Japan Unifies Military Command with New Joint Operations Center

A Unified Force for Complex Situations

On March 24, the Japanese Defense Ministry established the Joint Operations Command (JOC), a unified command structure for all three branches of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). This new organization aims to enhance Japan's ability to respond to complex situations, including military attacks and natural disasters.

The JOC headquarters are located in the Ichigaya district of Tokyo, where the Defense Ministry is also situated. Lieutenant General Kenichiro Nagumo of the Air SDF leads the organization, which comprises 240 personnel.

Under the direction of the Prime Minister and the Defense Ministry, Nagumo will command each SDF arm during both ordinary and emergency situations. These emergencies could include multiple-event contingencies, natural disasters, and counterattacks involving the firing of long-range missiles against enemy bases.

The JOC will also play a crucial role in coordinating more closely with the U.S. military. Its establishment was explicitly outlined in three new security-related documents approved by the Fumio Kishida administration at the end of 2022.

"The JOC will enable us to more quickly build a flexible defense system according to the situation or the progress of the situation," stated Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi at a news conference in mid-March. "It will deepen cooperation between Japan and the United States in interoperability and joint activities."

The JOC represents a significant step towards strengthening Japan's defense capabilities and enhancing its ability to respond effectively to a wide range of security challenges.