International Experts Gather in Tokyo for NSBT Strategic Forum 2026 on Defense Industry

Gathering of Defense Industry Leaders in Tokyo

On January 30, 2026, in a landscape of rapid change in international security, the NSBT Strategic Forum 2026 was held at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Organized by the Security Business Innovation Association (SBIJ), the forum drew an audience of about 100 participants, including key figures from defense-related companies, government officials, and members of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF). The event was fully booked, showcasing the growing interest in security matters.

Background of the Forum

In recent years, the global security environment has been significantly transformed, highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other contemporary disputes. These developments have compelled changes in the security and defense industrial sector. Amidst accelerating technological innovations and restructuring supply chains, there is a rising interest in the roles that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups can play within the industry.

With this pressing awareness, the forum served as a pivotal platform for experts from Japan, Europe, and Ukraine to converge and discuss the current landscape and future outlook of security business from an international perspective.

Overview of the Program

The forum was structured into three parts, addressing international situations, strategies, industries, and innovations:

Part 1: The Changing Security Environment

The first segment began with a keynote speech by Keisuke Yoshida, a former Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff, followed by a strategic dialogue. The panel discussion included Neville Bolt, an expert in strategic communication and director of Symposia, alongside Chiyuki Aoi, a professor at the University of Tokyo. They explored the intersections of strategic communication and security business, offering valuable insights into contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field.

Part 2: Global Trends in Security Business

In the second part, Samuel Dofman, founder of Travelex, provided insights on the growth processes of SMEs into large enterprises in Europe. This was followed by presentations and discussions involving SDF representatives, government officials, and industry experts, focusing on how SMEs can enter and thrive in the security business landscape.

Part 3: Lessons from the Ukraine War

The final segment featured Serhiy Honcharov, the CEO of the Ukrainian Defense Industry Association (NAUDI), and Jean-Luc Rogel, the founder and honorary chairman of EDEN Cluster in France. They, along with other international security stakeholders, discussed the practical lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its implications for global security clusters. The session emphasized the innovative developments within Europe's defense industry ecosystem, offering valuable takeaways for Japanese enterprises.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, SBIJ is committed to regularly hosting such events to create a continuous platform that connects stakeholders involved in the security business, both domestically and internationally. Following the Tokyo forum, additional events are planned for 2026 in regions including Hokkaido, the Tohoku area, and Kyushu, focusing on discussions and network-building tailored to the unique characteristics of each region.

Through initiatives like this, SBIJ aims to facilitate the sharing of international expertise and support the entry of SMEs and startups in fostering the development of Japan's security industry.