Tokyo, 5-6 September 2025 - The Chair of the Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, paid an official visit to Japan, on an invitation by General Hiroaki Uchikura, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces. In Tokyo, CMC met the nation's military and political leadership, underscoring the importance of the growing military cooperation between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners.
With General Uchikura, CMC highlighted that his visit "is not the mark of a new chapter in cooperation, but a symbol for enhancing efforts towards an even more reciprocally-benefitting interaction between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners." Furthermore, CMC stressed "the opportunity to continue on strengthening military to military ties between the strongest military alliance that history has ever seen, and Japan, one of the most advanced nations around the world."
Meeting with the Japanese Minister of Defence, Gen Nakatani, CMC praised Japan for "continuing being such a valued partner for NATO, and for the nation' strong commitment in supporting Ukraine." In this regard, he also added that "in a world of increasing security uncertainties it is of utmost importance that like-minded partners remain united against our common challenges."
Later, with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisayuki Fujii, Admiral Cavo Dragone and his host concurred on the fact that crisis are no more regional, nowadays, but - like in the case of Ukraine - lead more and more often to global impact, which urgently demands a swift, joint, international approach for the most needed and best tackling.
Of particular interest during the time in Tokyo, was a visit to the Japanese Space Operations Group, including the briefing received, detailing chain of command, structures, and methodologies, and the following discussion on Japan's approach to space domain, from a security and defence perspective. CMC expressed sincere appreciation for the proactive approach taken by Japan to face space challenges and opportunities.
Finally, thanks to a very welcomed effort made by the Embassies of Norway and Romania, Admiral Cavo Dragone was also able to meet with a large number of diplomatic and military representatives from Allies countries, based in Japan. During the frank exchange of ideas, Ambassadors and defence attaches discussed with CMC the situation in Ukraine, the response by NATO and the international community, and the recent, shared commitment by Allies in investing more (5% of GDP) for security and defence.
