National Security Strategy of Japan2022

Table of Contents

National Security Strategy of Japan: Overview

4

National Security Strategy of Japan: Full Text
I

Purpose12

II

Japan’s National Interests

15

III

Fundamental Principles Concerning Japan’s National Security

16

IV

Security Environment Surrounding Japan andJapan’s National Security Challenges

17

1. Global Security Environment and Challenges
2. Security Environment and Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region1718(1) Overview of Security in the Indo-Pacific Region18(2) China’s Activities in the Area of Security

19(3) North Korea’s Activities in the Area of Security

20(4) Russia’s Activities in the Area of Security

20

V

National Security Objectives of Japan

21

VI

Strategic Approaches Prioritized by Japan22

1. Main Elements of Comprehensive National Power for Japan’s National Security
2. Strategic Approaches and Major Ways and Means

2223(1) Develop Efforts Centered on Diplomacy to Prevent Crises, Proactively Create a Peaceful andStable International Environment, and Strengthen a Free and Open International Order
23(i) Strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance23(ii) Maintain and Develop a Free and Open International Order and Strengthen Ties with its Ally,
Like-minded Countries and Others
23(iii) Strengthen Diplomacy with Japan’s Neighboring Countries and Regions as well as Efforts
toward Resolution of Various Issues of Concern, including Territorial Issues

23

(iv) Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-proliferation

25(v) International Counter-Terrorism

25(vi) Climate Change Measures

25(vii) Strategic Use of ODA and Other International Cooperation

26(viii) Promotion of People-to-People Exchanges

26(2) Strengthening Japan’s Defense Architecture26(i) Fundamentally Reinforcing Defense Capabilities as the Last Guarantee of National Security

26(ii) Coordinating with Reinforced Comprehensive Defense Architecture28(iii) Reinforcing Defense Production and Technology Base as Defense Capabilities Themselves

28(iv) Promoting Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology

28(v) Strengthening the Foundation for SDF Personnel to Fulfill Abilities as Core of Defense Capabilities 29

VII(3) Deepening Security Cooperation with the United States

29(4) Strengthening Efforts to Seamlessly Protect Japan in All Directions

29(i) Improving Response Capabilities in the Field of Cybersecurity

29(ii) Promoting Maritime Security and Strengthen Maritime Law Enforcement Capabilities

30(iii) Reinforcing Comprehensive Efforts for Space Security

31(iv) Enhancing Public-private Partnerships for Improving Technical Capabilities and Proactively
Capitalizing on Outcomes of Research and Development in the Security Field

31(v) Strengthening Intelligence Capacities for Japan’s National Security

32(vi) Reinforcing Response Capabilities within Japan with Contingencies in Mind

32(vii) Reinforcing Mechanisms for the Protection of Japanese Nationals

33(viii) Reinforcing Architecture and Measures for the Protection of Japanese Nationals andOthers Overseas

33(ix) Securing Resources Essential for Japan’s National Security including Energy and Food

33(5) Promoting Economic Security Policies to Achieve Autonomous Economic Prosperity

34(6) Maintaining and Strengthening International Economic Order based on Free, Fair,
and Equitable Rules

35(7) Global Efforts for Coexistence and Coprosperity in the International Community

35(i) Promote Multilateral Cooperation and Strengthen Ties with International Organizations andFrameworks

35(ii) Efforts to Address Global Challenges

36

Domestic Base that should be Strengthened to Support
Japan’s National Security
1. Strengthening the Economic and Fiscal Bases
2. Reinforcing the Social Base
3. Enhancing the Intellectual Base

37
37
37
38

VIII Duration, Evaluation, and Revision of the Strategy

39

IX

40

Conclusion

Overview

I

Purpose◦ The international order is now at stake with serious challenges. We are in an era whereconfrontation and cooperation are intricately intertwined in international relations.
◦ Japan’s security environment is as severe and complex as it has ever been since the end of
WWII. In the vicinity of Japan, military buildups are rapidly advancing, coupled withmounting pressures by unilaterally changing the status quo by force.
◦ Cross-border cyberattacks and spread of disinformation are constantly taking place, thereby
further blurring the boundary between contingency and peacetime.
◦ The scope of national security has expanded to include those fields previously considered
non-military such as economic, and thus the boundary between military and non-military
fields is no longer clear-cut either.
◦ Japan will protect its national interest by taking a panoramic view of the diverse dimensionsof international relations as a whole, and by taking full advantage of comprehensive national
power.
◦ From this standpoint, the Government of Japan sets forth the National Security Strategy as
its supreme national security policy document.
◦ The strategic guidance and policies under this Strategy will dramatically transform Japan’snational security policy after the end of WWII from the aspect of its execution.

II

Japan’s National Interests◦ Japan will maintain its sovereignty and independence, defend its territorial integrity, andsecure the safety of life, person, and properties of its nationals. Japan will ensure its survival
while maintaining its own peace and security grounded in freedom and democracy andpreserving its rich culture and traditions. Furthermore, Japan and its nationals will continue
to strive so that Japan and its nationals are respected and favorably regarded around theworld.
◦ Japan will achieve the prosperity of Japan and its nationals through economic growth,
thereby consolidating its own peace and security. And, while working to realize Japan's
economic prosperity, Japan will maintain and strengthen an open and stable international
economic order and achieve an international environment in which Japan and othercountries can coexist and prosper together.
◦ Japan will maintain and protect universal values, such as freedom, democracy, respect for
fundamental human rights and the rule of law, and international order based on internationallaw. In particular, Japan will maintain and develop a free and open international order,
especially in the Indo-Pacific region where Japan is situated.

4

National Security Strategy of JapanIII

Fundamental Principles Concerning
Japan’s National Security◦ Japan will maintain the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on international
cooperation. The primary responsibility for defending Japan lies with itself. Japan willsquarely face the ever-changing security environment by decisively taking on necessaryreforms and reinforcing our national security capabilities and roles.
◦ Japan will execute its security policy in a manner that maintains and upholds universal
values. As one of the most mature and stable advanced democratic countries in the world,
Japan will strive to maintain and uphold universal values and principles in cooperation
with other countries and lead the international community by example.
◦ Japan will adhere to the basic policy of maintaining an exclusively national defense-oriented
policy and observing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.
◦ The Japan-U.S. alliance will remain the cornerstone of Japan’s national security policy.
◦ Japan will attach importance to coexistence and coprosperity alongside other countries,
cooperation with like-minded countries, and multilateral cooperation.

IV ecurity Environment Surrounding Japan andS
Japan’s National Security Challenges
1. Global Security Environment and Challenges
The international community has consistently gone through rapid changes, in conjunction
with the center of gravity for global power shifting to the Indo-Pacific region and some states
are accelerating actions to challenge the international order.

◦ Unilateral changes of the status quo by force and such attempts against territorial sovereignty.
◦ Increasingly serious risks in cyber, maritime, space, and electromagnetic domains.
◦ Expansion of importance in economic security. Attempts of some nations to expand theirown influence by economically coercing other nations.
◦ Strong leadership is being lost in the global governance structure at large. The international
community is presented with greater difficulties to rally together in taking on common
challenges such as climate change.

2. Security Environment and Challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region
Guided by the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), in the Indo-Pacific region,
Japan has the vital importance of striving to realize a free and open international order basedon the rule of law and securing the regional peace and stability.

5⃝ China’s Activities in the Area of Security◦ Extensively and rapidly enhancing its military power without sufficient transparency.
◦ Intensifying its attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the ECS/SCS.
◦ Strengthening its strategic ties with Russia and attempting to challenge the international
order.
◦ Taking advantage of other countries’ dependence on China.
◦ Not denying the possibility of using military force. Intensifying its military activities in thesea and airspace surrounding Taiwan.
- China’s current external stance, military activities, and other activities have become a matterof serious concern for Japan and the international community, and present an unprecedented
and the greatest strategic challenge in ensuring the peace and security of Japan and the peaceand stability of the international community, as well as in strengthening the international order
based on the rule of law, to which Japan should respond with its comprehensive national power
and in cooperation with its ally, like-minded countries and others.

⃝N orth Korea’s Activities in the Area of Security◦ Making rapid progress in its missile-related technologies and operational capabilities.
◦ Intending to bolster its nuclear capability both in quality and in quantity at a maximum
speed.
◦ The issue of abductions by North Korea is a critical issue concerning the sovereignty ofJapan and the lives and safety of Japanese citizens.
- North Korea’s military activities pose an even more grave and imminent threat to Japan’snational security than ever before.

⃝ Russia’s Activities in the Area of Security◦ Aggression against Ukraine.
◦ Strengthening its armaments in Northern Territories.
◦ Doubling down on strategic coordination with China.

-  Russia’s external and military activities and others have shaken the very foundation of theinternational order, and are perceived as the most significant and direct threat to security inthe European region. In addition, Russia’s external and military activities and others in the
Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, together with its strategic coordination with China, areof strong security concern.

6National Security Strategy of JapanV

National Security Objectives of Japan◦ Japan will continue to be a nation capable of protecting its sovereignty and independence,autonomously determining its domestic and foreign policies, and defending its territory
and the safety of life, person, and the properties of its nationals and deterring contingencies.
If by any chance a threat should reach Japan, Japan will disrupt and defeat the threat andminimize the damage caused, and bring it to an end in a manner favorable to protecting
its national interests.
◦ Japan will proactively ensure, through implementing its security policy, an international
environment in which our own economy can grow. Japan will work to achieve a virtuous
cycle of security and economic growth. Japan will ensure self-reliance of its economic
structure, as well as advantages over other countries and ultimately indispensability of its
technologies.
◦ Japan will achieve a new balance in international relations, especially in the Indo-Pacificregion. Japan will prevent emergence of situations in which any one state can unilaterally
change the status quo easily, and redouble efforts to secure a stable, predictable, free andopen international order based on the rule of law.
◦ Japan will generate an environment in which the international community can coexist andcoprosper in multilateral cooperation.

VI

Strategic Approaches Prioritized by Japan
1. Main Elements of Comprehensive National Power for Japan’s National Security
Japan will implement strategic approaches, harnessing its comprehensive national power(diplomatic, defense, economic, technological, and intelligence capabilities).

2. Strategic Approaches and Major Ways and Means(1) Develop Efforts Centered on Diplomacy to Prevent Crises, Proactively Create a
Peaceful and Stable International Environment, and Strengthen a Free and OpenInternational Order(i) Strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance(ii) Maintaining and Developing a Free and Open International Order and Strengthen Ties with
its Ally and Like-minded countries(iii)	Strengthening Diplomacy with Japan’s Neighboring Countries and Regions as well as Efforts
toward Resolution of Various Issues of Concerns, including Territorial Issues(iv) Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-proliferation(v) International Counter-Terrorism(vi) Climate Change Measures(vii) Strategic Use of ODA and Other International Cooperation (including a new cooperation
framework in view of strengthening security capabilities and deterrence of like-mindedcountries)(viii) Promoting People-to-People Exchanges

7(2) Strengthen Japan’s Defense Architecture◦ Fundamentally Reinforcing Defense Capabilities as the Last Guarantee of National Securityi) Strengthen its standoff defense capabilities and unmanned asset defense capabilities besides
cross domain operational capabilities, ii) Possess counterstrike capabilities, iii) Take necessary
measures to make the level of Japan’s budget, for both the fundamental reinforcement ofdefense capabilities and complementary initiatives, reach 2% of the current GDP in FY 2027,
iv) Strengthen the coordination and cooperation between SDF and JCG including the Ministerof Defense’s control over the JCG in the event of an emergency.

