Japan

摘要

The prime minister exercises supreme civilian authority over the armed forces, which are referred to as the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Control is exercised through the Japan Ministry of Defense, which was raised to the status of a full ministry in 2008. In addition to the Maritime Self-Defense Force, there is a large Maritime Safety Agency fleet, which would come under naval control in wartime. Several formal party and Cabinet bodies examine aspects of the country's military affairs, but there is a central coordinated and integrated military staff. Since December 2013, matters pertaining to defense and security are overseen by the National Security Council (NSC), which is headed by a national security advisor and supported by a secretariat.