Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine has intensified debate about Tokyo’s own self-defense capabilities. Prime Minister Kishida has stated that it was “the greatest foreign-policy challenge Japan has faced since the end of World War II, impacting the very foundation of the international order.” The New National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines, and Mid-Term Defense Program, which includes a 43 trillion-yen Defense Buildup Plan, aims to fundamentally strengthen defense capability over the next five years in order to meet that challenge.

How can Japan deter and defend against an attempt to “unilaterally change the status quo by force?” Facing the security challenges in the region, what is the path forward for Japan’s defense strategy?

We are honored to host General YOSHIDA Yoshihide, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, of the Japan Self-Defense Force, for a special in-person event in Tokyo. Please join us to learn from and engage with General Yoshida, who has just assumed duties as the seventh Chief of Staff in March.

Event and Registration Details

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card or at the door.
• Online participation is for members only.

Speaker Bio

General YOSHIDA Yoshihide
Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan Self-Defense Force

General Yoshida assumed duties as Chief of Staff, Japan Self-Defense Force, on March 30, 2023. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), and has served in a variety of command, staff, and leadership positions, including Commanding General of the Ground Component Command, Northern Army and 8th Division, Western Army. He has also served as Cabinet Councilor, National Security Secretariat, Cabinet Secretariat and Director General, Public Affairs, Joint Staff. He is a native of Tokyo and joined the GSDF in 1986. He is a graduate of the University of Tokyo, where he majored in Urban Engineering.