it is essential to make efforts to “defend our country by ourselves” and increase
deterrence. In other words, we need to make the opponent think that “attacking Japan will not
achieve its goals.”
Japan’s intentions and tangible measures for achieving them are articulated in our new
National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program that
were adopted by the Cabinet last December. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) will follow
through on them, including reinforcement of our defense production and technology bases.
In doing so, we will focus on two priorities: first, to maximize effective use of our current
equipment by improving operational rates, securing sufficient munitions, and accelerating
investments in improving the resiliency of major defense facilities; and second, to strengthen
the core areas of our future defense capabilities, including stand-off defense capabilities that
can be utilized as counterstrike capabilities and unmanned assets.
However, no matter how much advanced equipment the MOD/Self-Defense Forces (SDF)
procure, our defense capability cannot be demonstrated without personnel to operate them.
The core element of defense capability is SDF personnel. We will speed up our efforts to
improve their lives, work environments and treatment.
In recent years, diplomatic efforts have also gained importance for defense. Since my
appointment as Minister of Defense, I have held discussions on numerous occasions with
defense ministers, including Secretary of Defense Austin of the United States, Japan’s only
ally, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Marles of Australia, working to
deepen our cooperation and collaboration. Building upon these discussions, we will continue
to pursue various cooperation, including the joint development of the next-generation fighter
aircraft by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
Even if my counterparts and I were to have different views, it is important to make persistent
efforts to maintain and increase our communication through dialogue, aiming to build trust
and avoid unforeseen circumstances. As such, I will continue to make these endeavors.
From this perspective, Defense of Japan 2023 outlines the security environment surrounding
Japan and the activities and efforts of the MOD/SDF. The beginning focuses on the changes
before 2013 (when the previous National Security Strategy was formulated) and the changes
through 2022 (when the current National Security Strategy was formulated), which includes a
special feature titled, “An Era of Upheavals: 10 Years of Change.” Additionally, the National
Defense Strategy is explained concisely and clearly with photos and diagrams to deepen
readers’ understanding.
It is important above all that initiatives for defense of Japan have the understanding and
cooperation of the people and are highly transparent to the international community. In this
regard, this white paper has played a critical role. We sincerely hope that Defense of Japan
2023 will be read by as many people as possible and help increase their understanding of the
activities and efforts of the MOD/SDF.
[Signed]
HAMADA Yasukazu
Minister of Defense
