Supply chain disruptions due to stay-at-home demand and labor shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused disruptions in global maritime container transportation and a historic rise in container market prices. As a result, Japan's economic activity was greatly affected, with production being disrupted due to a shortage of goods. On the other hand, the National Security Strategy, which was revised in December last year, sets out securing resources essential to Japan's security, such as energy and food, as well as economic security, and calls for efforts to strengthen the supply chain. However, despite the extremely important importance of ensuring stable maritime transport as a means of transporting energy and goods, little focus has been placed on maritime transport. For this reason, this paper focuses on maritime container transport, which is the main means of maritime logistics. We will examine the supply chain risks in Japan's international shipping from a security perspective, which has not been given much attention in the past. We will discuss how to strengthen the Japanese supply chain in consideration of these risks.

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This paper examines the possible conclusion of international conference of LAWS(Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems) under the CCW(Convention on prohibitions or restrictions on the use of certain conventional weapons) LAWS does not exist yet, and there are on definition about that, but the negotiation of ban and limitation to use LAWS conducts in international conference. It goes without saying that it is desirable that LAWS be regulated to some extent, considering the risk that could arise if it were to be operated without restriction. Conference of LAWS have achieved to some extent, with the adoption of 11 Guiding principles as guideline for domestic operating of LAWS, but there are some difference in that interpretation of that words between participating nations. Therefore, nations submitted of that commentaries, which clarified their claims to certain extent. This paper clarifies the difference of that interpretations of “human responsibility”,“meaningful human control” and“accountability”, which are considered to particularly important elements, and concludes which is the most appropriate outcome in the conference. And in order to reach a conclusion, in addition to the principle of like a distinction and proportionality that have been considered as the principles of the Law of armed conflict, and how to deal with issue of “ethics” will assume a key role.

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Warfare is undergoing a new form of transformation in recent years, shaped not only by new technologies and diversification of domains, but also new concepts and doctrines. Consequently, states and their defense forces face the task of sharpening and strengthening readiness to deal with the new challenges and execute the strategic and operational aims and objectives in the new complex environment. As part of the effort, an increasing number of defense forces around the world are enhancing their joint operations readiness as a means of effectively and efficiently conducting multi-domain operations. This paper aims to discuss the significance of, and the challenges in optimizing joint operations readiness. The paper begins with discussions on the definition of joint operations readiness, and also the key developments in joint operations. The paper will then examine the key drivers and enablers of joint operations readiness, followed by an analysis of the key challenges. Finally, the paper will conclude by looking at the key lessons for the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) as it works to further institutionalize jointness and enhance its joint operations readiness for multi-domain operations.

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The purpose of this paper is to examine the standby point of the Combined Fleet in the Battle of the Sea of Japan, and to draw lessons for operational planning. This paper also draws lessons based on the results of the study, while considering the operational concept of the military command. The Combined Fleet achieved an unprecedented complete victory in the Battle of the Sea of Japan, and its ctivities are still highly praised today. But it can be also said that the Combined Fleet won the gamble. It is the reason why Clausewitz said that War is a gamble not only in its objective nature, but also in its subjective nature and War involves the elements such as possibility, probability, fortune, and misfortune. The Battle of the Sea of Japan is also evidence of the wagering nature of war.

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