In April, President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida proudly announced upgrading the US-Japan Alliance to a global partnership, which is "fit for purpose to address the complex, interconnected challenges of today and tomorrow for the benefit of our two countries and the world."

What does this mean for Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, which has been at the forefront of partnership with the US Navy and other Navies in the Western Pacific? What are their security concerns in the coming years, and how will they approach the security challenges for Japan?

We are honored to welcome Admiral SAKAI Ryo, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, to a special in-person event. Please join us to learn from and engage with Admiral Sakai, a Harvard-educated leading strategic thinker.

Event and Registration Details

• This event will be conducted in in-person and online, and registration is required.
• In-person participation is for members and guests only. Please pay your fee by credit card (Visa or Mastercard only) or at the door.
• Online participation is for members and guests only and is free.

Speaker Bio

Admiral Sakai is a native of Shiga Prefecture. He majored in Management at the National Defense Academy graduating in 1987, and proceeded to Maritime Officer Candidate School, where he learned the foundations to be a JMSDF officer.

Admiral Sakai is a surface warfare officer and his first onboard assignment was JS Shirane (DDH 143), followed by JS Yubari (DE 227), JS Sendai (DE 232), JS Isoyuki
(DD 127) and JS Akebono (DD 108), where he gained experiences at sea. In 2004, he became the commanding officer of JS Shirayuki (DD 123). Admiral Sakai commanded
Escort Division seven and Escort Flotilla one well as becoming the Chief of Staff of the Fleet Escort Force.

Ashore, at Maritime Staff Office, Admiral Sakai’s assignments include the Chief of Annual Programming Section and Plans and Programs Section, the Director of Education Division and the Director General of Operations and Plans Department. He became the Commandant of the Ominato District in 2018, followed by Commandant of Kure in 2019 and Yokosuka in 2020.

Admiral Sakai’s professional education includes the Harvard Kennedy School, where he acquired a master’s degree in Public Policy and the Command Course at the U.S. Naval War College graduating in 2007.