Japan’s security and defense landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation since the end of the Second World War. In this luncheon, Mr. Robert B. Moss, General Manager, Asia Pacific for Nikon SLM Solutions and a retired Commander in the United States Navy, will examine how geopolitical developments, technological change, and evolving defense policies are reshaping Japan’s role in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants will gain valuable insights into Japan’s expanding defense strategy, its growing cooperation with international partners, and the implications for businesses – including foreign companies seeking opportunities within Japan’s evolving defense ecosystem.
Major geopolitical, technological, and policy shifts are reshaping Japan’s role in the Asia-Pacific region, moving the country beyond its post-WWII, US-centric security framework toward a more proactive regional leadership role. At the same time, escalating regional tensions and concerns over the resilience of Japan’s domestic defense industrial base have prompted the government to gradually dismantle long-standing restrictions on the acquisition, development, import, export, and transfer of defense equipment and technology.
Over the past five years, Japan has transformed its defense policy more profoundly than at any point since the end of the Second World War. Defense spending is increasing significantly, while the government is fundamentally reassessing how these resources should be invested to strengthen national security and industrial capabilities.
During this luncheon, Mr. Moss will explore what has changed, what developments may still lie ahead, and what role Japan is likely to play in an increasingly multipolar world. He will also examine how these changes may influence Japan’s relationships with neighboring countries, its traditional allies, and emerging partnerships – including NATO and the European Union – and discuss the implications for foreign companies, including Swiss businesses, seeking opportunities within Japan’s evolving defense ecosystem.
| Date: | Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
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| Schedule: | 12:00 – 14:00 (D.O.: 11:45) |
| Venue: | Shangri-la Tokyo @Conway 2&3 Marunouchi Trust Tower Main, 1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8283 (MAP) |
| Fee: | • Members: JPY 6,500 or 1 SCCIJ voucher 2026 • Non-members: JPY 9,600 |
| Registration: |  *Deadline: August 14, 2026, 12:00 JST.* *Until July 29, registration is prioritized for SCCIJ members. After this date, seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.* *No-shows and cancellations after the deadline will be fully charged.* *Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions.* |
| Concept: | • This event consists in a 3-course lunch followed by a presentation (and Q&A). The setting is ideal for networking. • Participants are typically members of the Swiss-Japanese business community, but non-members are also welcome to join. • Seats are not attributed (free seating). • Dress code is business / business casual. |
| Disclaimer: | • The SCCIJ may film and take photographs of this event. If you participate, please be noted that these pictures and videos may be used in various media, such as the SCCIJ website, SCCIJ social networking sites, and SCCIJ promotional materials. If you do not want to appear on these pictures and/or videos, kindly notify the SCCIJ staff at the event. • The views expressed by the speaker(s) do not reflect those of the SCCIJ as an organization. |
| Inquiries: | By e-mail to info@sccij.jp |
Biography of the Speaker
Robert B. Moss is General Manager, Asia Pacific for Nikon SLM Solutions, where he leads the company’s regional strategy and business development in advanced manufacturing technologies, with a particular focus on the aerospace and defense sectors. A retired Commander in the United States Navy, he combines extensive military leadership experience with decades of expertise in defense, security, and international business. Before joining Nikon SLM Solutions, he held senior leadership roles in the global aerospace and defense industry, working across North America and the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand market presence. Drawing on his unique perspective at the intersection of geopolitics, defense policy, and industrial innovation, he regularly speaks on security trends, technology, and the evolving defense landscape in the Indo-Pacific. Through his work, he helps governments and industry leaders better understand how shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping defense capabilities, international cooperation, and opportunities for global businesses.
