Basic Course

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 27th Basic Course from May 27 to May 31, 2024. At this course, JPC instructors and invited lecturers including commanders and staff officers of Japan Self-Defense Force delivered the lectures on international peace cooperation activities and about United Nations work experience. JPC invited Ms. SEYA Rumiko, President of NPO REALs (Reach Alternatives), and she provided her lecture on civil military relations. At the comprehensive study, trainees lively discussed on the international peace cooperation activities and comprehended characteristics of the activities.
　At the graduation ceremony, Commandant of the Joint Staff College, Lt. Gen. YAJIMA Masahito delivered his remarks that trainees were now able to acquire the knowledge on international peace operations, that which molds their fundamental of solutions of complex environment surrounding peace operations and that trainees are encouraged to continue their study and relations among trainers and trainees for international missions”

On Monday May 27, 2024, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center(JPC) held the entrance ceremony for the 27th Basic Course in Ichigaya.
　At the entrance ceremony, Air Force LtGen. YAJIMA Masahito, Commandant of the Joint Staff College(JSC), gave a speech to the participants from all over Japan, ″In the future, the environment surrounding PKO will become more and more complex, and we may be forced to make a difficult decision in an uncontrollable situation, so this course will provide you with the basics to deal with various situations. I want them to pursue even higher heights and I would also like to encourage the participants to share their experiences and open up new horizons together when engaging in international peace cooperation activities.″
　The one week course has started, and the JPC will educate the students about the basic knowledge for international peace cooperation activities and its relevant rules.

From Sep 25 to Sep 29，2023，the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center(JPC) hosted the26th Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya.
　At this course, we held the lectures about international peace cooperation activities by JPC’s staff, about Decision-making process regarding dispatch by inside lecturer(Self-Defense Forces), and about United Nations work experience.
　As guest lecture, we invited Ms. SEYA Rumiko, President of the REALs (Reach Alternatives), and she lectured about “Civil Military Relations”. At the comprehensive study which topics were “International peace cooperation activities carried out by Japan to date”.
　Each day, the students lively discussed about cases. On the final day of the discussion, each group made use of the knowledge they had gained so far to summarize the results of their discussions in a report.
　At the graduation ceremony, Vice Commandant of the Joint Staff College, MJ Gen. KUMAGAI Saburo made a speech on behalf of Commandant of the Joint Staff College LT Gen. SAKAMOTO Koichi, “You are now able to view issues of international peace cooperation from a higher perspective than ever before. Take home and share the knowledge and the skill you had acquired during the course and be core personnel in the international missions”

On Sep 25, 2023, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center(JPC) held the entrance ceremony for the 26th Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya.
　At the entrance ceremony, Air Force Gen. Koichi Sakamoto, Commandant of the Joint Staff College, gave a speech to the participants from all over Japan, ″In the future, the environment surrounding PKO will become more and more complex, and we may be forced to make a difficult decision in an uncontrollable situation, so this course will provide you with the basics to deal with various situations. I want them to pursue even higher heights and I would also like to encourage the participants to share their experiences and open up new horizons together when engaging in international peace cooperation activities.″
　The one week course has started, and the JPS will educate the students about the basic knowledge for international peace cooperation activities and its relevant rules.

From May 30 to June 3, 2022, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 23rd Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya.
　At the end of the course, on June 2, as guest lecturer, we invited Ms. SEYA Rumiko, President of authorized NPO REALs (Reach Alternatives); Lt. Col. SONODA Naotaka and Lt. Col. MAEBUCHI Keisuke of the International Cooperation Office, Operations Department, Joint Staff; each of whom gave a professional and detailed lecture based on their experiences.
　On the final day of the course, on June 3, as the wrap-up of the group study, we held a comprehensive group study. Each group actively asked questions and exchanged opinions, making this short-term course effective.
　Commandant of the Joint Staff College, Lieutenant General TAJIRI Yusuke, made a speech to the students and encouraged them to “take home and share the knowledge and the skill you have acquired during the course and be a core personnel in the international missions,” and the student left the JPC with newly acquired knowledge and skill to their units.

