Japan Memo Japan-US defence-industrial cooperation with Ogi Hirohito, Ito Ayano, and Tom Corben
Nov 21, 2025
Ogi Hirohito, a seasoned defense policy expert, Ito Ayano, an industry-focused strategist, and Tom Corben, a specialist in US-Indo-Pacific relations, delve into the evolving Japan-US defense industrial partnership. They discuss the ambitious defense policies under the Takaichi government and the positive industry reactions to new initiatives like DICAS. The trio explores challenges in export controls and cybersecurity, as well as Japan's diversification of partners beyond the US, while emphasizing key areas for technological collaboration like AI and semiconductors.
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Spending Increase Signals Momentum
- Takahichi's early move to bring forward 2% GDP defence spending signals political momentum rather than a budgetary shock.
- Ogi says the fiscal change was easy to implement and mainly shaped public and allied perceptions.
Industry Cooperation Is Alliance Modernisation
- Tom views recent US-Japan moves as continuity in an alliance trend toward industrial and tech integration.
- He calls defence industry and tech issues 'ground zero' for alliance modernisation.
Fix Regulations To Turn Policy Into Production
- Governments should match policy momentum with regulatory and operational changes to enable industry execution.
- Ito urges stable export rules, cybersecurity, and clearance reforms to turn policy into production.
