Gen Nakatani
Gen Nakatani (born October 14, 1957) is a Japanese politician with the Liberal Democratic Party. He has served twice as Japan’s Minister of Defense: from 2014 to 2016 under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and again from 2024 to 2025 in the cabinet of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. He was also the Director-General of the Japan Defense Agency (the predecessor to the Ministry of Defense) from April 2001 to September 2002.
Nakatani has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1990, representing Kochi Prefecture. His district changed over time due to electoral reforms: Kochi at-large (1990–1996), Kochi 2nd (1996–2014), and Kochi 1st (2014–present).
Early life and military service:
- Born in Kochi, Japan
- Attended the National Defense Academy of Japan
- Served four years as a commissioned officer in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, including time with the 20th Infantry Regiment and the Airborne Training Unit
Political career highlights:
- 1990: Elected to the House of Representatives (LDP)
- 2000: Supported the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori
- 2001–2002: Head of the Japan Defense Agency
- 2015: Attended a White House state dinner for Prime Minister Abe
- 2021: Co-signed a letter with about 70 lawmakers urging a tougher stance on China and reduced dependence on Chinese technology (AI, 5G)
- 2025: Supported a constitutional amendment recognizing same-sex marriage
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 17:23 (CET).