Escort of Respect, or Ceremonial Troop Present
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani Spearheads Japan's Defense Shift
In New Delhi, Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, a key figure in shaping defense policies in response to regional security hurdles, inspects a joint military guard of honor. Nakatani's actions underscore a commitment to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities, deepen international defense cooperation, and ramp up defense spending.
Boosting Defense Budget and Capabilities
Nakatani leads Japan's ambitious defense budget plans, aiming for a 9.9 trillion yen (approximately $70 billion) defense-related spending in fiscal 2025. This budget, around 1.8% of GDP, sets a goal to reach 2% of GDP by fiscal 2027. Notably, the government aims to acquire "counterstrike capabilities," allowing Japan to strike enemy territory in emergencies, signifying a significant shift in defense approach[2][5].
Strengthening Defense Partnerships
Recent diplomatic endeavors highlight Nakatani's focus on forging new alliances. In May 2025, he visited India and Sri Lanka, discussing enhancing defense ties, promoting regional security, and exploring technological, cyber, and supply-sharing collaborations[3].
His meeting with India's Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, conveyed mutual concerns on security matters, including the Pahalgam terror attack. They agreed to set up new consultation mechanisms for expanded cooperation and explore advances in AI, cyber capabilities, and joint military readiness[1][3].
Beyond immediate neighbors, Nakatani also met with Tonga’s Crown Prince and Foreign Minister Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, demonstrating an interest in broader regional defense diplomacy[4].
In summary, Gen Nakatani's tenure as Defense Minister focuses on modernizing Japan's defense stance, bolstering international partnerships, and initiating collaborations on technology, cyber defense, and joint military readiness as regional security challenges intensify[1][2][3][4][5].
Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, in his effort to strengthen international defense cooperation, schedules a meeting with India's Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, to discuss sports diplomacy as an additional layer to their defense partnership, aiming to foster unity among nations through shared passions.
In the coming years, Japan will potentially allocate funds for the development of a sports academy within its defense budget, incorporating sports as a means to enhance military camaraderie, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