◦Coordinating with Reinforced Comprehensive Defense Architecture (research anddevelopment, public infrastructure development, cybersecurity and international
cooperation with like-minded countries)◦ The Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, its Implementation
Guidelines, and other systems are to be considered for revisions in order to promotesmooth transfer of defense equipment and technology of high security significance.
Necessity, requirements, and transparency of the related procedures for transfer of defense
equipment and technology will be under adequate consideration, while maintaining thethree principles themselves. Japan will provide various forms of assistance to smoothly
promote such transfer.
◦ Reinforcing Defense Production and Technology Base, and strengthening the foundationfor SDF personnel.

(3) Deepening Security Cooperation with the United States◦ Further enhancing deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, including
extended deterrence by the U.S.

(4) Strengthen Efforts to Seamlessly Protect Japan in All Directionsi) Cybersecurity◦ Improving response capabilities in the field of cybersecurity.
◦ Introducing active cyber defense and advance efforts to consider to realize necessary
measures.
◦ In order to realize and promote these efforts, a new organization which will comprehensively
coordinate policies in the field of cybersecurity in a centralized manner.
◦ Working on legislation and strengthen operation.
ii) Maritime Security and Maritime Law Enforcement Capabilities◦ Significantly reinforcing maritime law enforcement capabilities.
◦ Strengthening the coordination and cooperation between JCG and SDF, including the
Minister of Defense’s control over the JCG in the event of an emergency.
iii) Space Security◦ Strengthening cooperation between JAXA and SDF and utilize Japan’s civilian spacetechnology, while promoting the use of the space domain by the SDF and JCG.
◦ Put together the Government’s concept and reflect it on the Basic Plan on Space Policy.
iv) Enhancing Technical Capabilities and Proactively Capitalizing on Outcomes of Research andDevelopment◦ Establishing a whole-of-government mechanism to match research and development needs
based on the views of MOD with the technological seeds possessed by relevant ministries
and agencies.
◦Promoting the Key and Advanced Technology R&D through Cross Community
Collaboration Program.

8

National Security Strategy of Japanv) Strengthening Intelligence Capabilities◦ Significantly enhancing our information-gathering capabilities. In particular, enhancing
and strengthening the structure for collecting with regard to human intelligence.
◦ Establishing a mechanism to aggregate information in an integrated manner.
◦ Establishing a new structure to aggregate and analyze information on disinformation fromthe perspective of bolstering the ability to respond to information warfare in the cognitive
domain.
vi) Reinforcing Response Capabilities within Japan with Contingencies in Mind

◦ Establishing a cross-governmental mechanism to develop and enhance the functions ofpublic infrastructures based on the needs of SDF and JCG.
◦ Ensuring smooth activities of SDF and U.S. forces.
◦ Taking measures to secure critical infrastructures such as nuclear power plants.
vii) Reinforcing Architecture for the Protection of Japanese Nationalsviii) Protecting of Japanese Nationals and Others Overseaix) Secure Resources Essential for Japan’s National Security including Energy and Food

(5) Promoting Economic Security Policies to Achieve Autonomous Economic Prosperity◦ Enhancing Japan’s self-reliance and secure the advantage and indispensability concerning
our technologies.
◦ Securing stable supply for critical goods including rare earth.
◦ Examining to bolster Japan’s information security, including security clearance.

(6) Maintain and Strengthen International Economic Order based on Free, Fair, andEquitable Rules◦ Enhancing Japan’s own measures to counter against unfair trade practices and economic
coercion.
◦ Maintaining the high standards of CPTPP.
◦ Carrying out development finance in a transparent and fair manner.

(7) Global Efforts for Coexistence and Coprosperity in the International Community◦ Strengthening cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations.
◦ Expanding cooperation in the areas such as measures against infectious diseases, humanitarianassistance, respect for human rights and international peace cooperation.

VII omestic Base that should be Strengthened toD
Support Japan’s National Security
1. Strengthening the Economic and Fiscal Bases
2. Reinforcing the Social Base
3. Enhancing the Intellectual Base

9

VIII

Duration, Evaluation, and Revision of this Strategy◦ The Strategy will be executed approximately over the coming decade. Should Japan expect
any significant changes including in the security environments, it will make necessary
revision.

IX

Conclusion◦ Japan will ensure its security on the basis of comprehensive national power in areas
where the international community is in confrontation. In areas where the international
community should engage in cooperation, by contrast, we will continue to fulfill a leading
and constructive role in resolving a broad array of issues.
◦ Japan’s action in this way worldwide will further enhance its presence and credibility inthe international arena and expand the circle of like-minded countries and others, thereby
leading to improve the security environment surrounding Japan.
◦ Even standing at this crossroads between a world of hope and a world of adversity anddistrust amidst the most severe and complex post-war security environment, Japan, blessedwith a stable democracy, the established rule of law, a mature economy, and rich culture,
will advocate policies grounded in universal values and then lead the way in undertaking
efforts to reinforce the international order with steadfast resolve.

10National Security Strategy of Japan

December 16, 2022
Decided by the National Security Council and Approved by the Cabinet Decision

I
PurposeThe international community is facing changes
defining an era. We are reminded once again that
globalization and interdependence alone cannot
serve as a guarantor for peace and development
across the globe. The free, open, and stableinternational order, which expanded worldwide
in the post-Cold War era, is now at stake withserious challenges amidst historical changes in
power balances and intensifying geopoliticalcompetitions. Meanwhile, a host of issues suchas climate change and infectious disease crises
are emerging, requiring cross-border cooperation
among nations. Today, we are in an era whereconfrontation and cooperation are intricatelyintertwined in international relations.

almost a century, humanity has invested itself in
defining a fundamental international principleof the general prohibition of the use of force.
Yet, a permanent member of the United Nations
Security Council (hereinafter referred to as the“UN Security Council”), which has the primary
responsibility of maintaining international peaceand security, has overtly trampled on this very
principle. This is coupled with ongoing unilateralchanges to the status quo and such attempts at
sea. In addition, some states, not sharing universal
values, are exploiting unique approaches to rapidly
develop their economies and science technologies,
and then, in some areas, are gaining superiorities
over those states that have defended academic
freedom and market-economy principles. Thesemoves challenge the existing international order,
thereby intensifying geopolitical competitionsin international relations. In the face of that,many developing and other nations are striving
to avoid embroiling themselves in geopoliticalcompetitions. We are even observing that somestates are now following the lead of those notsharing universal values.
At a time when geopolitical competition isintensifying, issues are arising elsewhere in theworld which call for global cooperation at large.
We live in an era where there is a greater imperative
than ever before for the international community
to rally together in cooperation beyond differencesin values, conflicts of interest, and others for thesake of taking on those global challenges thattranscend national borders and put the very
existence of humankind at risk such as climatechange and infectious disease crises.

To date, advanced democratic countries,
including Japan, have devoted themselves toupholding universal values such as freedom,democracy, respect for fundamental human rights,
and the rule of law, and to spearheading the effort
to shape the international society of coexistence
and coprosperity. Numerous countries around theworld, including developing countries, have also
enjoyed the fruits of international peace, stability,and economic development in this globalized
world rooted in such order.
At the same time, however, dissatisfaction
stemming from widening economic disparities
and other factors are generating renewed feelingsof tensions at the domestic level and even in interstate relations. Guided by their own historicalviews and values, some nations, not sharing
universal values, are making attempts to revise
the existing international order. In the course of12

National Security Strategy of Japan

Turning our eyes to the neighboring region,
Japan’s security environment is as severe andcomplex as it has ever been since the end of WorldWar II. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has
easily breached the very foundation of the rulesthat shape the international order. The possibility
cannot be precluded that a similar serious situation
may arise in the future in the Indo-Pacific region,
especially in East Asia. Across the globe, historicalchanges in power balances, particularly in the
Indo-Pacific region, are occurring. In addition, inthe vicinity of Japan, military buildups, includingof nuclear weapons and missiles, are rapidly
advancing, coupled with mounting pressuresby unilaterally changing the status quo by force.
Moreover, grey zone situations over territories,
cross-border cyberattacks on critical civilian
infrastructures, and information warfare throughspread of disinformation, are constantly taking
place, thereby further blurring the boundary
between contingency and peacetime. Furthermore,
the scope of national security has expanded toinclude those fields previously considered nonmilitary such as economic, technological andothers, and thus the boundary between militaryand non-military fields is no longer clear-cut
either.
Japan also faces difficult domestic challenges
such as a declining and aging population witha low fertility rate and a severe fiscal condition.
With a view to resolving these challenging
economic and social agendas at home and tobringing about economic growth, Japan mustensure an international environment that is
conducive to facilitating cross-border economic
and social activities such as trade of goods, energy,
and food which are essential for industries, and the
movement of people.
We live in the world of a historical inflection
point and in the face of the most severe andcomplex security environment since the end of
WWII. Against this backdrop, Japan must protect
its own national interests, including the peace,security and prosperity of Japan, the safety of its
people, and the coexistence and coprosperity of theinternational community by steadfastly preparing
for the worst-case scenario, including fundamental
reinforcement of its defense capabilities. To thisend, we will strive to proactively foster a desirable
security environment for Japan by carrying out
vigorous diplomacy. In addition, possessing
defense capabilities, which enable Japan to firmly
defend itself on its own, will indeed bolster thesolid footing of Japan’s diplomacy.
To achieve these objectives, Japan needs astrategy that integrates its national responses at
a higher level by taking a panoramic view of thediverse dimensions of international relations as awhole, where confrontation and cooperation are
intricately intertwined, including geopoliticalcompetition and responses to global-scalechallenges, and then by taking full advantage
of comprehensive national power, including
diplomatic, defense, economic, technological, andintelligence capabilities. From this standpoint,
the Government of Japan hereby sets forth the
National Security Strategy as its supreme national
security policy document. The Strategy provides
strategic guidance for Japan’s national security
policy areas, including diplomacy, defense,
economic security, technology, cyber, maritime,
space, intelligence, official development assistance(ODA), and energy.
Japan’s first-ever National Security Strategy(decided by the National Security Council andapproved by the Cabinet Decision on December
17, 2013) was formulated in 2013. Guided by thepolicy of Proactive Contribution to Peace basedon the principle of the international cooperation,
the Legislation for Peace and Security wasenacted. By so doing, the Government has put
arrangements in place where Japan can seamlessly
respond to situations concerning security. Whilemaintaining the fundamental principles of theJapanese national security, grounded in thesearrangements, the strategic guidance and policies
under this Strategy will dramatically transform
Japan’s national security policy after the end of
WWII from the aspect of its execution.
Meanwhile, the exercise of power as a nation
begins with the determination of its people. In
order to steadily execute the Strategy, which
encompasses a broad range of fields beyond
the traditional boundaries of diplomacy anddefense, it is essential for the Government togain the understanding and cooperation of its
13

people regarding the content and execution of theStrategy and to foster an environment in which
they can voluntarily and proactively participate inJapan’s security policy.
The Strategy consists of the following:
The Strategy first outlines Japan’s national
interests, which should serve as the starting point
in defining a national security strategy. Then,based on these national interests, the Strategy laysout basic principles concerning Japan’s national
security that have been nurtured over the courseof the postwar security history and experiences
as well as by the choices of the Japanese people.
Additionally, it presents the current security
environment surrounding Japan and its security
challenges. On this basis, it sets out national
security objectives that Japan should achieve,
and identifies ways and means, namely throughstrategic approaches, by which it can deliver on
the objectives through capitalizing on the Japanesecomprehensive national power. Then, the Strategy
puts forward various foundations of Japan, whichsustain the execution of the strategic approaches.

