On Thursday 23th July, Captain (N) Hiroyuki Terada, First Secretary & Defence Attaché, Embassy of Japan in London will speak on “The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force: a new era” at 12:30-1:30pm.
It has been long considered that the JMSDF(Japanese Maritime Self Defence force) was to be used just for homeland defence in case of a large scale armed conflict. However Japanese Naval ships are deploying a great deal farther away from their home country, engaging in refuelling support to Operation Enduring Freedom, Maritime Interdiction Operations and anti-piracy operations. Continuous overseas deployment is arguably now one of routine business. Moreover, Japan’s nature as a seafaring nation is being realized more than ever.
Public opinion supports the utilization of the JMSDF to secure energy and supply routes which are essential for Japan’s prosperity and survival. Japan is gradually getting rid of its long-time restrained use of maritime force so as to establish a practical maritime strategy. Under these circumstances, what is the target JMSDF should strive to achieve, and to which area should its limited resources be invested?
Captain (N) Hiroyuki Terada has been the First Secretary & Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Japan in London since July 2007. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in 1989 and served on SS Natsushio (1992), SS Akishio (1993-1995), SS Setoshio (1995-1997) where he was Operations Officer. Captain Terada completed his Masters in International Relations at the National Defence Academy before going on to serve on SS Natsushio as Engineer and Executive Officer/Navigator (2000-2001). He was Commanding Officer of SS Narushio in 2004.
This seminar will be chaired by James Hackett, Editor, The Military Balance, Head, Defence Analysis Department on the 4th floor at Arundel House, 13–15 Arundel Street, Temple Place, London WC2R 3DX
If you would like to attend, please RSVP Clara Lane-Spollen at iisscurrentevents@iiss.org or tel: 0207 395 9156.