From May 30, 2022, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) has started the 23rd Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya.
　A lot of students who have the experiences of being dispatched abroad attend this course and they actively participate in class asking questions based on their experiences.
　During the group study, students from the SDF and the Cabinet Office’s Secretariat of Peace Cooperation Headquarters exchange their opinions from different viewpoints and share their experiences to deepen their knowledge of international peace cooperation activities.
　At the end of the course, we are scheduled to have the lecture by an invited guest and the comprehensive study aiming to broaden their knowledge.

On May 30, 2022, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) held the entrance ceremony for the 23rd Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya.
　Commandant of the Joint Staff College, Lieutenant General TAJIRI Yusuke, made a speech to the students including SDF personnel scheduled to dispatch to international peace cooperation activities and those from the Cabinet Office’s Secretariat of Peace Cooperation Headquarters at the ceremony. In his speech he encouraged the students to “study actively” and “strengthen the bonds of friendship among classmates from other ministries/agencies and services” based on the course’s educational goal, “acquiring knowledge for international peace cooperation activities”.
　One-week course has started and the JPS will educate the students about the basic knowledge for international peace cooperation activities and its relevant rules.

From September 27 to October 1, 2021, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) held the 22^nd Basic Course under thorough anti-infection measures against the novel coronavirus in its facility in F2 building on camp Ichigaya.
　A total of 26 students including the SDF members who are candidates for international peace cooperation and other activities, and personnel from the Secretariat of the International Peace Cooperation Headquarters of the Cabinet Office and International Affairs Division, Minister’s Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice learned basic knowledge and laws about international peace cooperation activities, etc.
　The JPC invited KITAMARU Kaoruko, former Chief of the Information Analysis Unit, DDR^* Section, United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MOMUC); Lt. Col. SONODA Naotaka of the International Cooperation Office, 2^nd Operations Division, Operations Department, Joint Staff; and Capt. WAKASUGI Takashi of the Civil-Military Cooperation Section, International Cooperation Division, Operations Department, Ground Component Command, having them give us professional and specific lectures based on their own experience. Also, in the group studies, students from varied forces and organizations actively exchanged opinions based on their knowledge and experience, and students with experience of dispatch delivered speeches, making this course effective despite being a short period of time.
　The students returned to their respective workplaces after receiving a negative result in a PCR test conducted during the course, and the course concluded without incident.
　^*DDR: Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration

From May 24 to 28, 2021, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 21^st Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya.
　A total of 28 students including Ministry of Defense personnel scheduled to dispatch to international peace cooperation activities and counter piracy operations, as well as those from the Cabinet Office’s Secretariat of Peace Cooperation Headquarters attended the course that covers basic knowledge and laws related to international peace cooperation activities such as UN peacekeeping operations.
　As guest lecturer, we invited Ms. SEYA Rumiko, President of REALs (Reach Alternatives); Lt. Col. SONODA Naotaka of the International Cooperation Office, 2^nd Operations Division, Operations Department, Joint Staff; and Capt. WAKASUGI Takashi of the Civil-Military Cooperation Section, International Cooperation Division, Operations Department, Ground Component Command, each of whom gave a professional and detailed lecture. Also, in the group study, the students with various backgrounds actively exchanged opinions based on their own knowledge and experience, making this course effective.

From March 1 to 5, 2021, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 20th Basic Course in its facility in Ichigaya, inviting as guest lecturers, Ms. KITAMARU Kaoruko, Deputy Director of the Secretariat of Peace Cooperation Headquarters; Col. UCHIDA Yasuhiro of the International Cooperation Office, Operations Department, Joint Staff; and Capt. WAKASUGI Takashi of the Civil-Military Cooperation Section, International Cooperation Division, Operations Department, Ground Component Command. Those who attended the course gained knowledge on international peace cooperation activities and more.
　This time, the course was pushed back due to the novel coronavirus, and combined with the UN Staff Officers Course, which was the first attempt ever for the center. Also, the JPC accepted a fewer students than usual.
　The JPC, like in the 19th Basic Course, took such measures to prevent the possible spread of the novel coronavirus as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing between students and ensuring good ventilation.