14

National Security Strategy of Japan

II
Japan’s National Interests

Japan’s national interests to be preserved anddeveloped are listed below:
1. 
Japan will maintain its sovereignty andindependence, defend its territorial integrity,and secure the safety of life, person, andproperties of its nationals. Japan will ensure its
survival while maintaining its own peace andsecurity grounded in freedom and democracy
and preserving its rich culture and traditions.
Furthermore, Japan and its nationals willcontinue to strive so that Japan and its
nationals are respected and favorably regarded
around the world.
2. Japan will achieve the prosperity of Japanand its nationals through economic growth,

thereby consolidating its own peace andsecurity. And, while working to realize Japan’s
economic prosperity, Japan will maintain andstrengthen an open and stable international
economic order and achieve an international
environment in which Japan and othercountries can coexist and prosper together.
3. Japan will maintain and protect universal
values, such as freedom, democracy, respect for
fundamental human rights and the rule of law,and international order based on internationallaw. In particular, Japan will maintain anddevelop a free and open international order,
especially in the Indo-Pacific region where
Japan is situated.

15

III
Fundamental Principles
Concerning Japan’s
National Security

As a prerequisite for the execution of Japan’snational security policy in pursuit of protecting
its national interests, the following are thefundamental principles concerning Japan’snational security.
1.   Japan will maintain the policy of “Proactive
Contribution to Peace” based on international
cooperation. In order to further embody thisprinciple in the international community
and to protect our own national interests inthe time ahead, and based on the recognition
that the primary responsibility for defending
Japan lies with itself, Japan will squarely facethe ever-changing security environment bydecisively taking on necessary reforms andreinforcing our national security capabilities
and roles.
2.   Japan will execute its security policy in amanner that maintains and upholds universal
values such as freedom, democracy, respect
for fundamental human rights, and the ruleof law. As one of the most mature and stableadvanced democratic countries in the world,even amidst a complex and severe security
environment, Japan will strive to maintainand uphold universal values and principles incooperation with other countries, and lead theinternational community by example.
3.   As a peace-loving nation, Japan will adhere to
the basic policy of maintaining an exclusively
national defense-oriented policy, notbecoming a military power that poses a threat
to other countries, and observing the Three
Non-Nuclear Principles.
4.   The Japan-U.S. Alliance, including theprovision of extended deterrence, will remain
the cornerstone of Japan’s national security
policy.
5.   Japan will attach importance to coexistence
and coprosperity alongside other countries,
cooperation with like-minded countries, andmultilateral cooperation.

16

National Security Strategy of JapanIV
Security Environment
Surrounding Japan andJapan’s National Security
Challenges

In defining its national security objectives, thesecurity environment surrounding Japan and its
national security challenges are listed below.

the international community and to maintainand develop a free and open international
order. The United Nations, which should
embody the will of the international
community at large, has experienced a roundof confrontation and thus has not fully lived
up to fulfilling its functions. This is largely due
to the fact that nations, not sharing universal
values, or political and economic systems basedon such values in common, are expanding
their influences, thereby manifesting risks
around the globe. Specifically, some states,
which do not exclude the policy of increasing
their own national interests at the expense ofothers, are expanding their influence throughboth military and non-military means,
attempting to unilaterally change the statusquo, and accelerating actions to challenge theinternational order. Such moves have sharpened
competition and confrontation among statesin wide-ranging areas, including military,
diplomatic, economic, and technologicalfields, and have shaken the foundation of theinternational order. As a result, the current
international security environment has
become complex and severe, one where inter-

1. 
Global Security Environment andChallenges(1) Since the formation of the previous National
Security Strategy in 2013, the international
community has consistently gone throughrapid changes, in conjunction with the centerof gravity of global power shifting to the
Indo-Pacific region, where Japan is situated.
These changes are likely to carry on over the
medium-to-long term and to have historicalconsequences that will transform the nature of
the international community.
(2) M any opportunities and benefits are presented
worldwide such as economic development,
technological innovation, people-to-people
exchanges, and the creation of new cultures.
At the same time, however, it is becoming
increasingly difficult for the United States,
Japan’s ally with the world’s greatest
comprehensive power, and internationalframeworks such as the G7 to manage risks in17

state relations and interests of each and every
nation are intertwined with each other in a
mosaic-like manner.
(3) Th e following are prominent examples of
the complexity and severity of the current
international security environment.
(i) Unilateral changes to the status quo by force
and such attempts against the territorial
sovereignty and others of other nations aretaking place, combined with military andnon-military means. In particular, Russia’s
aggression against Ukraine constitutes
a serious violation of international law
prohibiting the use of force, and shakes thevery foundation of the international order.
(ii) In cyber, maritime, space, and electromagnetic
domains, and other areas, the risks that impede
free access to and utilization of these areas are
becoming increasingly serious. In particular,
the threat of cyberattacks, in which the risk of
exposure is relatively low and attackers havean advantage, is growing rapidly. Cyberattacks
have been used constantly to disable ordestroy critical infrastructures, interfere inforeign elections, demand ransoms, andsteal sensitive information, even in the formof state-sponsored cyberattacks. It is highly
likely that hybrid warfare, combining militaryand non-military means to achieve military
objectives such as information warfare which
utilizes the spread of disinformation prior toan armed attack, will be conducted in an evenmore sophisticated form in the time ahead.
(iii) Addressing those issues not necessarily
deemed as security targets in the past,
such as supply chain vulnerabilities,
increasing threats to critical infrastructures,and leadership struggles over advanced
technologies, has also become a major
security challenge. As a result, the scopeof security has expanded to include theeconomic sector, making economic measureseven more necessary to ensure security.
(iv) 
In the field of international trade andeconomic cooperation, which in principle
should be mutually beneficial, some nations
are trying to expand their own influence by
economically coercing other nations throughsuch means as restricting the exports ofmineral resources, food, and industrial andmedical supplies, as well as providing loans
to other nations in a manner that ignores
their debt sustainability.
(v) As major nations increase competitionin advanced technology research and theuse of its outcomes for security and otherpurposes, some nations are illegally stealing
information related to advanced technologies
developed by private companies, universities,
and other organizations in other countries
and using it for their own military purposes.
(vi) 
Due to the changing power balances anddiversifying values around the world,
strong leadership is being lost in the global
governance structure at large. As a result,the international community is presented
with greater difficulties to rally together
in taking on common challenges such as
climate change, free trade, arms control,
disarmament, non-proliferation, terrorism,
global health including measures against
infectious diseases, and food and energy
issues. In addition, vulnerable countries in the
Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific Islands
are disproportionally suffering large damages
from extreme weather and reduction of landarea due to climate change, the global spreadof infectious diseases, and shortages of foodand energy.

2. 
Security
Challenges
RegionEnvironment
andin the Indo-Pacific

The global security environment and challenges
articulated above are particularly prominent in the
Indo-Pacific region, where Japan is situated, andits severity may be on the rise in the future. In thisregard, the security environment and challenges
in the Indo-Pacific region, including notable
trends of countries and regions in particular, areas follows.

(1) Overview of Security in the Indo-PacificRegionThe Indo-Pacific region is the core of global

18

National Security Strategy of Japanvitality, home to more than half of the world’s
population. The dynamism of the intersectionof the Pacific and the Indian Oceans is a growthengine for the global economy. Japan, situated inthis region, is well positioned to benefit from this.
At the same time, the Indo-Pacific region facesa host of security challenges. For example, several
nations and regions that possess large militaryforces, including nuclear weapons, do not share
universal values, nor political and economic
systems based on such universal values. Thereexists a complex intertwining of diplomatic andother relations based on historical backgrounds.
In addition, Japan faces threats and challenges ofvarious types and intensities, such as unilateralchanges to the status quo and such attempts in the
East and South China Seas and other areas, piracy,
terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, and natural disasters.
Guided by the vision of a Free and Open IndoPacific (hereinafter referred to as “FOIP”), in the
Indo-Pacific region, Japan has the vital importanceof striving to realize a free and open international
order based on the rule of law and securing
regional peace and stability in cooperation with its
ally, like-minded countries and others.

and other areas as well. Furthermore, China isstrengthening its strategic ties with Russia andattempting to challenge the international order.
The international community strongly urges
China, the second largest economy in the world
and one of the major countries leading today’s
global economy, to make further efforts toaddress global issues, including climate change,
in a manner befitting its international influence.
Yet, China does not participate in internationalframeworks in which other major official creditor
nations take part in together, and its development
finance and other related activities lack adequatetransparency. In addition, China is redoublingits strategic efforts to establish its security in theeconomic field, and there have been instancesof China taking advantage of other countries’
dependence on China to exert economic pressureon other countries.
While maintaining its policy of peacefulreunification of Taiwan, China has not denied
the possibility of using military force. In addition,
China has been intensifying its military activities
in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan,
including the launch of ballistic missiles into
the waters around Japan. Regarding peace andstability across the Taiwan Strait, concerns aremounting rapidly, not only in the Indo-Pacificregion including Japan, but also in the entire
international community.
It is expected that China contributes, together
with Japan, to the peace and stability of theinternational community including the IndoPacific region, through building constructive
relations with the international community via
communications at various levels including at thesummit level as well as repeating dialogue andcooperation with the international community,
including Japan.
However, China’s current external stance,
military activities, and other activities havebecome a matter of serious concern for Japanand the international community, and present anunprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge
in ensuring the peace and security of Japan and thepeace and stability of the international community,
as well as in strengthening the international order
based on the rule of law, to which Japan should(2) China’s Activities in the Area of Security

China has set clear goals to achieve “the great
rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” the fullcompletion of “building China into a great
modern socialist country” by the middle of thiscentury, and the prompt buildup of the People’s
Liberation Army to be elevated to “world-classstandards.” Under these national goals, China
has been increasing its defense expenditures at
a continuously high level and extensively andrapidly enhancing its military power, including its
nuclear and missile capabilities, without sufficienttransparency.
In addition, China has intensified its attempts
to unilaterally change the status quo by force inthe maritime and air domains including in the
East and South China Seas, such as its intrusions
into the territorial waters and airspace around the
Senkaku Islands, and has expanded and intensified
its military activities that affect Japan’s national
security in the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean,19respond with its comprehensive national power
and in cooperation with its ally, like-mindedcountries and others.

other actions clearly demonstrate that it does
not hesitate to resort to military forces to achieve
its own security objectives. In addition, Russia
continues to repeat words and actions that could
be interpreted as threats to use of nuclear weapons.
Russia is accelerating its military activities in thevicinity of Japan. Russia is also strengthening its
armaments in the Northern Territories, which isan inherent territory of Japan. This is presumably
due to the background that the Sea of Okhotsk
plays as an area of activity for strategic nuclear
submarines, an important part in Russia’s strategic
nuclear forces.
Furthermore, Russia has been doubling down
on strategic coordination with China. In particular,
in recent years, these two countries have ramped
up their military coordination by continuing toconduct joint exercises and drills, such as joint
navigation by their naval vessels and joint flightsof their bombers in the vicinity of Japan.
By its recent aggression against Ukraine andothers, Russia’s external and military activities
and others have shaken the very foundation of
the international order, and are perceived as themost significant and direct threat to security inthe European region. In addition, Russia’s external
and military activities and others in the IndoPacific region, including Japan, together with its
strategic coordination with China, are of strong
security concern.

