New Joint Operation Command chief

The new chief of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) command, which oversees Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces, has stressed the need for better coordination among the three branches amid growing global uncertainties.

Admiral Tawara Tateki became the commander of the Joint Operations Command on Monday, replacing General Nagumo Ken-ichiro, who was the first head of the command launched last year. At the inauguration ceremony, Admiral Tawara said that global uncertainty is growing and the world has been thrown into unexpected turmoil. He said the SDF needs to keep improving its ability to coordinate.