Outline of Ministry of Defense and
Self-Defense Forces
OF DEFENSE and SELF-DEFENSE FORCES
Organization and Activities of MINISTRY
Outline of Ministry of Defense and
Self-Defense Forces
Joint Staff
Internal Bureau
The Joint Staff is a staff organization for the Minister of
Defense concerning SDF operation. The Chief of Joint
Staff supports the Minister of Defense by providing
military advice on SDF operations.
The Internal Bureau is responsible for basic articles relating to the
duties of the MOD. The Internal Bureau supports the Minister of
Defense so that the affairs under the MOD are appropriately
executed in accordance with laws and regulations.
Ground Staff, Maritime Staff, Air Staff Office
National Defense Academy (NDA)
The Ground Staff, Maritime Staff, Air Staff Offices are the staff organizations
for the Minister of Defense concerning their respective services. The Chief
of Staff for the GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF assist as the top-ranking expert
advisors to the Minister of Defense regarding their services.
The National Defense Academy (NDA) conducts educations and
training for future GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF officers, while
conducting researches necessary for NDA’s purpose.
Main Mission for GSDF
National Defense Medical College (NDMC)
The main mission for the
GSDF is to protect its
land territory as the last
resort to preserve the
sovereignty, territories
an d c i t i z ens o f our
countr y which has a
long coastline, a large
number of islands and is
vulnerable to disasters.
The National Defense Medical College (NDMC) is established to provide
higher education and military training for the future SDF medical officers,
nurse officers, and staff. The NDMC conducts necessary medical and
nursing education-training and research for various SDF duties.
National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS)
The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) collects, keeps
and releases military history archives while conducting policy
oriented research on security issues and military history. The
NIDS also educates high-ranking officials of the SDF.
Main Mission for MSDF
Defense Intelligence Headquarters (DIH)
The main mission for
MSDF is to protect the
country by responding to
seaborne aggressions and
ensuring maritime safety
around Japan in light of
the geographical and
economic characteristics
of the resource -poor
country surrounded by
ocean.
Main Mission for ASDF
The main mission for
A SDF i s t o r e a c t t o
foreign aircraft invasion
into our territorial airspace
an d b alli s t i c mi s s il e
a t t a c k s o n J a p a n ’s
territorial region so as to
secure the surrounding
airspace of our country.
The Defense Intelligence Headquarters (DIH) is the central intelligence
organization of the MOD which collects various information through
diversified means, comprehensively analyzes and assesses it, and
provides intelligence to related organizations within the ministry.
Activities of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
Published by Public Affairs Division, Minister's
The new“National Defense Program Guidelines”(NDPG) were
formulated in December 2013, and the pillars of the NDPG are as
follows; Japan’
s own efforts, Strengthening of the Japan-U.S.
Alliance, and Active promotion of security cooperation. Especially,
“Japan’
s own efforts”is the foundation for the defense of Japan,
and we will establish the“Dynamic Joint Defense Force”to carry
out various activities seamlessly and flexibly based on joint
operations of GSDF, MSDF, and ASDF in accordance with situations.
The MOD/SDF will contribute proactively to ensure peace and
security of the international community while pursuing peace and
security of our own.
5-1 Honmura-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku
Secretariat, Ministry of Defense, Japan
Tokyo 162-8801
03-3268-3111(switch board)
http://www.mod.go.jp/e/index.html
Visit the cellular phone website
with this QR code
Printed in October, 2015
Organization
and Activities of
MINISTRY
OF DEFENSE
and SELFDEFENSE FORCES
Inspector General’
s Office of Legal Compliance (IGO)
The Inspector General’
s Office of Legal Compliance (IGO) is an
independent office in the MOD which implements inspections from
the standpoint of and legal compliance, to ensure that the tasks of
the MOD/SDF are properly carried out across the entire ministry.
Organization of Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF),
which must fulfill the mission to defend Japan, consist of various
organizations, not only the armed forces such as the Ground,
Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces (GSDF, MSDF and ASDF), but
also a number of other organizations including the Internal Bureau,
the Joint Staff, the Ground, Maritime and Air Staff Office, the
National Defense Academy, National Defense Medical College,
National Institute for Defense Studies, Defense Intelligence
Headquarters, Inspector General’
s Office of Legal Compliance, the
Regional Defense Bureaus, and Acquisition, Technology and Logistics
Agency.
Regional Defense Bureau
Regional Defense Bureaus are local branch offices of the MOD
that are in charge of securing the understanding and cooperation
of local governments and people; acquiring, managing,
constructing defense facilities and implementing measures for
their surrounding areas; auditing costs of equipment etc.
Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA)
The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) is an extra-ministerial
organization which is in charge of wide range of equipment administration from the
equipment-related policies, such as enhancement of Japan's defense production and
technological bases and promotion of overseas transfer, research and development
of advanced technology to adequate and efficient procurement etc.
Activities of Ministry of Defe nse and Self-Defense Forces
D
s Territorial Land, Water and Airspace
Japan will build up appropriate defense capabilities for the pr otection of
s territorial land, water
and airspace. The new NDPG stresses the importance of security of the
sea and airspace surrounding Japan, respond to attacks on remot e islands,
and respond to ballistic missile
attacks. By establishing a seamless
defense posture based on these
measures and efforts to strengthen
deterrence and response capabilities
of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, Japan will
ensure its peace and security.
Response to Large-Scale Disasters etc.
s
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defense
Special Advisers to the Ministers of Defense
Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense
Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
Initial Response to Disasters
Acquisition, Technology and
Logistics Agency
Regional Defense Bureaus
s
Office of Legal Compliance
Defense Intelligence Headquarters
Air Staff Office
Chief of Staff, Air Self-Defense Force
Chief of Staff, Maritime Self-Defense Force
Enlisted (lower)
（3,608）
（12,958）
based on the budget.
onnel as of March 31, 2015.
SDF Regional Hospitals
（7,276）
Provincial Cooperation Offices
Enlisted (upper)
SDF Central Hospital
（28）
Cooperative
Organizations
SDF Physical Training School
Warrant Officer
Self-Defense forces(SDF)
Supervised Units of
Communication Systems
（2,046）
Cooperative
Units
SDF Intelligence
Security Command
3,570（3,266）
Units and Organizations of the Air
Self-Defense Force
47,073（43,099）
Notes : 1. The number of authorized SDF personnel is determined
2. The number in parentheses denotes the actual number of SDF pers
Maritime Staff Office
ASDF
Units and Organizations of the Maritime
Self-Defense Force
45,494（42,209）
Total
Ground Staff Office
MSDF
Officer
Chief of Staff, Ground Self-Defense Force
29
151,023（138,168）
Units and Organizations of the Ground
Self-Defense Force
Administrative Officials, and Others
GSDF
Joint Staff, etc.
Anti-Piracy Activities
, 2015）
Joint Staff College
Vice-Minister of Defense for International Affairs
660
Director General, and Others
Administrative Officials, and Others 20,586
SDF Regular Personnel 247,160(226,742)
47,900
Reserve Personnel
8,175
Ready Reserve Personnel
4,600
Candidate Reserve Personnel
Female SDF Personnel (Breakdown)
Administrative Vice-Minister of Defense
Joint Staff
Private Secretary of the Minister of Defense
Chief of Staff, Joint Staff
Special Advisers to the Minister of Defense [up to 3 people]
Defense Council
2
Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defense
National Institute for Defense Studies
State Minister of Defense
（As of March 31
SDF Personnel (Breakdown)
Minister of Defense
Regular
Service
National Defense Medical College
Authorized Strength of SDF Personnel
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense
National Defense Academy
Defense Personnel Review Board
Central Council on Defense Facilities
SDF Ethics Review Board
Bureau of Personnel and Education
The MOD/SDF conduct various support
activities such as unexploded ordnance
disposal, support to various events, and
management of defense related facilities,
in order to further deepen the mutual trust
between the people and the SDF, and
contribute to enhance and strengthen the
defense foundation.
Bureau of Local Cooperation
Activities in Civic Life
Bureau of Capability andFacilities Planning
It is vital to deepen mutual understanding under normal
circumstances through bilateral and multilateral joint
training. It is also important to create a cooperative
platform through various coordination and exchanges
of opinions between the countries involved.
The MOD/SDF has actively engaged in activities such as UN Peace keeping
Operations (PKO) and international disaster relief activities in order to improve
the global security environment. UN
Peacekeeping Operations are
conducted by the UN as a step to
maintain peace in the regions of
conflict worldwide. International
disaster relief operations provide
medical services and transportation
upon request from the government
of an affected country.
（Internal Bureaus）
Everyday Training
Joint Training with other Countries
International Peace Cooperation Activities
Private Secretary of the Minister of Defense
The SDF maintains initial response units called
to promptly conduct disaster relief
operations at anytime. The GSDF maintains first response
readiness personnel, vehicles, and aircraft on standby in
camps throughout the nation. The MSDF designates a
first response vessel in each regional command for
emergency and aircraft are kept on standby alert at each
station. The ASDF keeps rescue and transport aircraft on
standby at each base for air rescue readiness to ensure
immediate response in case of disasters.
