[2] Japan's main goal of national defense is the prevention of indirect as well as direct aggression from outside enemies.

The creation of the Ministry of Defense was in conjunction with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's continued efforts to ensure a stronger image of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

Minister Kyuma personally attended a session in the House of Councillors and gave a speech after the bill was approved.

[3] On 11 September 2019, Taro Kono became the first high profile 'prime minister-ready' politician to head the Ministry of Defense.

[4] The Commander-in-Chief of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), who does not formally constitute a uniformed military, is the Prime Minister.

Although Article 68 of the Constitution states that all members of the Cabinet must be civilians, former military persons may be appointed Minister of Defense.