(3) North Korea’s Activities in the Area of
SecurityIn the Korean Peninsula, the large-scale militaryforces of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and North
Korea are in confrontation with one another.
North Korea has not carried out the dismantlementof all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic
missiles of all ranges in a complete, verifiable andirreversible manner, in accordance with a series of
relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Whilefacing serious economic difficulties without any
improvement in its human rights situation todate, North Korea continues to heavily allocate its
resources to military affairs.
In recent years, North Korea has repeatedly
launched ballistic missiles with an unprecedented
frequency and in new ways, rapidly enhancing its
capabilities. In particular, North Korea is making
rapid progress in its missile-related technologies
and operational capabilities, exemplified by its
launching of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile(ICBM)-class ballistic missiles with a range
covering the U.S. mainland, launching missiles in
new ways including missiles flying with irregular
trajectories, and launching missiles from various
platforms such as Transporter-Erector-Launcher(TEL), submarines, and trains.
Furthermore, North Korea intends to bolster its
nuclear capabilities both in quality and in quantity
at the maximum speed. When considered together
with its rapid development of missile-related
technologies, North Korea’s military activities posean even more grave and imminent threat to Japan’snational security than ever before.
The issue of abductions by North Korea is a
critical issue concerning the sovereignty of Japanand the lives and safety of Japanese citizens. It is anurgent issue for the Government to resolve under
its responsibility. It is also a universal issue for theinternational community to take on as a violationof basic human rights.

(4) Russia’s Activities in the Area of Security

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its
20

National Security Strategy of JapanV
National Security Objectivesof Japan

The following are the national security objectivesof Japan to ensure its national interests in theface of the above-mentioned national security
challenges. These objectives are grounded in thefundamental principles of Japan’s national security
as outlined in III.
1. Japan will continue to be a nation capable ofprotecting its sovereignty and independence,autonomously determining its domestic andforeign policies, and defending its territory
and the safety of life, person, and theproperties of its nationals. To this end, Japan
will reinforce its own capabilities and roles,
and together with its ally, the United States,
and like-minded countries and others, deter
contingencies and attempts to unilaterally
change the status quo in Japan and its vicinity.
If by any chance a threat should reach Japan,
Japan will disrupt and defeat the threat andminimize the damage caused, and bring it toan end in a manner favorable to protecting its
national interests.
2. Japan will proactively ensure, through executing
its security policy, an international environment
in which its own economy can grow. By doingso, Japan will work to achieve a virtuous cycleof security and economic growth, in which
economic growth promotes the improvementof the security environment surrounding
Japan. Concurrently, Japan will ensure the selfreliance of its economic structure, as well as
advantages over other countries and ultimately
the indispensability of its technologies.
3. As a major global actor, Japan will join together
with its ally, like-minded countries and others
to achieve a new balance in international
relations, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
In so doing, Japan will prevent the emergenceof situations in which any one state canunilaterally change the status quo easily, andredouble efforts to secure a stable, predictable,
free and open international order based on therule of law.
4. Japan will work on multilateral cooperationin the fields of international economy, response
to global issues such as climate change andinfectious diseases, and the formation ofinternational rules and regulations, andthen generate an environment in which theinternational community can coexist andcoprosper.

21

VI
Strategic Approaches Prioritizedby JapanJapan will implement strategic approaches toachieve its national security objectives, harnessing
its comprehensive national power as an integrated
and efficient means.

reality of the world, this function cannot be
replaced by any other means. By means ofdefense capabilities, Japan will deter threats
from reaching it, and if threats are indeed
posed to Japan, it will disrupt and defeat them.
In addition, fundamentally reinforced defense
capabilities will bolster the solid footing of our
diplomacy for proactively fostering a desirable
security environment for Japan.
(3) Th ird is economic capabilities. Economic
capabilities are the foundation of policies
to achieve a peaceful and stable security
environment. As the world’s third largest
economy and a major player in shouldering an
open and stable international economic order,
Japan will undertake free and fair trade andinvestment activities. In addition, Japan will
provide high value-added goods and services
that are indispensable to the global supply
chain to accomplish its economic growth.
(4) F ourth is technological capabilities. The
creation of science, technology, and innovationis the source of Japan’s own economic and social
development. In addition, the appropriate useof technological capabilities plays a crucialrole in improving Japan’s national security
environment and is also indispensable inaddressing global issues such as climate change.
Japan will actively capitalize on its advanced
technological capabilities, developed over theyears in the public and private sectors in thefield of national security, without being bound1. Main Elements of Comprehensive
National Power for Japan’s National
Security(1) F irst is diplomatic capabilities. The basisof national security is to proactively createa peaceful, stable, and highly predictableinternational environment based on therule of law and to prevent the emergence of
threats. Over the years, Japan has devoted
itself to diplomatic undertakings andinternational cooperation to promote peace,stability, and prosperity worldwide. Rooted
in these traditions and experiences, andguided by significantly enhanced diplomatic
implementation architecture, Japan willcontinue to nurture relations of trust withmany countries, engage in diplomaticefforts to gain understanding and support
for its country’s position, and carry forward
international cooperation with the aim ofpursuing coexistence and coprosperity withother countries.
(2) S econd is defense capabilities. These capabilities
are the last guarantee of Japan’s national security
and embody the will and ability to resolutely
defend our nation. In light of the current
22National Security Strategy of Japanby its conventional way of thinking.
(5) F ifth is intelligence capabilities. In a rapidly
and complexly changing security environment,
the collection and analysis of high-quality
and timely information is essential for theGovernment to make accurate decisions. To
this end, under close cooperation between
the policy and intelligence departments, andthrough comprehensive analyses utilizing allmeans of collection and sources of information
possessed by the Government, information on
national security should be obtained as early
and accurately as possible, and shared andutilized within and outside the Government.
In addition, the Government and the private
sector will work on information security toprevent leakage of critical information on its
national security.

will further promote efforts to realize a FOIP
by deepening cooperation with like-mindedcountries through the Japan-U.S. Alliance as acornerstone and through efforts such as the JapanU.S.-Australia-India (Quad) partnership. To thisend, Japan will strive to make the vision of a FOIP
more universal around the world, create rules toexpand the free and fair economic zone, improveconnectivity, empower governance of countries
and international organizations, and expand
efforts to ensure maritime security.
Japan will also further enhance diplomatic
engagement with developing countries, which
are economically growing and becoming more
influential in the international arena. By doing so,
Japan, together with as many countries as possible,
will strengthen a free and open international order
based on the rule of law.
Furthermore, Japan will build a multilayered
network among its ally and like-minded countries,
expand it, and strengthen deterrence. Thus, while
utilizing frameworks such as the Japan-U.S.-ROK,
and Japan-U.S.-Australia, Japan will enhance
security cooperation with Australia, India, theROK, European countries, ASEAN countries,
Canada, NATO, EU, and others. Specifically,
Japan will promote enhanced engagement withlike-minded countries and others in the IndoPacific region through bilateral and multilateraldialogues, bilateral training and exercises,
conclusions of information protection agreements,
Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement(ACSA), Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA),
joint development of defense equipment, transfer
of defense equipment and technology, capacity
building support, strategic communication, andFlexible Deterrent Options (FDO).
(iii) Strengthen Diplomacy with Japan’s
Neighboring Countries and Regions
as well as Efforts toward Resolution of
Various Issues of Concern, including
Territorial Issues
Both Japan and China have important
responsibilities for the peace and prosperity of theregion and the international community. Japan
will build a “constructive and stable relationship”
with China through communication at various
levels, in which Japan asserts its position and calls

2. 
Strategic Approaches and Major
Ways and Means(1) Develop Efforts Centered on Diplomacy
to Prevent Crises, Proactively Createa Peaceful and Stable International
Environment, and Strengthen a Free
and Open International Order(i) Strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance
The Japan-U.S. Alliance, with the JapanU.S. security arrangements at its core, plays an
indispensable role not only for the security ofJapan but also for the realization of peace andstability in the international community, includingin the Indo-Pacific region. In particular, for the
U.S. commitment to the region to be maintained
and strengthened, deepened cooperation between
Japan and the U.S. at a concrete level in the IndoPacific region is of vital importance. Bearing these
considerations in mind, Japan, while ensuring thebilateral coordination at its strategic levels, will
work in coordination with the United States tostrengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance in all areas,
including diplomacy, defense, and economy.
(ii) Maintain and Develop a Free and OpenInternational Order and Strengthen Ties
with its Ally, Like-minded Countries andOthersAs a nation in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan
23

for responsible actions, while continuing dialogue
including on issues of concern and cooperation onmatters of common interests. This is essential forpeace and stability in the international community,
including in the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan will strongly oppose China’s growing
attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by
force, demand it to not conduct such activities,
and respond in a calm and resolute manner.
Additionally, with regard to China’s rapid
strengthening of its military capabilities andexpansion of military activities, Japan will strongly
encourage China to improve transparency and tocooperate constructively with international efforts
for arms control, disarmament and other such
efforts, in cooperation with its ally, like-mindedcountries and others. Furthermore, in order tonurture a relationship of trust, Japan will enhancecommunication with China in the security field.
Japan will also promote efforts, including theestablishment of a framework for avoiding andpreventing the occurrence of unforeseen situations
with China.
At the same time, based on the recognition
that it is possible to cooperate with China in thefields of economy and people-to-people exchange
in a mutually beneficial way, Japan will develop
appropriate economic relations in a manner that
contributes to Japan’s economic development andeconomic security, and revitalize people to people
exchanges with China. In addition, in cooperation
with its ally and like-minded countries as well aswith international organizations and others, Japan
will cooperate with China in areas that need tobe tackled together such as global issues, while
encouraging China to comply with internationalrules and standards, increase its own transparency
and predictability, and play a responsible
and constructive role commensurate with its
international influence.
Japan’s relationship with Taiwan has been
maintained as a non-governmental working
relationship based on the Japan-China Joint
Communique in 1972. Japan’s basic position
regarding Taiwan remains unchanged. Taiwan is anextremely important partner and a precious friendof Japan, with whom Japan shares fundamental
values, including democracy, and has close

economic and personal ties. Peace and stability
across the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element
for the security and prosperity of the international
community, and Japan will continue to makevarious efforts based on its position that the crossstrait issues are expected to be resolved peacefully.
The ROK is a highly important neighboring
country to Japan both in a geopolitical context
and in regard to Japan’s security. With the response
to North Korea and other issues in mind, Japan
will enhance Japan-ROK and Japan-U.S.-ROK
strategic coordination, including in the area of
security. To this end, Japan will communicate
closely with the ROK in order to develop JapanROK relations based on the foundation of thefriendly and cooperative relations that havedeveloped since the normalization of diplomatic
relations in 1965. Japan will also appropriately
address issues of concern between the two nations,based on its consistent positions. With regard
to the issue over the sovereignty of Takeshima,
which is an inherent territory of Japan, Japan will
make persevering diplomatic efforts, based on
the principle of peaceful resolution of conflicts inaccordance with international law, and responding
firmly based on the consistent position of Japan.
With regard to North Korea’s nuclear andmissile development, Japan will urge North Korea
to take concrete actions toward its complete
denuclearization, based on the Joint Statementof the Six-Party Talks and relevant UN Security
Council resolutions through strengthening
regional deterrence, fully implementing sanctions
against North Korea, including those based on
UN Security Council resolutions, and pursuing
diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the
U.S. and the ROK. Concerning Japan-North
Korea relations, Japan will endeavor to achieve acomprehensive resolution of outstanding issuesof concern, such as the abductions, nuclear andmissile issues, in accordance with the JapanDPRK Pyongyang Declaration. In particular, it is
the basic recognition of Japan that normalizationof relations with North Korea will not be possible
without resolving the abductions issue, a serious
humanitarian issue with a time constraint. Japan
will make every effort to ensure the safety of all
abductees and realize their immediate return at
24

