Japan has appointed Lieutenant General Toshihiro Watanabe as the leader of its newly established Joint Operations Command, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The Joint Operations Command is designed to enhance coordination among Japan’s Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces, ensuring a more unified and effective response to emerging security challenges.
Lieutenant General Watanabe, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in defense strategy and international operations, will oversee the integration of various military branches under the new command structure. The move comes amid increasing regional tensions and evolving security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, prompting Japan to bolster its ability to respond to diverse threats.
The establishment of the Joint Operations Command aligns with Japan’s broader defense reforms aimed at modernizing its military and improving operational efficiency. As the leader of the command, Lieutenant General Watanabe is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s defense posture in the years to come, ensuring the Self-Defense Forces are prepared to address both conventional and asymmetric challenges.
Japan’s first joint operations commander has the authority to unify the three branches of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) from peacetime to emergency.
Lt. Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, vice chief of staff at the JSDF Joint Staff, was appointed to lead the Japan Joint Operations Command (JJOC), which launched in late March 2025 at the Defense Ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo with about 240 personnel.
The appointment came after the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program, both approved by Japan’s National Security Council and Cabinet in December 2022, called for reinforcing the effectiveness of the joint operational posture of the JSDF’s air, ground and maritime services.
“A Permanent Joint Headquarters will be established in order to build a system capable of seamlessly conducting cross-domain operations at all stages from peacetime to contingency, with the aim of strengthening the effectiveness of joint operations among each SDF service,” the Defense Buildup Program stated, noting the “rapidly increasing severity of the security environment surrounding Japan.”
Nagumo graduated from the National Defense Academy and joined the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in 1989. His prior roles include director general of the Defense Planning and Policy Department at the JASDF’s Air Staff Office, and commander of the Western Air Defense Force.
He has served as vice chief of staff since March 2023, a role that includes delivering reports directly to the nation’s prime minister.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Adm. Tateki Tawara was named JJOC deputy commander, a spokesperson said.
