Masataka Okano

As Japan’s former National Security Advisor, Masataka Okano advised the Prime Minister on defence, economic security and cybersecurity. He held the role during one of the country’s most consequential strategic turning points. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and rapid advances in artificial intelligence challenged long-held assumptions. Japan was forced to rethink how it protected its people, economy and interests.

Earlier, as Deputy National Security Advisor and Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary, Okano helped draft Japan’s landmark 2022 National Security Strategy. The strategy marked a historic shift in Japan’s defence posture. It also recognised that military strength, technology, supply chains and cyber resilience now underpin national security. He later helped prepare Japan’s Active Cyber Defense legislation, strengthening the country’s response to evolving cyber threats.

Between 2015 and 2018, Masataka Okano was Political Minister at Japan’s Embassy in Washington. There, he managed the Japan–US alliance through both the Obama and Trump administrations. The experience gave him first-hand insight into how alliances evolve as political priorities change.

Earlier in his diplomatic career, Okano led Japan’s policy towards Russia as Director for Russian Affairs. Overseas assignments in Beijing, Paris and Washington further deepened his understanding of international diplomacy and strategic competition.

Beyond diplomacy, Okano has also helped shape the legal foundations of Japanese foreign policy. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Legal Adviser, he oversaw treaty negotiations and the interpretation of international law. He later became Deputy Minister for Foreign Policy, leading work on United Nations affairs, human rights and long-term policy planning.

Masataka Okano has taught international law and public policy at the University of Tokyo, Waseda University and Sophia University. He also taught Japanese law in Paris. His academic work reflects a longstanding commitment to connecting legal scholarship with public policy.

Okano explores the future of the US–Japan alliance, Indo-Pacific security, economic resilience, cybersecurity and the changing nature of geopolitical competition.