National Security Strategy of Japanthe earliest possible date, investigate the truth
regarding the abductions, and transfer those who
executed the abductions.
With regard to the relations with Russia, Japan
will respond in a manner that protects its own
national interests in light of the severe security
environment in the Indo-Pacific region. In
addition, Japan will prevent Russia from taking
actions that undermine the peace, stability, andprosperity of the international community, while
cooperating with its ally and like-minded countries
and others. As for the Northern Territories issue,
which is the greatest concern regarding our
diplomacy with Russia, Japan’s basic policy ofconcluding a peace treaty through the resolutionof the territorial issue remains unchanged.
(iv) 
Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation
Japan will further strengthen its efforts in arms
control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, inorder to improve its security environment and realize
peace and stability around the world by halting
and reversing the trend of arms buildup, including
nuclear weapons, in the vicinity of Japan, and toprevent the occurrence of situations such as threatsof nuclear weapons. Specifically, Japan, as the only
country to have ever suffered atomic bombingsin war, will spearhead international efforts inrealizing a “world without nuclear weapons.”
Taking into account regional non-proliferation
issues such as North Korea and Iran, Japan will
maintain and strengthen the international nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation regime, with
the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) at
its cornerstone, and steadily promote practicaland realistic efforts while appropriately addressing
present international security challenges.
In addition, Japan will undertake nonproliferation policy with a focus on preserving andbolstering the international export control regime
to prevent the proliferation of weapons and relatedsensitive technologies, implementing appropriate
non-proliferation measures domestically, andsupporting capacity building of each country.
With regard to biological, chemical, andconventional weapons, Japan will actively engage
in multilateral efforts and rule-making, including
on the Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems(LAWS).
(v) International Counter-Terrorism
Acts of terrorism are unjustifiable regardless of
their motivation and must be firmly condemned.
Japan will take a firm position against them andtake counter-terrorism measures in coordination
with the international community. In this regard,
Japan will promote measures against international
terrorism and take thorough steps to ensure thesecurity of critical facilities for the livelihoods of
its people such as nuclear power plants in Japan.
Furthermore, Japan will build arrangements tocooperate with others such as foreign countries
and corporate enterprises, including information
sharing, to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals
and others overseas.
In addition, Japan will reinforce its mechanisms
and capabilities for collecting and analyzing
information on the international terrorism
situation.
(vi) Climate Change Measures
Climate change is a security issue that affects
the very existence of humankind. Extreme weather
events due to climate change significantly impact
Japan’s national security in various ways including
through more frequent and severer natural
disasters, increased responses to disasters, more
serious energy and food problems, a decrease innational land area, and increased use of the Arctic
sea routes.
Japan will lead the way in advancing efforts
both at home and abroad with all stakeholders,
including its ally and like-minded countries.
Specifically, Japan will embark on initiatives
toward the realization of a decarbonized society
through structural transformation of the energy
and industrial sectors, including maximizing theuse of renewable and nuclear energies, and thecreation of innovation through bold investments
in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
46% from FY 2013 in FY 2030, and realize netzero by 2050.
Japan will also stand at the forefront ingalvanizing global efforts for minimizing negative
impacts of climate change upon the international
security environment. As part of these efforts,
Japan will provide assistance to island nations andother developing countries where climate change
25

poses imminent threats so that sustainable andresilient economies and societies can be built.
(vii) Strategic Use of ODA and Other
International Cooperation
Guided by the vision of a FOIP, Japan will
strategically utilize ODA to maintain and develop
a free and open international order and to realize
coexistence and coprosperity in the international
community. Specifically, Japan will provide
assistance to strengthen connectivity throughquality infrastructure and human resource
development, maritime security, the rule of law,and economic security, thereby strengthening
relationships of trust and cooperation with
developing countries and others. Japan will
also engage with partners in the international
community at large that support the vision of aFOIP.
Also, under the concept of “human security,”
Japan will lead international efforts to solve
global issues such as poverty reduction, health,climate change, environment, and humanitarianassistance. In so doing, Japan will strengthen
its support for overseas operation of Japanesecompanies, and enhance collaboration between
ODA, and other non-ODA public funds. Japan
will also continue to strengthen coordination
with various stakeholders including internationalorganizations and NGOs.
For the purpose of deepening security
cooperation with like-minded countries, apart fromODA for the economic and social developmentof developing countries and other purposes, a
new cooperation framework for the benefit ofarmed forces and other related organizations willbe established. Japan will provide equipment andsupplies as well as assistance for the developmentof infrastructures to like-minded countries inview of strengthening their security capacities andimproving their deterrence capabilities. This ispart of the efforts to reinforce the comprehensive
defense architecture.
(viii) Promotion of People-to-People Exchanges
The promotion of mutual understanding
among people and countries is the foundation
for mitigating inter-state tensions and creating
peaceful and stable international relations. With aview to promoting understanding of Japan abroad

and fostering an international environment inwhich Japan and its people are favorably regarded,Japan will engage in people-to-people and cultural
exchanges. Specifically, Japan will promoteexchanges at various levels and in various fields,
including exchanges with government officials,
intellectuals, and cultural figures from countries
and regions around the world, student exchanges,
youth exchanges, sports exchanges, and others.
In addition, Japan will support those programs
intended to introduce the rich culture of Japanand to spread the Japanese language overseas.

(2) Strengthening
Architecture

Japan’s

Defense(i) Fundamentally
Reinforcing
DefenseCapabilities as the Last Guarantee of
National Security
Across the globe, unilateral attempts to change
the status quo by force are constantly taking
place, and military buildups in the vicinity ofJapan are rapidly expanding. The possibilities are
not precluded that serious situations shaking thefoundation of the international order, such as
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, may occur
especially in East Asia in the future. In order to
respond to this security environment, Japan will
fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities.
It is difficult to accurately predict when an
entity with powerful military capabilities will cometo have an intention to directly threaten othercountries. Therefore, Japan must pay attention to
the capabilities of such actors and develop defense
capabilities to take all possible measures to ensure
the security of Japan in peacetime. Moreover,Japan’s defense capabilities must be able to respondto new ways of warfare as a result of advances inscience and technology.
From this perspective, Japan will respond tosituations in a multi-layered way by cross domain
operational capabilities that enhance the Japan SelfDefense Forces (SDF) capabilities overall, throughthe synergy of organically integrated capabilities inspace, cyberspace, and electromagnetic domains aswell as in ground, maritime and air, and by standoff defense capabilities and other capabilities
that will enable us to respond to invading forcesfrom outside the sphere of threats. In addition
26

National Security Strategy of Japanto manned assets, by reinforcing unmanned
defense and other capabilities, Japan will establish
defense capabilities where various capabilities areintegrated. Furthermore, in order to maximize
effective use of the current defense equipment,
Japan will further enhance the effectivenessof defense capabilities by improving mobility,
securing ammunition and fuel, and hardening
major defense facilities as a top priority.
A key to deterring invasion against Japan iscounterstrike capabilities that leverage standoff defense capability and other capabilities.
In recent years, in Japan’s surroundings, there
have been dramatic advances in missile-related
technologies, including hypersonic weapons,
and practical skills for missile operations, such as
saturation attack. Missile forces in the region havesignificantly improved in both qualitative andquantitative terms, and missiles themselves havebeen repeatedly launched. Missile attacks against
Japan have become a palpable threat. Under thesecircumstances, Japan will continue its steadfast
efforts to both qualitatively and quantitatively
enhance its missile defense capabilities bycontinuing to develop technologies that bringthe ability to deal with missiles with irregular
trajectories.
Looking ahead, however, if Japan continues
to rely solely upon ballistic missile defenses, itwill become increasingly difficult to fully address
missile threats with the existing missile defense
network alone.
For this reason, we need counterstrikecapabilities: capabilities which, in the case of missile
attacks by an opponent, enable Japan to mounteffective counterstrikes against the opponent toprevent further attacks while defending against
incoming missiles by means of the missile defense
network.
Counterstrike capabilities are SDF’s capabilities
that leverage stand-off defense capability andother capabilities. In cases where armed attack
against Japan has occurred, and as part of that
attack ballistic missiles and other means havebeen used, counterstrike capabilities enable Japanto mount effective counterstrikes against the
opponent’s territory. Counterstrikes are done as aminimum necessary measure for self-defense andin accordance with the Three New Conditions for
Use of Force.
By possessing such capabilities to mounteffective counterstrikes, Japan will deter armed
attack itself. If an opponent ever launches missiles,
it will be able to prevent the opponent’s further
armed attacks by counterstrike capabilities, while
protecting itself against incoming missiles by the
missile defense network, thereby defending the
lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese nationals.
Counterstrike capabilities are the capabilities
on which the Government expressed its view on
February 29, 1956, which stated that, under theConstitution, “as long as it is deemed that there areno other means to defend against attack by guided
missiles and others, to hit the bases of those guided
missiles and others is legally within the purview ofself-defense and thus permissible.” These are also
capabilities that the Government has chosen not
to acquire up to now as a matter of policy decision.
This Government view squarely applies tomeasures for self-defense taken under the Three
New Conditions for Use of Force, presented in the2015 Legislation for Peace and Security, and thecapabilities that Japan has now decided to acquire
can be used when the above-mentioned Three
Conditions are met in compliance with this view.
Counterstrike capabilities fall within thepurview of Japan’s Constitution and international
law; they do not change Japan’s exclusively defenseoriented policy; and, they will be used only when
the above-mentioned Three New Conditions
are fulfilled. Needless to say, preemptive strikes,
namely striking first at a stage when no armed
attack has occurred, remain impermissible.
While the basic division of roles between Japanand the United States will remain unchanged, asJapan will now possess counterstrike capabilities,
the two nations will cooperate in counterstrikes
just as they do in defending against ballistic
missiles and others.
Furthermore, Japan will consistently strengthen
coordination and cooperation between the SDF
and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), including
control over the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) by the
Minister of Defense in the event of a contingency.
Flexible Deterrent Options (FDO) utilizing
SDF assets in the form of cross-governmental
27