There are two main types of training within units in the
GSDF, MSDF and ASDF: training for individual SDF
personnel to improve their proficiency in their respective
fields, and training for units to conduct systematic
operations. In addition to such training for national
defense, training is given on diverse roles required for
the SDF in recent years such as peacekeeping
operations and large-scale disaster relief operations.
[up to 3 people]
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense (2)
SDF Personnel
National Defense will not be
viable and ensured without the
trust and support of the people.
The MOD/SDF are working to
acquire the understandings and
cooperation of the people and
c ommuni ties reg ar ding the
MOD/SDF.
National Security Council
State Minister of Defense
Special Service
Interaction with Local Community and People
territorial and adjacent airspace using radar sites, early
warning aircraft and early warning and control aircraft.
Furthermore, fighters and other aircraft are always kept
on standby for immediate scramble, in case any unknown
aircraft were detected around territorial airspace.
Minister of Defense
Strengthening of Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements
Based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, the Japan-U.S. Securit y
s own efforts, constitute the
s
s e cur i t y. T he Jap an - U.S.
Alliance centered on bilateral
s ecuri t y arr angement s
functions as public goods that
contribute to the stability and
prosperity not only of Japan but
also of the Asia-Pacific region
and the world at large.
Prime Minister
Personnel of the Ministry of Defense
In order to accomplish its missions whose core is the defense of
Japan, the SDF needs to keep its commanding officers and other
members at a high level as well
as in a high state of readiness to
fully exert their capabilities in any
situation. For this purpose, the
SDF develops powerful units and
p er s onnel through v ar ious
exercises including joint exercises
with other countries.
The MSDF patrols the sea areas surrounding
Japan routinely by using patrol aircraft. Moreover,
GSDF coastal surveillance units and MSDF
security posts conduct 24-hour warning and
surveillance activities in the major sea straits.
Bureau of Defense Policy
Training and Exercises
Cabinet
s Secretariat
The SDF conducts a variety of disaster
relief operations in collaboration with
municipal governments when disasters
occur in any part of the country. For
example, over 100,000 SDF personnel
were dispatched at a peak time for
relief operations in response to the
Great East Japan Earthquake.
（As of October 1, 2015）
Warning and Surveillance in Sea
and Airspace Surrounding Japan
Warnings and Emergency Takeoffs in Preparation
against Intrusion of Airspace
Activities of Ministry of Defe nse and Self-Defense Forces
Organizational Chart of Ministry of Defense
（Excluding temporary or special positions.）
Piracy is a grave threat to public
safety and order at the sea. It is
n e c e s s ar y fo r Jap an, w hi c h
depends on maritime transportation
to impor t most of its food and
resources, to actively fulfill its
international responsibilities.
Multi-layered Security Cooperation with the International Community
It is important for Japan to work together with its ally, frien dly nation, and
other countries concerned to tackle regional or global security issues. The
MOD/SDF promotes multi-layered
securit y cooperation with the
international community, through
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific
region and cooperation as a member
of the international community.
Enhancing Japan-U.S Defense Cooperation
In order to enhance Japan-U.S. defense cooperation,
we are advancing operational cooperation including
Japan-U.S. joint trainings and equipment/technology
cooperation in parallel with close policy consultations
at all levels including the Security Consultative
).
Committee (the
Measures to Ensure Stationing
of U.S. Forces in Japan
The military presence of the U.S. forces in Japan not
only contributes to the defense of Japan, but also
functions as deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region.
We are working on various measures in order to
mitigate the impact on local communities such as
Okinawa while maintaining such deterrence.
Efforts to Support UN Peacekeeping Operations
The MOD/SDF, in a bid to fulfill a role commensurate
to its international status and responsibilities, has
actively engaged in international peace cooperation
activities, including UN peacekeeping operations
both in terms of funding and dispatching, to
cooperate with global efforts of building a peaceful
and stable international community.
International Disaster Relief Operations
The MOD/SDF has worked positively on international
disaster relief operations. The MOD/SDF conducts
activities such as medical care and transportation upon
request from the government of an affected country
from the viewpoint of humanitarian contributions and
improvement of the global security environment.
Anti-Piracy Efforts
The MOD/SDF dispatches two destroyers and
two P-3C patrol aircraft to escort civilian vessels
and to conduct warning and surveillance activities
off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden
in its operations. The MOD/SDF also participates
in a multinational task force, the Combined Task
Force 151 (CTF151) to engage in zone-defense and
warning and surveillance activities in coordination
with the countries concerned.
Defense Cooperation and Exchanges
with other Countries
In order to ensure peace and stability in
the Asia-Pacific region and the
international community, the MOD/SDF
has been actively promoting bilateral and
multilateral frameworks for dialogue,
exchanges, and cooperation with other
c ountries while maint aining the
Japan-U.S. alliance as the fundamental
basis.