18 November, 2019: DSEI Japan 2019 opens at Makuhari Messe, Tokyo in Japan today, with more than 5000 visitors expected to attend. Visitors will have access to an exhibition featuring defence and security equipment from around the world, alongside a high-level conference and seminar programme featuring 50 world-class speakers with top level expertise in their fields.
The event will be officially opened in a ceremony at 9.15am with an opening speech by 西 正典 (Mr Masanori Nishi), 元防衛事務次官 – Former Administrative Vice Minister of Defence, with a ceremonial marching band performance. The speech will take place on the exhibition floor in front of the ATLA stands (A100 and A110).
The conference will begin at 10:00 with the ‘Security and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ opening session featuring keynote addresses from:
- Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, Former Chief of Staff, Joint Staff (Oct 2014-March 2019)
- His Excellency Richard Court AC, Ambassador to Japan – Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Mr Gen Nakatani, Member of the House of Representatives – Former Minister of Defense
- Lieutenant General Jerry Martinez (US Air Force Retd.), Former Commander – US Forces Japan.
The first keynote panel will be chaired by 森本 敏 (Mr Satoshi Morimoto), 拓殖大学総長、元防衛大臣（第11代） – Chancellor Takushoku University, Former Minister of Defense from 11:10am, with speakers including Lieutenant General Martinez and His Excellency Court AC, along with Gen Nakatani, Member of the House of Representatives – Former Minister of Defense.
The afternoon agenda will cover two key streams, including sessions on:
- The Freedom of Navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region: Maintaining and Enhancing Free and Open Maritime Order
- Preparing with crisis management and security for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
- Freedom of Navigation – Panel Discussion
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Panel Discussion
On the exhibition floor, some 200 international exhibitors will be highlighting products and services across a wide range of specialist areas including anti-piracy, armoured vehicles, search and rescue equipment, communications systems, maritime security, medical and evacuation equipment, training services and wider military equipment.
Also on the show floor, Japan’s Self Defence Force will be showcasing equipment that supports their day-to-day operations, including a selection of armoured vehicles including the Type 10 and Type 16 Tanks, and a selection of waterborne capabilities.
For more information and exhibitor news, including details on UK Pavilion capability briefings, please visit the press room (B534).