coordination will also be implemented.
In light of Japan’s current security environment,
Japan will need to promptly realize the fundamental
reinforcement of its defense capabilities.
Specifically, by FY 2027, five years after theformulation of the Strategy, Japan will strengthen
its defense capabilities to the point at which Japanis able to take the primary responsibility for dealing
with invasions against its nation, and disrupt anddefeat such threats while gaining the support ofits ally and others. Furthermore, by approximately
ten years from now, Japan will reinforce its defense
capabilities to the point at which it will be possible
to disrupt and defeat invasions against its nationmuch earlier and at a further distance. In addition,
as a top priority in five years from now, Japan will
maximize effective use of its current equipment,
while strengthening its core capabilities for the
future of the SDF.
The above measures related to the developmentof the SDF architecture and defense policies willentail unprecedented undertakings in terms ofsize and content. The fundamental reinforcementof defense capabilities will not be achieved by atemporary increase in spending, but rather, theGovernment will be required to maintain a certain
level of expenditure. Hence, these policies will bedelivered in accordance with the National Defense
Strategy and the Defense Program based on thisNational Security Strategy. Japan will also need totake appropriate measures for securing stable fiscal
resources.
In FY 2027, as per its own judgement, Japan willtake the necessary measures to make the level of its
budget, for both the fundamental reinforcement ofdefense capabilities and complementary initiatives,
reach 2% of the current GDP, through building on
the contents of necessary defense capabilities, andby taking into account indexes of international
comparison, with a view to coordination with its
ally, like-minded countries and others.
(ii) 
Coordinating
withReinforced
Comprehensive Defense Architecture
The core effort in addressing Japan’s defense
challenges will be to fundamentally reinforce its
defense capabilities. However, because of wideranging security targets and fields, Japan will
utilize not only its defense capabilities but also

its comprehensive national power, including
diplomatic and economic capabilities, to defend
itself. With this in mind, Japan will reinforce its
comprehensive defense architecture by promoting
efforts in four areas that complement and are
inseparable from the fundamental reinforcementof defense capabilities under the frameworksof relevant ministries and agencies, namely
research and development, public infrastructuredevelopment, cyber security, and international
cooperation, to enhance deterrence capabilities ofJapan and like-minded countries.
In addition to this, Japan will promote
cooperation with organizations inside andoutside the Government, including local publicauthorities, to develop its defense architecture asa whole.
(iii) Reinforcing Defense Production andTechnology Base as Defense Capabilities
Themselves
Japan’s defense production and technology
base is an indispensable foundation for ensuring
stable research and development, production,and procurement of defense equipment in Japan.
Therefore, Japan will advance defense production
and technology bases because they are characterized
as defense capabilities themselves. Specifically, inorder to build a strong and sustainable defense
industry, Japan will promote various initiatives,
including making business projects more attractive
and actively leveraging the outcomes of advanced
technological research in the public and private
sectors for research and development of defense
equipment. Japan will also reinforce the system
for research and development of new defense
equipment and take other measures.
(iv) Promoting Transfer of Defense Equipment
and Technology
Transfer of defense equipment and technology
overseas is a key policy instrument to ensure peaceand stability, especially in the Indo-Pacific region,
to deter unilateral changes to the status quo by
force, to create a desirable security environment
for Japan, and to provide assistance to countries
that are subject to aggression in violation ofinternational law, use of force, or threat of force.
From this perspective, the Three Principles on
Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology,28

National Security Strategy of Japan

its Implementation Guidelines, and other systems
are to be considered for revisions in order topromote smooth transfer of defense equipment
and technology of high security significance andinternational joint development in a broad array offields. In doing so, the necessity, requirements, andtransparency of the related procedures for transfer
of defense equipment and technology will be
under adequate consideration, while maintaining
the three principles themselves.
In addition, Japan will carry forward with thetransfer of defense equipment and technology inthe joint public and private efforts by implementing
measures including providing various forms ofassistance to smoothly promote such transfers.
(v) Strengthening the Foundation for SDF
Personnel to Fulfill Abilities as Core of
Defense Capabilities
Japan will solidify the human resource basefor the SDF personnel, the core of its defense
capabilities, in order for the personnel to further
fulfill their abilities. To this end, Japan will work
to secure diverse and talented SDF personnel
from diverse backgrounds. On top of this, Japan
will set in place an organizational environmentof zero tolerance for harassment, and foster
an environment so that female members canplay more active roles. Japan will also improvetreatment of SDF personnel, and drive efforts tofoster an environment in which all SDF personnel
can maintain high morale and fully fulfill theirabilities.

and the use of Japan’s counterstrike capabilities,
improve interoperability, deepen cooperationin the cyber, space and other fields, advanceequipment and technological cooperation that
capitalizes on advanced technologies, carry out
more advanced and practical bilateral exercises,
conduct joint Flexible Deterrent Options (FDO),
conduct joint intelligence, surveillance andreconnaissance (ISR) operations, and increase
joint/shared use of Japanese and U.S. facilities,
while further developing coordination functionsof such framework as the Alliance Coordination
Mechanism (ACM). In doing so, Japan will
strengthen the foundations of information security
and cybersecurity so that Japan and the U.S. canfully employ their capabilities.
At the same time, while undertaking these efforts,
Japan will steadily implement the realignment of
U.S. Forces in Japan, including the relocationof the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, fromthe viewpoint of mitigating impacts on local
communities including Okinawa.

(4) Strengthening Efforts to Seamlessly
Protect Japan in All Directions

In the current security environment, theboundaries between military and non-military,
peacetime and contingency, have become
blurred. Hybrid warfare is taking place, andgray zone situations are constantly arising. Japan
will seamlessly protect its national interests bypromoting cross-governmental policies in diverse
fields, including cyber, maritime and spacedomains, technology, intelligence, and ensuring
the safety of its people at home and abroad.
(i) Improving Response Capabilities in the
Field of Cybersecurity
In order to ensure secure and stable use of
cyberspace, especially the security of the nation andcritical infrastructures, the response capabilities in
the field of cybersecurity should be strengthened
equal to or surpassing the level of leading Westerncountries.
Specifically, in order to be able to respond to
emerging cyber threats at any time, Japan will
first establish a mechanism to continuously assess
the information systems of government agencies,
to improve measures against cyber threats as(3) Deepening Security Cooperation with
the United States

Japan will fundamentally reinforce its defense
capabilities and deepen security cooperation with
the United States. By undertaking such efforts, Japan
will further strengthen the deterrence and response
capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, including
extended deterrence by the U.S. that is backed
by its full range of capabilities, including nuclear.
Particularly, based on constant examinations of
the roles, missions, and capabilities of Japan andthe U.S., for the purpose of strengthening theAlliance’s deterrence and response capabilities,
Japan will undertake efforts to coordinate bilateral
operations including cross-domain operations
29

necessary, and to constantly manage vulnerabilitiesof government agencies’ information systems. As
part of these efforts, the Government will continue
to enhance defense throughout the lifecycle ofinformation systems of government agencies,
including those used in the fields of diplomacy,
defense, and intelligence, from installation todisposal, while also promoting the development
and effective use of human resources inside andoutside the Government, by actively adopting
cutting-edge concepts and technologies related tocybersecurity at all times.
In addition, Japan will introduce active cyberdefense for eliminating in advance the possibilityof serious cyberattacks that may cause national
security concerns to the Government and criticalinfrastructures and for preventing the spread ofdamage in case of such attacks, even if they do
not amount to an armed attack. For this purpose,
the Government will take further steps to develop
information gathering and analysis capabilities in
the field of cybersecurity and establish systems to
implement active cyber defense. Therefore, theGovernment will advance efforts to consider torealize necessary measures including the following(a) to (c):(a) Japan will advance efforts on information
sharing to the Government in case of
cyberattacks among the private sector
including critical infrastructures, as wellas coordinating and supporting incident
response activities for the private sector.
(b) Japan will take necessary actions to detect
servers and others suspected of being abusedby attackers by utilizing information oncommunications services provided bydomestic telecommunications providers.
(c) For serious cyberattacks that pose security
concerns against the Government, criticalinfrastructures, and others, the Government
will be given the necessary authorities thatallow it to penetrate and neutralize attacker’s
servers and others in advance to the extent
possible.
In order to realize and promote these efforts,
including active cyber defense, the National
center for Incident readiness and Strategy for
Cybersecurity (NISC) will be constructively

restructured to establish a new organization which
will comprehensively coordinate policies in thefield of cybersecurity, in a centralized manner.
Then, the Government will work on legislationand strengthen operations for the purpose ofmaterializing these new efforts in the field ofcybersecurity. These measures will contribute to
the reinforcement of a comprehensive defense
architecture.
In addition, the Government will improvecoordination with other policies that contributeto the enhancement of cybersecurity, such as
economic security and the enhancement oftechnical capabilities related to national security.
Furthermore, the Government will continue
to work for the enhancement of information
gathering and analysis, attribution and its
public announcement, as well as formulation ofinternational frameworks and rules in a coordinatedmanner with its ally, like-minded countries andothers.
(ii) 
Promoting Maritime Security andStrengthen Maritime Law Enforcement
Capabilities
As a maritime nation surrounded by the sea
on all sides and blessed with one of the world’s
most extensive jurisdictional waters, Japan will
work with its ally, like-minded countries, andothers to promote efforts to ensure the freedomsof navigation and overflight and to ensure safety,
as well as maintain and develop the international
maritime order based on universal values,
including the rule of law. Specifically, Japan will
advance multilateral maritime security cooperation
by enhancing maritime surveillance to respondto threats in sea lanes, active bilateral drills andexercises with other countries, and overseas port
calls. In addition, anti-piracy and intelligencegathering activities will be conducted to ensure thesafety of maritime traffic.
While undertaking international cooperationin these areas, Japan will ensure freedoms ofnavigation and overflight in the South China Sea
and other waters, promote peaceful settlement ofdisputes based on international law, strengthen
relations with those coastal states along the sea
lanes, and actively utilize the Arctic sea routes.
Furthermore, Japan will continue to actively
30

