Japan, U.S. participate in annual Joint Senior Leader Seminar

Official Statements

• U.S. Pacific Command, November 14: “CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii — U.S. Pacific Command hosted the 2026 Joint Senior Leaders Seminar Nov. 13, bringing together American and Japanese defense officials to align strategic goals, coordinate operational planning and strengthen the defense alliance. Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, chief of staff of the Japan Joint Staff, presided over the seminar. The event also drew commanders, deputy commanders and senior staff from all service branche of both nations.”

• U.S. Pacific Command, November 14: “As the primary bilateral defense forces forum for the alliance, the seminar served to assess joint progress and steer key operational and capability initiatives. This years meeting focused heavily on operationalizing the alliance to ensure both forces can seamlessly deter threats and coordinate during crises. Following the seminar, the senior leaders signed the Eight-Star Action Memorandum. The bilateral guidance document captured shared priorities, recorded agreed-upon actions and provided formal direction to subordinate staffs and component organizations.”

• U.S. Pacific Command, November 14: “Officials emphasized that the U.S.-Japan Alliance has served as the cornerstone of a free and open Indo-Pacific for more than seven decades. Our relationship is centered on shared interests and a shared determination to advance. Both nations maintained their steadfast commitment to a resilient partnership capable of responding effectively to any regional contingency. U.S. Pacific Command is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict.”