Chief of Japanese Self-Defense Force Visits AFA’s Mitchell Institute

ARLINGTON, Va., July 15, 2026 — Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, the top military leader of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, visited the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies at the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) Headquarters on July 14 to exchange views on U.S.-Japan security and gain insight into recent Mitchell Institute wargames and studies.

Gen. Uchikura, whose role is Japan’s equivalent to the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Washington to meet with U.S. and Korean counterparts about the three nations’ trilateral security partnership.

Mitchell Institute leaders and Gen. Uchikura discussed the future of the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force partnership, allied collaboration in the Pacific, and emerging technologies that could help counter threats to allied forces in the first island chain.

“We welcome these discussions, which contribute to the continued cooperation of our militaries and particularly our air forces,” said Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute. “Airpower plays a critical deterrent role in countering aggression in the region. It is notable that, despite a tight schedule amidst important international meetings, Gen. Uchikura saw value in taking time to gain insights and share his views on airpower and spacepower in the Pacific.”

The Japanese delegation’s visit to the Mitchell Institute and AFA Headquarters is the most recent in a series of visits by high-level military leaders from around the world. Others visiting this year have included the Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force and the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air & Space Force.

About the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

The Mitchell Institute is the only think tank focused on airpower and spacepower, located in the nation’s capital. The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide innovative, insightful, fact-based research, analysis, and policy options to inform decision-makers, experts, and the public on national security issues in the air and space domains. Mitchell provides deep analysis of important issues, strategy, and technology through research reports and policy papers on a wide range of subjects. Mitchell conducts cutting-edge workshops and wargames and facilitates topical expert conversations through a variety of community activities and engagement opportunities, from symposia to round tables. Mitchell also engages top air and space leaders with its internationally acclaimed webinar series and influential weekly podcast series that both cover a broad range of timely air and space issues.

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on air and space power. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.