NIDS overview
National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) is the think tank of the Ministry of Defense (MOD), Japan, and is the only national academic research institute on security matters in Japan. NIDS conducts research and studies on security and military history, and preserves/opens military history related documents. In addition, as the educational institute equivalent to national defense universities of other nations, NIDS provides education for senior officials of the MOD and Self-Defense Forces (SDF) as well as officials from other ministries.
The National Defense Strategy, which was decided by the National Security Council and approved by the Cabinet in December 2022, states that “Japan will review and reinforce the research system of MOD/SDF led by the National Institute for Defense Studies and reinforce its functions as an intellectual base”. The Defense Buildup Program also states that “in order to further strengthen the research and education functions of MOD/SDF, centering on National Institute for Defense Studies, MOD/SDF will expand networks and organizational collaboration with domestic and foreign research and education institutions, universities, think tanks, and other organizations” and “National Institute for Defense Studies will strengthen their education and research contents and architecture for cyber domain and others for securing and providing skilled human resources who can become the core of SDF units”.
In August 2021, NIDS was designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technologies as the research institute eligible for “Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research”, which allows NIDS researchers to apply for the grand-in aid. With this designation, NIDS expects to have better research functions and make further contribution to the scientific community.
NIDS will continue to promote various efforts to cultivate discussion on security and defense matters and provides support for national security policies.