National Security Strategy of Japanutilize the SDF facility in Djibouti in order tosecure stable use of the sea lane.
The role played by the JCG, Japan’s maritime
law enforcement agency, is essential to its national
security. In order to ensure the security of Japan’s
territory, including the areas surrounding the
Senkaku Islands, and to respond effectively inthe event of multiple major incidents, Japan’smaritime law enforcement capabilities will besignificantly reinforced, in conjunction with efforts
to strengthen its organization. Specifically, in
accordance with the new policy on strengthening
maritime law enforcement capabilities, the JCG
will promptly increase assets and introduce
new technologies, secure sufficient operational
expenses, renew degraded vessels, and secure andtrain personnel.
In addition, the coordination and cooperation
between the JCG and the SDF will be consistently
strengthened, including the Minister of Defense’scontrol over the JCG in the event of an emergency.
Furthermore, international coordination andcooperation with maritime law enforcement
agencies in the United States, Southeast Asian
countries, and other countries will be carriedforward.
(iii) Reinforcing Comprehensive Efforts forSpace Security
To ensure safe and stable utilization of space,which is indispensable for economic and social
activities, Japan will strengthen its response
capabilities in the field of space security. Specifically,
while promoting the use of the space domain by
the SDF, JCG and others, Japan will drive forward
measures to capitalize on Japan’s overall spacerelated capabilities in the field of security, suchas strengthening cooperation between the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the
SDF.
In addition, Japan will set up a framework for theGovernment’s decision-making in unforeseeable
circumstances, strengthen mechanisms forunderstanding the space domain, promotemeasures to address the issue of space debris,
expand the development of capabilities to hindercommand and control as well as information andcommunications at the other end, and Japan will
enhance cooperation with its ally, like-mindedcountries, and others, including on the formulationof international codes of conduct.
Furthermore, Japan will utilize its civilian spacetechnology in its national defense by supportingand fostering Japan’s space industry, including theconstruction of satellite constellations, thereby
realizing a virtuous cycle to further encourage thedevelopment of its space industry.
In order to put the agenda and policies in thefield of space security into practice, Japan will put
together the Government’s concept and reflect it in
the Basic Plan on Space Policy and other relevant
documents.
(iv) 
Enhancing Public-private Partnerships
for Improving Technical Capabilities andProactively Capitalizing on Outcomes of
Research and Development in the Security
Field
Cutting-edge science and technology areadvancing at an accelerated pace, and it has
become extremely difficult in practice todistinguish between technologies for civilian use
and for security purposes. Against this backdrop,in order to widely and actively utilize Japan’s
advanced technological capabilities in the public
and private sectors for security purposes, Japan will
strengthen the system to improve technologicalcapabilities of the public and private sectorsthat can be used for security purposes, to utilize,
in a whole-of-government manner, funds andinformation related to research and development.
Specifically, for the purpose of promoting researchand development of science and technologythat contributes to the enhancement of thecomprehensive defense architecture, a wholeof-government mechanism will be establishedto match research and development needs basedon the views of the Ministry of Defense withthe appropriate technological seeds possessedby relevant ministries and agencies, in addition
to implementing these projects. On top of that,Japan will promote active utilization of funds
and outcomes related to government-wide R&D,
including the Key and Advanced Technology
R&D through Cross Community Collaboration
Program, for the security sector.
Japan will also work to further strengthen
assistance for gathering information, development,31and training in the area of cutting-edge and criticaltechnologies and to put in place arrangements.
In order to promote private-sector innovationand to actively utilize the results of such innovationin the security field, Japan will promote theparticipation of a wide range of leading-edge
researchers including those in the academia,
while obtaining understanding and cooperationof all parties concerned. Japan will also work
across the Government to foster an environment
in which the defense industry can fully harness
the opportunities offered by other private sector
innovations.
(v) Strengthening Intelligence Capacities forJapan’s National Security
Japan will reinforce its arrangements andcapabilities in the field of intelligence, which is closely
related to the maintenance of a sound democracy,smooth decision-making by the Government, andeffective external communications. Specifically, inorder to strengthen Japan’s ability to analyze global
trends from a broad, accurate, and multifaceted
perspective across diplomatic, military, andeconomic spheres, Japan will significantly enhance
its information-gathering capabilities from various
information sources, including human intelligence,
open source intelligence, signals intelligence, andimagery intelligence. In particular, with regard tohuman intelligence, the structure for collecting
information will be enhanced and strengthened.
As for imagery intelligence, the functions of
information gathering satellites will be expanded
and enhanced, and collected information will
be utilized more effectively by strengthening
the cooperation and coordination between the
Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center and theMinistry of Defense as well as the SDF.
In addition, a mechanism will be established toaggregate information in an integrated manner,and the coordination between the policy andintelligence departments will be enhanced. At
intelligence departments, intelligence analysis
capabilities will be strengthened to provide highvalue-added analysis results to policy making
departments through comprehensive analysis (allsource analysis) utilizing all of the intelligencemeans possessed by the Government, including
the use of new technologies such as artificial

intelligence (AI).
Also, while taking into account the discussions
on the establishment of a new security clearance
system in the economic security field, thearrangement for information security will befurther solidified.
In addition, from the perspective of bolstering
the ability to respond to information warfare
in the cognitive domain, including spreadof disinformation, a new structure will beestablished within the Government to aggregate
and analyze information on disinformation andothers originated abroad, to strengthen external
communications, and to enhance cooperation
with non-governmental agencies. Furthermore,strategic communication will be actively
implemented in a coordinated manner within the
Government.
Japan will also promptly consider effective
measures by both public and private sectors toprevent the misuse of geospatial information in
the security area.
(vi) Reinforcing Response Capabilities within
Japan with Contingencies in Mind
In preparation for a direct threat to Japan,
Japan will enhance response capabilities inwide ranging areas at home. Specifically, as partof the reinforcement of the comprehensive
defense architecture, Japan will establish a crossgovernmental mechanism to develop and enhance
the functions of public infrastructures such as
airports and seaports based on the needs of the
SDF and the JCG for their smooth utilizationand deployment in response to protection of its
nationals, peacetime training, and deployment
during contingencies. At the same time, rules
will be established for ordinary utilization of
airports and seaports with a view to responding
to contingencies. These efforts will be promoted
in cooperation with local municipalities andresidents.
To ensure the smooth activities of the SDF and
U.S. forces, and others, measures will be taken
to develop arrangements for transportation andstorage of SDF ammunition and fuel, coordinate
with related parties and organizations regarding
use of civilian facilities by the SDF and U.S. forces,
ensure secure and flexible use of radio waves, and32

National Security Strategy of Japanfor the Protection of Japanese Nationals
and Others Overseas
Japan will reinforce arrangements and measures
to protect Japanese nationals and others overseas
from threats such as conflicts, natural disasters,
infectious diseases and terrorism. Specifically,
efforts will be made to take measures, including for
raising awareness of Japanese nationals overseas on
safety measures from peace time, providing safety
information in a timely manner, ensuring meansof evacuation, and strengthening cooperation withrelated countries.
In this context, consular services at Japanese
embassies and consulates, which serve as themost critical hub for protection of Japanesenationals overseas, will be strengthened in termsof structure and capabilities. At the same time, theSDF and other assets will be promptly mobilized
for evacuating Japanese nationals and others
overseas, when necessary and feasible. To thisend, cooperation among relevant ministries andagencies will be enhanced.
Furthermore, while gaining understanding
from the Government of Djibouti, the SDF
facility there, which has been in operation for
counter-piracy activities, will be also utilized forthe protection of Japanese nationals and others
overseas.
(ix) 
Securing Resources Essential for Japan’s
National Security including Energy andFood
From the perspective of ensuring smootheconomic and social activities in Japan and abroad,as well as the ability to sustainably respond in
the event of an emergency, the Government will
promote policies to secure resources essential for
Japan’s national security, such as energy security
and food security, which form the basis of its
people’s lives and social and economic activities.
To ensure energy security, in addition toadvancing ties with resource-rich countries,
diversifying supply sources, and enhancing
procurement risk assessment and other methods,
Japan will maximize the use of energy sourcesthat contribute to its energy self-sufficiency, suchas renewable energy and nuclear power, and will
strategically develop and solidify energy sources
for this purpose. In cooperation with its ally, like-ensure that SDF facilities and activities be notnegatively impacted by civilian facilities.
Regarding measures to secure criticalinfrastructures, which are closely linked tosustaining the daily livelihoods, such as nuclear
power plants, and measures against illegal landing
on remote border islands, Japan will make efforts
to seamlessly respond to crises in various forms
and stages that do not amount to armed attacks,
in addition to armed attack situations. For that
purpose, the SDF, Police, the JCG, and others
will establish a coordination framework andstrengthen their response capabilities by enhancing
the equipment, systems, and training, in order toseamlessly respond to crises in various forms andstages that do not amount to armed attacks, inaddition to armed attack situations.
(vii) Reinforcing Mechanisms for the Protectionof Japanese Nationals
Japan will reinforce a mechanism for theprotection of Japanese nationals through, forinstance, efforts to protect residents, in cooperationof the Government, local municipalities, anddesignated public institutions. Specifically, forthe purpose of achieving prompt evacuation ofresidents, including those in the Southwest region
well in advance of an armed attack, Japan will takemeasures such as formulating a plan for smoothevacuation as soon as possible, securing the meansof transportation of the public and private sectors,
developing and coordinating the use of airports,
seaports, and other public infrastructures, securing
various types of evacuation facilities, and working
with international organizations.
In order to enhance the efficacy of these efforts,
Japan will also consider the necessary policies,
including structural arrangements throughpromoting coordination among the Government,
local municipalities, and designated public
institutions, after conducting and assessing drills
for the evacuation of residents.
Furthermore, while consistently tackling theenhancement of the information transmissionfunction of J-ALERT, the Government will work
to share information and raise public awareness on
evacuation activities in preparation for emergencies
concerning ballistic missiles.
(viii) 
Reinforcing Architecture and Measures33

minded countries, and international organizations,Japan will drive forward measures to improve
Japan’s energy self-sufficiency ratio and build arobust energy supply system that can withstandcontingencies.
With regard to food security, the situation
surrounding the supply and demand of foodand trade worldwide is unstable and uncertain.
As Japan depends largely on imports of foodand production materials from overseas, therisks associated with Japan’s food security are
manifesting themselves. Therefore, transforming
the structure of its food supply is key. Specifically,
Japan will produce at home what can be produced
here in Japan to the extent possible and work tosecure domestic production of items and materials
that highly dependent on foreign countries, inconjunction with ensuring stable imports andappropriate supplying of national stockpiles. In
pursuit of this, Japan will expand the productionof grains, ramp up the production of feed, amplify
the use of domestic resources such as compost, andthen appropriately carry out measures to ensurestable imports and the national stockpiles of items
that are difficult to procure at home, so that Japan
can ensure stable food supply to our people andbolster Japan’s food security.
With a view to responding to global foodsecurity crises, Japan will improve the international
environment for food supply, improve foodproduction, and provide support to vulnerable
countries, in cooperation with its ally, like-mindedcountries, and international organizations.

for promoting economic security policies, andwork with its ally and like-minded countries, aswell as in cooperation with the private sector, totake measures including those indicated below.
Japan will consistently consider and revisit thesemeasures, and in particular, continuously assess
the risks that exist in each industry, and implement
other necessary security measures in a whole-ofgovernment manner.
(i) Japan will steadily implement and constantly
review the Economic Security Promotion Act(Law No. 43, 2022.hereinafter referred to as
the “Promotion Act”), and further reinforce
efforts in this regard.
(ii) 
With regard to supply chain resilience,
Japan will curb excessive dependence on
specific countries, carry forward nextgeneration semiconductor development
and manufacturing bases, secure stablesupply for critical goods including rareearth, and promote capital reinforcement ofprivate enterprises with critical goods andtechnologies, and strengthen the function ofpolicy-based finance, in pursuit of protecting
and nurturing critical goods.
(iii) Japan will consider reviewing government
procurement procedures, including thoseby local municipalities, as well as expanding
the scope of the prior screening system
under the Promotion Act, with regard to thecritical infrastructure field.
(iv) 
With regard to data and information
protection, Japan will carry out additional
measures to ensure more appropriate
management of sensitive data andsafety and reliability of information andcommunication technology services. In
addition, keeping in mind information
security practices of leading countries andneeds of the industries, examinations will bemade to bolster Japan’s information security,
including security clearance.
(v) For the purpose of fostering and preserving
technology and other purposes, Japan willproceed with specific considerations in further
stepping up support and developing systems
for information gathering, development, andfostering of advanced critical technologies,(5) Promoting Economic Security Policies
to Achieve Autonomous Economic
Prosperity

Economic security is to ensure Japan’s national
interests, such as peace, security, and economic
prosperity, by carrying out economic measures.
In the face of various threats at hand througheconomic means, Japan will coordinate ideas
on necessary economic measures and execute
these measures comprehensively, effectively andintensively to enhance Japan’s self-reliance andto secure the advantage and indispensability
concerning our technologies and others.
Specifically, Japan will reinforce its mechanisms
34

National Security Strategy of Japantaking on additional measures to enhanceinvestment screening and export control aswell as response to forced technology transfer,and further advancing research integrity andmeasures against talent drain.
(vi) Japan will promote effective efforts against
economic coercion by foreign countries.

support for developing countries to enhance theirself-reliance and present attractive options for the
economic development of developing countries,
including support in coordination with its ally andlike-minded countries and development financeinstitutions.

