Japan on Monday formally established a permanent Joint Operations Command that will centrally oversee the three branches of the Self-Defense Forces, allowing for the smoother integration of operations across domains to prepare for and respond to possible emergencies — including over democratic Taiwan.
Known as JJOC, the new Joint Operations Command will be located at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo’s Ichigaya area, and will be made up of an initial staff of 240 personnel and headed by Gen. Kenichiro Nagumo, who was previously vice chief of staff for the SDF’s Joint Staff Office.
“Our country is now facing the most severe and complex postwar security environment due to geopolitical changes, and the expectations of the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces are becoming even greater,” Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said during a ceremony marking the command’s formation. “Amid this environment, the establishment of the Joint Operations Command has great significance for the security of Japan.”
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