Dynamic defense and Japan's maritime geography

Dynamic defense aims to keep danger as far from the Japanese home islands as possible through forward and responsive forces. The East China Sea, the Pacific, and the waters around Japan provide defensive depth. Using that depth requires enough naval and air power, as well as bases in the right places. Geography limits where aircraft can operate and whether every base will remain available during a crisis. Work during Kawano's tenure on F-35 procurement and Izumo-class modifications supported a more mobile air-defense presence at sea.