(7) Global Efforts for Coexistence andCoprosperity in the International
Community(6) Maintaining
andStrengthening
International Economic Order basedon Free, Fair, and Equitable Rules

Japan’s national security can only be fulfilled
through the peace and stability of the international
community. In order to achieve coexistence andcoprosperity with the international community,
Japan will cooperate with the international
community in ways commensurate with its
international standing, economic capabilities, andtechnological capabilities.
(i) Promote Multilateral Cooperation andStrengthen Ties with International
Organizations and Frameworks
Japan has built relationships of trust withmany countries, regardless of differences inpolitical and economic systems, through various
forms of cooperation. On this basis, throughmultilateral diplomacy, Japan will strive torealize the goals it attaches importance to andcooperate with the international community
for coexistence and coprosperity by engaging in
tailored communications with these countries
and strengthening cooperation with the United
Nations and other international organizations.
In particular, the UN plays a role in a wide
range of fields, including conflict management,
humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, protection
and promotion of human rights, climate change,
food crisis, natural disasters, and refugee issues,
and Japan will strengthen cooperation with the
UN and countries surrounding the UN to further
promote multilateral cooperation. At the sametime, given that the UN Security Council does not
function adequately when a permanent member
is a party to a dispute, and that other inherent
limitations of the UN are becoming apparent,
we will lead efforts to strengthen the functionsof the UN, including reform of the UN Security
Council.
In addition, Japan will advance efforts to enable

Japan will maintain and strengthen an open
and stable international economic order by
preventing non-military pressure by certain states
aimed at impeding independent national foreign
policy decision-making and sound economic
development. Specifically, while maintaining andstrengthening the multilateral trading system with
the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core,
Japan will enhance its own measures to counter
against unfair trade practices and economic
coercion, including through working to solidify
international norms in cooperation with its allyand like-minded countries.
In addition, in order to achieve the developmentof economic order and sustainable and inclusive
economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region
and extend the free and fair economic order,
we will maintain the high standards of theComprehensive and Progressive Agreement on
Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ensure the full
implementation of the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, andmaterialize other economic partnership agreement
negotiations and the Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework (IPEF).
Furthermore, Japan will pursue implementing
mutually beneficial economic cooperation as wellas maintaining and strengthening internationalframeworks and rules. To be specific, in order toavoid situations where recipient countries fall into
“debt traps” due to opaque forms of assistance todeveloping countries by some states and others,
Japan will spearhead global efforts to ensure thatstates and institutions comply with internationalrules and standards and carry out development
finance in a transparent and fair manner.
In addition, Japan will provide capacity-building
35

Japanese nationals to play an even more activerole as staff in the UN and other internationalorganizations.
(ii) Efforts to Address Global Challenges
The Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”),
adopted by the UN in September 2015 are goals
for the international community as a whole toaddress global challenges in an integrated manner,
including peace, the rule of law, and humanrights, with no one being left behind. Rather
than addressing each goal individually, Japan willcontribute to the achievement of the SDGs bytaking on and preventing complex interrelatedrisks based on the concept of human security.
In addition, with regard to global issues suchas climate change, infectious diseases, energy,
food problems, and the environment, whichhave a direct or indirect impact on Japan’snational security, Japan will expand the circle ofcooperation not only to include its ally and likeminded countries, but also many other countries
and organizations, and then enhance international
efforts.
Fully recognizing that global health, including
measures against infectious diseases, is an
important issue for the international community,
encompassing not only economic and social risks
but also major national security risks, Japan will
cooperate with its ally and like-minded countries
as well as international organizations and otherrelevant partners to take all possible measures
to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future
infectious disease crises on a regular basis, basedon its experience in responding to COVID-19. In
doing so, Japan, in cooperation with its ally andlike-minded countries as well as with internationalorganizations and other relevant partners, will
steadfastly deliver medical care at home, andsecure infectious disease control supplies including
medicines from the early stages of infection crises,
and undertake efforts to advance the ability torespond to infectious diseases based on scientificknowledge. The Government will also work to
reinforce its own function of serving as the control
tower in response to infectious disease crises.
Furthermore, Japan will strive to advance healthsystems and relevant international frameworks
that contribute to the enhancement of response

capabilities of infectious diseases in developing
countries.
In addition, the Government will actively
promote global efforts in realizing more resilient,equitable and sustainable universal health coverage(UHC).
Additionally, in order to appropriately respondto the rapidly growing needs for humanitarianassistance around the world in recent years,
Japan will step up efforts necessary to provide
humanitarian assistance promptly and on a
sufficient scale. Furthermore, Japan will actively
accept displaced people due to war or natural
disasters in foreign countries.
The protection of human rights is thefundamental responsibility of each and every
country. Japan will raise its voice against serious
human rights violations and continue to build on
dialogue and cooperation with various countries
for the sake of the protection and promotion ofhuman rights.
Given the vulnerable position of women in
conflict, Japan will spearhead international efforts
to promote the protection and redress of women’shuman rights. Japan will also undertake efforts
around the globe to achieve gender equality andpromote women’s empowerment in all areas.
The international peace cooperation, including
peacekeeping operations (PKO) that Japan has
long contributed in order to promote peace andstability in the international community, fosters
cooperation with other Troop Contributing
Countries (TCCs), and helps to develop Japan’s
human resources. Therefore, Japan will continue
to actively engage in various forms of cooperation
including dispatch of personnel and strategic useof capacity building assistance.

36

National Security Strategy of JapanVII
Domestic Base that should be
Strengthened to Support
Japan’s National Security

1. 
Strengthening the Economic andFiscal Bases

2. Reinforcing the Social BaseJapan will consistently engage in efforts todeepen the understanding of and cooperation
on national security among the people ofJapan and organizations, inside and outside theGovernment, including local municipalities
and corporate enterprises. Japan will also pay
respect to other countries and their citizens, andfoster love for its own country and homeland.
In addition, Japan will further promote efforts
to ensure that activities of the members of SDF
and JCG, police officers, and others who dedicate
themselves to hazardous duties for the peace andsecurity of Japan be appropriately appreciatedacross its society. Furthermore, measures will betaken to ensure understanding and cooperationof residents living near security-related facilities,
which form the basis for the activities of these
personnel.
In addition, Japan will redouble efforts to put
forward information at home and abroad on
matters that concern both the public and private
sectors, such as issues related to its territoryand sovereignty, protection of its nationals, andcyberattacks, and to broaden understanding of
the current activities of the SDF and U.S. Forces
in Japan.
Furthermore, Japan will improve public

Japan will achieve a virtuous cycle of security
and economic growth, in which economic growthpromotes further improvements in Japan’s national
security while ensuring a security environment inwhich its economy can grow.
Japan will also ensure sustainable response
capabilities in the event of contingencies across a
broad array of sectors. To this end, Japan will promote
cooperation between the public and private sectors
to secure energy, food, and other resources, develop
infrastructure, and build stable supply chains forparts and other items essential for security.
Furthermore, as Japan’s economy is highly
dependent on foreign countries, Japan has criticalimportance in maintaining the confidence ofinternational markets and having adequate fiscal
capacity to secure the necessary funds to meet asubstantial increase in fiscal demand associatedwith securing resources and defense equipment in
the event of contingency. Thus, Japan will work
consistently to reinforce the economic, monetary,
and fiscal bases which serve as the foundationof Japan’s national security. This is a premise forJapan’s continuous and stable national security
policy including fundamental reinforcement ofdefense capabilities.
37and private sector mechanisms and response
capabilities in preparation for the next infectious
disease crisis, and promote measures for disasterprevention and mitigation in advance.

3. Enhancing the Intellectual Base
The importance of information and technology
in the field of national security is on the rise,and ensuring an intellectual base that generates
such information and technology is essential
to improving security. From this perspective,
Japan will promote measures to foster practicalcooperation among the Government, business
community and academia in the security field,
to drive forward information sharing between
the public and private sectors for encouraging
measured and accurate responses to national
security issues, such as the spread of disinformationand cyberattacks, and to step up cooperation
between the public and private sectors to facilitate
effective communication of Japan’s security policy
at home and abroad.

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National Security Strategy of Japan

VIII
Duration, Evaluation, andRevision of the Strategy

The National Security Strategy will fulfill its
complete purpose only when its contents are to
be executed. Measures based on the Strategy will
be strategically and sustainably implemented in atimely and appropriate manner under the National
Security Council which serves as the control tower
for national security. Furthermore, the National

Security Council will regularly and systematicallyevaluate the security environment and executionof measures based on this document. The Strategy
will be executed approximately over the coming
decade. Should Japan expect any significant
changes including in the security environments, itwill make necessary revisions.

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IX
Conclusion

At this time of an inflection point in history,
Japan is finding itself in the midst of the most severe
and complex security environment since the endof WWII. In no way can we be optimistic about
what the future of the international community
will bring.
However, the world which we have built willcontinue to be able to nurture economic prosperity
thanks to vibrant trade and investment, innovationfrom global interactions of diverse talents, andnew and attractive cultures. We should hold on tothese hopes.
We are now standing at the crossroads ofushering in either a world of hope or a world of
adversity and distrust. This very choice will dependon the actions of the international community
in the time ahead, including Japan. Japan will
ensure its security on the basis of comprehensive
national power in areas where the international

community is in confrontation. In areas where
the international community should engage incooperation, by contrast, we will continue to fulfill
a leading and constructive role in resolving a broadarray of issues. Japan’s action in this way worldwide
will further enhance its presence and credibility inthe international arena and expand the circle oflike-minded countries and others, thereby leading
to improve the security environment surrounding
Japan.
Even standing at this crossroads between
a world of hope and a world of adversity anddistrust amidst the most severe and complex postwar security environment, Japan, blessed witha stable democracy, the established rule of law, amature economy, and rich culture, will advocate
policies grounded in universal values and thenlead the way in undertaking efforts to reinforce theinternational order with steadfast resolve.

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