From September 28 to October 2, 2020, the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 19^th basic course at its facility in Ichigaya, while taking measures to prevent the possible spread of the novel coronavirus such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and ensuring good ventilation.
　We invited the following three as guest lecturers for the course: Ms. SEYA Rumiko, President of the NPO ‘REALs(Reach Alternatives)’; Lt. Col. KUROZUMI Kunihiro from the International Cooperation Office, Operations Department, Joint Staff; and Captain WAKASUGI Takashi from the Civil-Military Cooperation Section, International Cooperation Division, Operations Department, Ground Component Command Headquarters.
　The participants acquired expertise on international peace cooperation activities through this course.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 18^th basic course from September 9 to 13, 2019 at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center.
　The JCP invited Lt. Gen. KIYOTA Yasushi, Commandant of the Joint Staff College; Lt. Col. TETSUKA Hiromitsu of the International Cooperation Office, 2nd Operations Division, Joint Staff; and MATSUZAWA Tomoko, Instructor on UN peacekeeping operations as special lecturers.
　This time, we welcomed the Chief of the Joint Staff inspecting the course, and also received comments on the course and international peacekeeping operations from 4 of the foreign officers who attended the course.
　Through this course, the participants have gained knowledge especially of international peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) hosted the 17^th basic course from May 27 to 31, 2019 at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center.
　The JCP invited Lt. Col. UCHIDA Yasuhiro of the International Cooperation Office, 2nd Operations Division, Joint Staff and Ms. SEYA Rumiko, President of the NGO Japan Center for Conflict Prevention (JCCP) as special lecturers.
　The participants in the course gained knowledge especially of international peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) held the 16^th Basic Course between 10 to 14 September 2018 at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center.
　As special lecturers, we invited Ms. Rumiko Seya, President of the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention, and LTC Keisuke Soya, a staff member of the International Cooperation Office, 2nd Operations Division, Joint Staff.
　Through the course, all the participants came to have better understanding of international peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) held the 15^th Basic Course between 28 May to 1 June 2018 at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center.
　Besides MOD/SDF personnel, one civilian from the Cabinet Office and two civilians from the MOFA participated in the course.
　As special lecturers, we invited Dr. Yukie Osa, President of the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR), Japan, Dr. Yuji Uesugi, Professor, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University, COL Hayato Yamaguchi, Chief of Plans and Administration Section, Finance Division, GSO (working for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations from Aug 2013 to Sep 2016), and LTC Keisuke Soya, a staff member of the International Cooperation Office, 2nd Operations Division, Joint Staff.
　Through the course, all the participants came to have better understanding of international peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) held the 14^th Basic Course between 25 and 29 September 2017. Besides MOD/SDF personnel, one civilian from the MOFA participated in the course.
　As special lecturers, we invited Dr. Yukie Osa, President of the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR), Japan, Dr. Yuji Uesugi, Professor, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University, and COL Masaki Mochida, Chief of Career Transition Section, Personnel and Education Department, GSO (Commander of the 3rd Japanese Engineer Unit, UNMISS).
　Through the course, all the participants came to have better understanding of international peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC) held the 13^th Basic Course between 29 May and 2 June 2017. Besides MOD/SDF personnel, one civilian from the MOFA participated in the course.
　As special lecturers, we invited Dr. Yukie Osa, President of the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR), Japan, Dr. Yuji Uesugi, Professor, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University, and COL Kazuhiro Aizono, Commander, 35th Infantry Regiment, 10th Division, JGSDF (Commander of the 9th Japanese Engineer Unit, UNMISS).
　Through mass teaching and group learning led by instructors and lectures inside and outside the JSDF, all the participants acquired general knowledge of international peacekeeping activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping and Research Center (JPC) of the Joint Staff College held the 12^th Basic Course between 26-30 September. Of 47 officials who participated in the course, 43 were from the Ministry of Defense and four from the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
　We invited as guest lectures Ms. Yukiko Ishii, Secretary General, Japan Center for Conflict Prevention, Dr. Yuji Uesugi, Professor, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University, and RADM Hiroshi Ito of the Joint Staff, who is a former Commander of the Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151), MSDF. By participating in the group workshop, in addition to receiving lectures by guest lectures and JPC research officers, attendees deepened their knowledge about international peace cooperation activities.
　The JPC will continue to direct its efforts to developing professionals who can contribute to international peace cooperation activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC), of the Joint Staff College (JSC), held the 11^th Basic Course in Tokyo between 30 May and 3 June 2016.
　There were 40 participants in the course, including 20 Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officers, 8 Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) officers, 9 Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) officers, and one civilian each from the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
　Guest lecturers with specialized knowledge and experience in various fields are invited for the Course from both inside and outside of the SDF.
　For the 11th Course, we had Ms. Rumiko Seya, President, Japan Center for Conflict Prevention, Dr. Yuji Uesugi, Professor, School of International Liberal Studies, Waseda University, and RADM Hiroshi Ito, Commander, Escort Flotilla Four, MSDF. From May through August 2015, RADM Ito assumed command of counter-piracy operations for Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden. His lecture covered various issues such as the meaning and significance of Japan's presence in international cooperation activities, operations by CTF-151 and latent factors contributing to piracy. By participating in the group workshop, in addition to receiving lectures by guest lectures and the JPC research officers, attendees deepened their knowledge about international peace cooperation activities.
　The JPC will continue to direct its efforts to developing professionals who can contribute to international peace cooperation activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC), of the Joint Staff College (JSC), held the 10^th Basic Course in Tokyo between 28 September and 2 October 2015. There were 53 participants in the course, including 15 Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officers, 16 Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) officers, 10 Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) officers, 6 civilians from Ministry of Defense (MOD), 1 person from Cabinet Office, and 5 persons from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
　This was the largest number of personnel from outside of the SDF to participate in the basic course since it was first opened to external agencies in September 2014. All of the participants increased their mutual understanding through an intensive dialogue focused on the international peace cooperation activities the SDF has conducted.
　Guest instructors, as well as the JPC research officers, delivered valuable lectures, from various viewpoints, on international peace cooperation activities.
　The JPC will continue to contribute to and support educational services for international peace cooperation activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC), of the Joint Staff College (JSC), held the 9^th Basic Course in Tokyo between 25 and 29 May 2015. There were 40 participants in the course, including 18 Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officers, five Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) officers, 11 Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) officers, four civilians from the Ministry of Defense (MOD), one person from the Cabinet Office, and one person from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
　Throughout the course, the students increased their mutual understanding of each other. This will lead to tighter cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and related government ministries performing international peace cooperation activities, which are complex affairs involving a multitude of different actors.
　Special lecturers were invited from outside the SDF, making the course more productive and fruitful. The Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Kenji HARADA observed the course. Ms. Hiroko HASHIMOTO (the Japanese Representative to the UN CSW and the Principal of the Jumonji Junior & Senior High School) audited a lecture on “gender”. In addition, many people from related government ministries audited lectures such as “the protection of civilians”, which is one of the major challenges that the UN is facing. This course was highly rated as a good educational opportunity to deepen the students’ understanding of the diversity in peace cooperation activities, nations and religions.
　The JPC will continue to contribute to and support educational services for international peace cooperation activities.

The Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center (JPC), the Joint Staff College (JSC) held the 8^th Basic Course in Tokyo between 29 September and 3 October 2014. There were fifty participants in the course including nineteen Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) officers, sixteen Maritime Self-Defense Forces (MSDF) officers, ten Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) officers and 5 civilians including from Self-Defense Force (SDF) and a related ministry. Based on a guiding principle of “the middle-term defense power improvement program in FY2014” to accept students at the JPC from outside SDF, one civilian from Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined in the course and many persons concerned with other ministries and government offices attended lectures including “Gender” and “Protection of the Civilian.” This was the second time that the JPC practiced integration of the students from outside SDF. In July 2014, foreign military officers and persons concerned with other ministries and government attended the 3rd PKO Contingent Commanders Course.
　Participation by a person related ministry besides JSDF officers in the Basic Course contributed to “strengthen relationships and mutual understanding between JSDF and other ministry” at an education level for PKO operations. On the final day of the course, the former Rear Admiral Taosa Ochiai, who commanded a Minesweeping troop in the Persian Gulf dispatched overseas to conduct the very first JSDF’s peacekeeping mission as “a visible international contribution” in 1991, described his own precious experience during the mission in the Persian Gulf. It deepened our understanding more about importance of international cooperation.
　JPC, hereafter, will consider accepting students broadly and make utmost effort to educate people to serve to the public good.