Katsutoshi Kawano

Katsutoshi Kawano (河野 克俊, Kawano Katsutoshi, born November 28, 1954) is a Japanese admiral who is serving as the 5th Chief of Staff, Joint Staff and is the highest-ranking officer of the Japan Self-Defense Forces since 15 October 2014. Prior to his appointment, he was the 31st Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the de facto navy of Japan.

with Martin Dempsey (left), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (at the Fort Lesley J. McNair on July 16, 2015)

Kawano was born and raised in Kanagawa Prefecture. He attended the National Defense Academy of Japan, graduating in 1977 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then joined the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, serving in a number of command and staff positions.

In 1991, then-Commander Kawano took command of the JS Oyodo, DE-231. In 1999, then-Captain Kawano took command of MSDF Escort Flotilla 3. In 2004, then-Rear Admiral Kawano took command of the MSDF Sasebo District. In 2008, Kawano took command of the Mine Warfare Force. His career was temporarily in jeopardy when a ship under his command, the JDS Atago (DDG-177), collided with a fishing boat and caused two fishermen to go missing. In 2010, then-Vice Admiral Kawano became the Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Council. One year later, in 2011, he became Commander in Chief of the Self Defense Fleet.

On 26 July 2012, Kawano was promoted to full Admiral and became Chief of Staff of the MSDF, replacing outgoing admiral Masahiko Sugimoto. As MSDF Chief of Staff, he was deeply involved in the ongoing Senkaku Islands dispute.

• – Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia)
• – Legion of Merit