Yoshihide Yoshida

Yoshihide Yoshida (10 October 1962) is a Japanese military leader and general who serves as the Chief of Staff, Joint Staff since March 2023. He previously served as Chief of the Ground Staff from March 2021 to March 2023, and is the first person to become a General Officer in the JSDF that did not graduate from the National Defense Academy in over 30 years.

Yoshihide Yoshida was born on 30 October 1962 in Tokyo. As a child, he was known for his gentle looks and stubborn nature. He was raised in Tokyo, but often moved in his teen years due to his father's job. He went to the prestigious University of Tokyo, where he majored in Urban Engineering. While at university, he became interested in the "world of the SDF" and, after his graduation, he commissioned into the JGSDF.

On 8 March 2018, Yoshida was present at the 8th Division Reorganization Ceremony at Camp Kita Kumantoto where he served as the base commander. On 26 March 2021, Yoshida was appointed to the Chief of the Ground Staff of the JGSDF, the highest position in the service. On 3 June 2021, Yoshida had announced that he had a telephone conference with Fillipino Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana. They discussed higher levels of co-operation. On 24 June 2021, Yoshida had announced that he had a telephone conference with the Chief of Defence Staff of India. On 2 December 2021, Yoshida announced new cyber-initiatives to be taken by the JGSDF, in co-operation with the US Navy and Army. The Japanese government appointed Yoshida as the next Chief of Staff starting from 30 March 2023.